What Dogs Are Non-Allergic?

As much as we love our dogs, there are times when we are not able to live with them. This is usually the result of allergic reaction to the pets and there are few conditions more irritating than a constant case of hives or permanent "hay fever." One solution is to get a non-allergic dog. Some breeds produce fewer allergens but there is no completely allergen-free dog breed.

  1. Allergic Reaction Reasons

    • The main cause of an allergic reaction to a dog is either the dog's saliva or its skin cells, known as dander. However, most sufferers believe it is the dog's hair that causes their symptoms and with dogs that shed excessively there may be some truth to this. You can minimize the effect of hair and dander shedding by regular bathing and grooming, which helps to reduce the quantities of these substances in the air and this alleviates the symptoms.

    Top Non-Allergic Breeds

    • There are long lists of breeds considered hypoallergenic but the truth is that there are no dogs that are completely lacking in any substance that produces allergy symptoms. However, there are a few breeds that are less likely to do so and these are mostly hairless dogs, low-shedding breeds with single coats, or tightly-curled, wiry haired breeds.

      At the top of the list is the poodle family and the Chinese Crested. The Poodle, whether a toy, miniature, standard or giant, is a dog that has a single coat, tightly curled and low shedding. The Chinese Crested is almost completely hairless, with nothing but a "crest" of hairs on its head, paws and tail. Hybrids or designer dogs that are a Poodle mix, like the Labradoodle, are also popular with allergy sufferers.

    Terriers

    • Several breeds with similar coats to the Poodle are hypoallergenic. Members of the terrier group considered to be low in allergens are the West Highland white terrier, the soft-coated Wheaten terrier, Tibetan terrier, wire-haired fox terrier, Bedlington terrier and the Yorkshire terrier. The Portuguese water dog, the breed kept by the Obama family, the Basenji and the Bichon Frise are other suitable breeds.

    Hairless Dogs

    • Although the allergic reactions are caused more often by dander than by hair, hairless breeds produce less dander. This may be because the lack of a coat prevents the dander from building up. Besides the Chinese Crested, hairless breeds good for allergy sufferers include the Peruvian Inca Orchid, the Xoloitzcuintli or Mexican hairless, Peruvian, Ecuadorian and Manchurian hairless dogs and the American Hairless Terrier.

    Caring for Hairless Dogs

    • Hairless dogs may be low in allergens because they require much care. They need protection from both heat and cold, since they have no coats for insulation. They require regular moisturizing to prevent their skins becoming dry, flaky and sore. Sunscreen in summer is essential, as their delicate skins burn easily. The protection afforded by sunscreen, moisturizer and coats helps to contain the skin cells and reduce their effect on sufferers.