Dogs for Allergic Owners

If you are one of the 10 percent of people who suffer from pet allergies, there is good news. It is possible for you to have a dog to which you are not allergic. While there are no completely hypoallergenic dogs, some breeds produce less dander than others. Dander is one of the causes of pet allergies in humans.

  1. The Best Breeds for Allergy Sufferers

    • According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a nonprofit organization established in 1884 that maintains a purebred dog registry, breeds that "generally do well with people with allergies" are the Bedlington Terrier, the Bichon Frise, the Chinese Crested, the Irish Water Spaniel, the Kerry Blue Terrier, the Maltese, Poodles, Portuguese Water Dog, Schnauzers, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and the FSS breed of Xoloitzcuintl.

    The Advantage of these Breeds

    • What makes these breeds good choices for people with allergies is the fact that they all produce less dander because they have non-shedding coats. The skin dander attached to the shedded fur is what actually causes the allergic reaction.

    A Word About Mixed Breeds

    • While these breeds as purebreds are less likely to cause allergic reactions, the same is not true of mixing them. So-called "designer dogs" are not recommended for allergy sufferers due to the unpredictability of their coats. As previously mentioned, the coat and accompanying skin dander are the key elements in allergic reactions. According to the AKC, purebreds registered on AKC "have pedigrees reaching back decades, if not a century." Thus, their coat characteristics are well established. If you prefer rescued animals, many purebreds are available through breed rescue organizations.

    The Right Breed for You

    • For people with pet allergies, choosing from these breeds is wise but not the only factor to be considered. While all of these breeds have non-shedding coats, they may have little else in common. All have different sizes, temperaments and energy levels. Before choosing any certain breed, you should learn as much as possible about it. Remember that in choosing a pet, you are choosing a companion and an addition to your home. As much care as possible should be taken to choose one that fits your home, energy level and lifestyle.