Lists of Dogs for People With Allergies & Asthma

Allergy season lasts all year when you are allergic to dogs. According to Pet Place, no dog is 100 percent allergy-free, but some breeds are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Each allergy sufferer will react differently to each dog. If possible, spend some time with the various hypoallergenic breeds before committing to owning a particular dog.

  1. Bichon Frise

    • Playful and gentle, the bichon is an active, intelligent dog. Its long, silky white coat does not shed but continues to grow, so regular grooming is required to prevent matting. The bichon is an active toy breed dog that needs regular exercise. This is a breed that adores children.

    Portuguese Water Dog

    • An active breed, the Portuguese water dog requires regular vigorous exercise. This breed loves children and was the choice of the first family for President Obama's daughter, who suffers from allergies. The dog is intelligent and trains easily. The Portuguese water dog's thick coat requires frequent grooming. The breed is of medium-large size, weighing 35 to 60 pounds.

    Miniature Schnauzer

    • All schnauzers have hypoallergenic coats. The miniature adapts particularly well to various living situations and gets along well with kids if the two are raised together. They are excellent watch dogs. The schnauzer sheds minimally but requires regular grooming and professional clipping. The miniature schnauzer stands 12 to 14 inches high at the shoulder.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    • The wheaten, true to its terrier name, is a tenacious and active breed. It needs daily exercise. This breed loves children and adapts well to city or country life. The wheaten is a light shedder but needs frequent grooming to keep its coat free of tangles. This breed ideally weighs 30 to 40 pounds.

    Poodle

    • Poodles come in three varieties: toy, miniature and standard. All varieties are suitable for those suffering from allergies and asthma. The poodle is exceptionally intelligent and trains easily. Poodles love to please. Playful and affectionate, this breed loves children. Poodles are quite active and require regular exercise. The poodle's heavy, hypoallergenic coat requires regular brushing as well as professional grooming about four times a year. Toy poodles are 10 inches or under in height, miniatures between 10 and 15 inches, and standards are over 15 inches.

    Kerry Blue Terrier

    • The active, fun-loving Kerry blue terrier possesses the typical stubborn terrier personality. This breed needs ample exercise and firm guidance. The Kerry blue enjoys being a family dog and loves playing with the children of the family. Care should be taken if there are cats and other small pets in the family. This dog is a hunter by nature and may see the other pets as prey. Regular grooming is required for its hypoallergenic coat. The Kerry blue weighs 33 to 40 pounds.