Dogs That Are Recommended for Children With Eczema

Children with atopic dermatitis, or eczema, often display a red, itchy rash that may be triggered by dry skin, stress, heat, infections and allergens. Pollen, pet dander and food are allergens that can trigger eczema. Dogs that are recommended for children with eczema are single-coated, hairless and low-shedding; however, even with this kind of dog you must continue to groom and bathe the dog frequently outside of the home to remove dander and loose hair. Also, vacuum to remove any dander that does enter your home, and keep your dog off beds, couches and rugs where your child plays.

  1. Terriers

    • Not all terriers are considered "hypoallergenic," or single-coated and low-shedding. However, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Cairn Terrier, American Hairless Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Beddlington Terrier, Fox Terrier and Airedale Terrier all make the list. These dogs are less likely to cause allergic reactions or eczema flare-ups because of their soft, low-shedding coats and curls that hold back dander. However, the Yorkshire Terrier is not a breed generally recommended for children, so consult a pet specialist before purchasing one.

    Poodles and Poodle Hybrids

    • Due to their curly hair, poodles do not release as much dander as other breeds. When groomed and bathed regularly, this allergen-causing dander is washed away and is less likely to end up inside the home. Standard poodles are bigger dogs, while toy poodles are smaller. Poodles come in different colors, including white, black and brown.

    Mid- to Large-Size Dogs

    • While smaller dogs are generally recommended for children with eczema because they release less hair and dander than larger dogs, there are some larger dogs that make the list because of they are either non-shedding or low-shedding. These include the Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel and Basenji, although the Basenji is not generally recommended for households with young children and infants.

    Small Dogs

    • There are many small dogs that are recommended for children with eczema, including Havanese, Bichon Frise, Schnauzers, Maltese, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu and Chinese Crested. Many are either non-shedding or low-shedding and release little dander. However, some small dog breeds are not recommended for younger children, including the Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu and Schnauzer. Consult a dog obedience specialist if you are considering purchasing one of these breeds.