Clubs Offering:
So, you want a dog but you seem to have an allergy attack whenever you’re around one? You’re not alone! According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, as much as 10% of the population in the U.S. is allergic to dogs, causing many prospective owners to wonder: which dogs are hypoallergenic? While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, it’s possible to find less-allergenic dog breeds that are better suited for allergy-sufferers. These dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat that produces less dander. Dander, which clings to pet hair, is what causes most pet allergies in people. Even though dogs that are hypoallergenic don’t truly exist, many breeds make it possible to enjoy the companionship of a dog, even if you suffer from allergies.
There are also ways to prepare your home to help keep allergens at bay when you have a dog. Be sure to wash your pet’s bed often, keep up with his grooming, and don’t let him sleep on your bed. It’s also helpful to remove heavy carpets and drapes that can trap dander. Vacuum cleaners for pet hair and pet air purifiers also help remove allergens, and some can even groom the hair and dander right from your dog.
Best: Schnauzers Produce Less Pet Dander
Eliminating or minimizing pet dander is an important step in creating a suitable environment for someone with a dog allergy. Vacuuming dander-trapping carpets daily can help keep allergen levels low. You might want to consider replacing rugs with hardwood, tile, or vinyl flooring to slash your list of chores. The schnauzer is known to produce less dander than other breeds, which would also make your daily cleaning easier.
The best dog breeds for people with pet allergies
If you have pet allergies and still want to get a dog, it’s not a bad idea to talk to your doctor or an allergist to figure out how you can live in harmony with man’s best friend. Once you have that all figured out, you can start to narrow down which breed is right for you.
The AKC considers these breeds to be among the best for allergy sufferers.
10 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Allergic Families
Ahh choo!! Sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose…it must be allergy season. Or is it? Did you know that your inhalant allergies can last all year if you are allergic to your dog? According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, approximately 10% of people are allergic to man’s best friend.
Pesky allergies can interfere with the fun of owning a dog. How can you enjoy walking your dog if you can’t see the path through teary eyes? How can you play a game of fetch if you are fetching a tissue every 60 seconds? Although there is no magic wand to make your allergies disappear, there are a few tricks that may minimize your problems.
Many allergens are protein particles. Some people are allergic to the proteins found in canine saliva and dander. Saliva sticks to the hair when a dog licks himself, then invades the household environment when he sheds. Dander lies on the dog’s skin and coat, and is left behind when the dog sheds hair or shakes. People with dog allergies mount an immune response to these allergens that result in typical allergy symptoms.
There are varying opinions on the matter, but it is generally thought that even though there is no canine breed that is 100% hypoallergenic, there are breeds that are less likely to stimulate allergies in people. All dogs have saliva and dander but some breeds produce less dander and saliva than others.
Some studies illustrate that the production of allergens varies by breed, making certain dog breeds more compatible with allergic owners than others. Still other studies claim that there is no real difference regarding breeds and allergen production. Even with opposing views, there is agreement on why some breeds fair better with allergic owners.
Breeds that shed less are less likely to make their owners sneeze, because the dander and saliva remain on the hair that stays in the hair follicle. Less shedding means less allergens in the house. In general, dogs that shed less have longer hair. Dogs that visit the groomer frequently for haircuts like Schnauzers fall into this category. On the opposite end of the spectrum are dogs that have relatively little hair, like the Chinese Crested. But even hairless breeds produce dander. It is the in-between, short haired dogs, like Labrador Retrievers or Beagles, that really play havoc with allergies.
And consider this. How hypoallergenic a dog is may depend on the individual dog and person. Not all dogs produce the same proteins, so some people are allergic to a specific dog, not a specific breed. That means that a person could react to one Poodle and live symptom-free with a different Poodle. So, while some dogs are less likely to provoke allergies in people, there is no universal hypoallergenic dog breed. It all depends on the dog and the person.
The good news is that certain breeds are more suitable partners for allergy sufferers. Here are a few breeds that are less likely to put your immune system into an uproar: Bichon Frise, Afghan Hound, Schnauzer, Poodle, Chinese Crested, Maltese, American Hairless Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Shih Tzu, Wheaton Terrier, and the Portuguese Water Dog. Just remember that any dog can stir up allergies, so do not depend on picking a certain breed to eliminate your allergy problems. There are precautions you can take to minimize the impact of your dog on your immune system.