What is the best breed of dog for allergy sufferers

Best and Worst Dog Breeds for People With Allergies

What do you do when you love dogs, but you or a family member is allergic? You do what many people do: Get a dog breed touted as hypoallergenic. Theyre the best types of dogs for people with allergies because they tend to shed less than other breeds.

Pet hair or pet dander is a common cause of allergic rhinitis, a chronic disease that affects as much as 30 percent of the U.S. population, according to theWorld Allergy Organization. Commonly known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis happens when the body overreacts to something that does not cause a problem in other people.

Most people are not actually allergic to dog hair. Rather, theyre allergic to dander (flakes on the dogs skin) or saliva. Hair does have something to do with it, though: Sometimes other indoor allergens like dust, or outdoor allergens like grass or tree pollen, can build up on a dogs furry coat and trigger allergy symptomslike sneezing, congestion, nasal swelling, asthma, andrashes. Many people with dog allergies complain about red, itchy eyes.

Tips to Prevent Dog Allergies

If you already have a dog, here are a few tips to prevent pet allergies:

• Keep your dog clean and bathe it weekly in warm water. This may reduce the amount of dog dander and dog saliva deposited throughout your home.
• Get a groomer to bathe your dog so youre not exposed to the allergens.
• Wash the dogs bedding weekly to remove excess dander.
• Use air purifiers throughout your home and avoid furnishings that collect allergens, like cloth curtains or carpets.
• Keep the dog out of the bedroom and off the bed during sleep.
• Keep the dog outside if possible. It may take weeks or months before your house is free of pet allergens.

If youre on the hunt for a hypoallergenic dog that wont leave you watery-eyed, youll need to do your research and perhaps an in-home test-drive to make sure your new pup doesnt trigger an allergy orasthma attack.

Dont go straight for the breeds of dogs with shorter coats, and dont count out shaggy pups. There are many types of hypoallergenic dogs some with more hair, some with less.

Heres some more information on the best (and worst) breeds for people with dog allergies.

12 Best dogs for allergy sufferers

It is important to know where your allergies are coming from. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has found that it is not the fur or hair of your dog itself that you are allergic to the allergens come from the proteins found in pet dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and dog urine.

Pet hair can also carry other allergens, such as pollen, mold, and dust mites. Your dog can carry in anything that they were exposed to while outside, so in addition to pet allergies, they can bring in others. Any of these can trigger allergic reactions if they get in your eyes, on your skin, or in your airways.

The best way to handle pet allergies is to limit your exposure to them in the first place. Having another family member groom or brush your dog doesnt make you any less of a dog lover.

Additionally, pet hair can get tracked through the house and beaten into any soft flooring like carpet through repeated walking. It is best to replace them with dog-friendly flooring that can be easily swept and kept clean.

Finally, pet allergies are largely airborne. Therefore, it is important to keep your ventilation in mind. Central heating and air can push different particles throughout your house, so it is necessary to have good filters that can block any allergens coming through. Running an air cleaner with a HEPA filter can also help to keep the allergies down so that you can enjoy close proximity with your animal without suffering the allergic symptoms.

19 Hypoallergenic Dogs: Best Breeds For Allergy Sufferers

There is no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog.

It is good practice to consult with your local doctor and veterinarian before bringing home a dog to learn more about the potential issues you could face.

However, there are some breeds that are better suited for those with an allergy than other dogs.

Imagine being a dog lover but suffering from an unfortunate allergy to dogs.

You may be surprised to learn the sheer volume of people who suffer an allergic reaction to our four-legged friends.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology issued a report in 2012 that suggested as much as 10 per cent of the population are allergic to dogs.

The good news for dogs is that the same institution say youre twice as likely to be allergic to a cat rather than a dog.

In this article, helloBARK! will examine which dogs are better suited to allergy sufferers.

What does hypoallergenic mean?

Hypoallergenic is defined as something that is relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

This term was first coined by the cosmetic industry to denote a product that was below normal or slightly allergenic.

When researching different dogs, youll more than likely stumble across a question asking whether the breed is hypoallergenic. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one such breed.

However, it is important to note that there is no such thing as dog that is 100 per cent hypoallergenic.

The good news is the American Kennel Club says are there are a variety of dog breeds that are better suited to allergy sufferers.

They go on to explain that these dogs tend to have a predictable coat that doesnt shed and produces less dander.

The American Lung Association define pet dander as tiny flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers.

These bits of skin, which can be microscopic in size, is what causes an allergic reaction to dogs and other pets in most humans.

19 dog breeds suitable for allergy sufferers

1) Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Youll probably recognise Afghan Hound for their sheer elegance and beauty. Their flowing, silky coat was designed to protect against harsh conditions and temperatures in Afghanistan. While these dogs look hairy, the AKC recommend these dogs for allergy sufferers. They dont shed but do require regular grooming and baths.

2) American Hairless Terrier

American Hairless Terrier (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Granted recognition by the AKC in 2016, the American Hairless Terrier is a medium-sized dog that is a good alternative for those with an allergy to dogs. As the name clearly indicates, the breed dont have hair. But what about the dander you say? Well the oil secreted by their skin can trap the dander. Youll have to remember regular baths to wash away dander but not so often that their skin becomes dry and irritated.

3) Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terrier (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Youd be forgiven for thinking the Bedlington Terrier was a sheep not a type of dog. The AKC aptly describe them as a graceful terrier in sheeps clothing. As youve probably figured out, the Bedlington Terrier has curly, woolen fur. These sheeps dont shed and have less dander than other dog breeds. However, their hair grows fast and will require regular clipping.

4) Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise dogs running together (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Youve more than likely encountered a Bichon Frise at some point. These dogs are very popular due to their size and loving temperament. Their curly hair makes it difficult for dander to escape. The breed will require a lot of grooming. They require brushing two to three times a week, a bath once a month and their hair needs to be trimmed every month. In doing so, trapped dander will be disposed of.

5) Chinese Crested

Chinese crested dog in the summer in the park (Photo: Adobe Stock)

The Chinese Crested have two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. While the powderpuff variety do have a shiny, silky coat, unlike their hairless brethren, they are still considered to be more hypoallergenic than most dogs because they shed very little. While the powderpuff are great, the hairless dont have body odor or shedding issues at all.

6) Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulear (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Probably a dog breed that youre unlikely to have encountered before, the Coton de Tulear is a companion dog with a merry personality. More importantly for those with an allergy to dogs, Coton are often described as hypoallergenic. Their skin tends to be dry and doesnt produce much dander. Cotons with longer coats will require daily brushing.

7) Giant Schnauzer

Schnauzer at the park (Photo: Adobe Stock)

The Giant Schnauzer are impressive looking specimens. Larger than a regular Schnauzer, these dogs can grow to 28 inches and weigh up to 95 pounds. The breed have a double coat which requires weekly brushing. However, the Giant Schnauzer dont shed a lot and dont drool excessively unlike some other messier dog breeds.

8) Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniel dog (Photo: Adobe Stock)

A popular breed for people allergic to dogs is the Irish Water Spaniel. Theyre one of the biggest spaniels and recognised for being excellent swimmers (the hint is in the name!). The Irish Water Spaniel is described as a hypoallergenic dog breed because they dont shed. The AKCs website says the breeds hypoallergenic coat requires brushing at least weekly and trimming every two months to neaten and shape it.

9) Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry Blue Terrier (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Just like their Irish counterparts above, the Kerry Blue Terrier has a reputation for being a great option for people with an allergy to dogs. They dont produce much dander, while their beautiful blue coat doesnt shed. Their coat may be suitable for allergy sufferers but it requires a lot of grooming. It must be brushed and combed once a week to avoid matting.

10) Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolo (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Weve discussed the Irish Water Spaniel and its now time to take a look at an Italian water dog. The Lagotto Romagnolo (which translates as lake dog from Romagna) has a beautiful curly coat. Those curls can help to trap the dander, making them a suitable dog for allergy sufferers. Their soft, wooly coat doesnt shed too much either.

11) Maltese

Maltese (Photo: Adobe Stock)

The Maltese have earned worldwide notoriety for their fluffy coat that reaches the ground. Theyre origins are in Malta, as their name suggests. These historic pups dont shed a lot, so theyre a great option for those who suffer with an allergy to dogs. While they dont shed, their coat does require daily grooming.

12) Miniature Schnauzer

Mini Schnauzer (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Weve had the Giant Schnauzer and now its time for the Miniature Schnauzer. The AKCs website described these dogs as a generally healthy, long-lived, and low-shedding companion. Given they leave little to no hair around the home, theyre often described as hypoallergenic. However, the Miniature Schnauzer requires frequent brushing, combing, and grooming to look its best.

13) Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless)

Peruvian Inca Orchid dog (Photo: Adobe Stock)

The next hairless dog on our list is the Peruvian Inca Orchid. Aside from their cool name, one of their notable features of the breed is they can come hairless or with a coat. The hairless members of the breed dont shed, so theyre a good option for people looking to find a hypoallergenic pup. The Peruvian Inca Orchid does require regular baths, though.

14) Poodle

Poodles are the second smartest dogs in the world (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Now for a breed that every dog lover knows and loves: the Poodle. These dogs are the second-most intelligent dogs in the world. Not only that, but theyre also perfect for those with an allergy to dogs. The AKCs website explains that their relatively non-shedding coat makes the breed a good choice for people with allergies.

15) Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water dog (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Weve had an Irish and an Italian water dog and the Portuguese Water Dog is the third to make it on our list. These dogs require a lot of exercise and a lot of grooming. However, the extensive brushing of their waterproof coat is a small price to pay given these dogs are described on the AKCs website as hypoallergenic.

16) Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is yet another Irish breed considered to be hypoallergenic. This Irish farm dog has a soft coat that is considered to be non-shedding. Their silky wheaten coat is thought to be well suited to those with an allergy to dogs. However, it does require extensive grooming.

17) Spanish Water Dog

Spanish Water Dog (Photo: Adobe Stock)

The Spanish Water Dog completes our set of four. They only have one coat unlike some other dogs that have an outer and inner coat. Their wooly fur doesnt shed either, which makes them more suitable for those with allergies to dogs. This breed doesnt require brushing but their chords do require trimming every couple of months or so.

18) Standard Schnauzer

Standard Schnauzer (Photo: Adobe Stock)

The Standard Schnauzer, like the Giant and Miniature varieties is often described as a hypoallergenic dog breed. The AKC recommend that their beard and leg hair should be brushed often to prevent mats. Their coat requires a lot of maintenance.

19) Xoloitzcuintli

Three Xoloitzcuintli dogs (Photo: Adobe Stock)

This breed was the Aztecs dog of the dogs. The Xoloitzcuintili comes in two varieties: coated and hairless. The Xoloitzcuintili Club of America offer this suggestion on their website: you can wipe a Xolo down with a damp cloth. This helps reduce the dead skin cells, and remove any outside pollen from weeds and grass. The skin (hide) of these dogs exudes an oil that protects the dogs skin and reduces the dry dander that may constitute a large portion of the allergens.