Dogs That Are Good for Asthma Sufferers

If you sneeze every time your neighbor's dog comes up for a pat on the head it's not actually the dog you're allergic to but the dander produced by the dog. Dander is the dry skin that flakes off, floats through the air and makes you sneeze. There is no dog that is 100 percent allergy free because they all produce dander, but there are breeds who produce far less and could fit quite nicely in a home with asthma and allergy sufferers.

  1. Bedlington Terrier

    • This dog looks like a lamb and is a fabulous companion. The Bedlington Terrier sheds very little, which results in less dander being released into the air, a beneficial quality for owners with asthma or dog allergies. Regular grooming is needed to keep their coats tangle-free. According to the Dog Breed Info Center website, Bedlington Terriers are very fast runners, love to dig and are generally high-energy dogs.

    Maltese

    • The Maltese is named after Malta, the small island on which it originated. He's a small but sturdy dog. Even though his long white coat demands daily grooming, he doesn't shed much and produces very little dander.

    Schnauzer

    • Schnauzers come in the miniature, standard and giant varieties. They commonly have a coat color of salt and pepper but sometimes come in black. They must frequently be groomed to keep them clean and tangle-free, but they are another good choice for asthma and allergy sufferers. Schnauzers tend to be extremely bright and good family pets.

    Poodle

    • Poodles, whether toy, miniature, standard or giant, typically crave human companionship and are known to make wonderful pets. They require regular grooming, but produce very little dander, great for those who suffer from asthma and allergies. Also, you could consider adopting a poodle mix, as they often inherit the same low-dander trait, according to the Dog Breed Info Center website. However, if only one parent of a poodle-mix litter has the low-dander trait, it will vary even among puppies of one litter as to which dogs receive the trait.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    • This is one happy, friendly breed of dog who seems to love life and the people who care for him, according to PetPlace.com. He's a medium-sized terrier with a soft, wavy coat that produces little allergy-inducing dander, which is beneficial for asthma sufferers.

    Border Terrier

    • The Border Terrier is a small, sturdy dog with a short, wiry double coat who comes in a fairly wide variety of colors. The Border Terrier is agile enough to squeeze through the smallest of spaces and is a strong hunter. He is mild-mannered, affectionate and likes children.

    Airedale Terrier

    • The Airedale is the largest of the terriers with a distinctive long, flat head. He has a dense, wiry outer coat with a soft undercoat. Early socialization of the Airedale Terrier is important if you want him to enjoy the company of children, according to the Dog Breed Info Center website. He is an intelligent dog who can be highly trained.