How to Pick Dogs for People With Allergies

Choosing a new dog to be a part of the family is a large responsibility. Along with finding the right fit for their lifestyle and family, people with allergies must also consider how much the dog sheds and produces dander. While the selection may be limited, there are still many breeds of low-allergen dogs that are ideal for people with allergies.

Things You'll Need

  • Guide to dog breeds
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research the different breeds of dogs that shed less and produce minimal dander. Hypoallergenic dogs range in all sizes and shapes. Consider the type of dog that will best fit your lifestyle and your family. Dogsindepth.com and "The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds" by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D., are great places to start for learning about the different dog breeds.

    • 2

      Consider the smaller breeds of dogs. Smaller breeds of dogs such as the Poodle, the Bichon Frise and the Maltese have very little dander and do not shed much, if at all. Smaller dogs that are indoors more often do not introduce outside allergens into the house and are easier to bathe.

    • 3

      Research medium-sized dogs to find the best fit for your family. The Bearded Collie is a fun-loving breed whose fur is the same pH as human hair. Another option is the Irish Water Spaniel, which does not shed, and the Samoyed, which produces very little dander.

    • 4

      If a larger dog fits your lifestyle, consider the Airedale Terrier with its short and wiry coat, the Standard Poodle or the Giant Schnauzer. The Standard Poodle is an intelligent breed of dog with hair rather than fur while the Giant Schnauzer is a light shedder.

    • 5

      Visit a breeder or rescue organization where you can spend time with the breed of dog you are interested in. Spend at least half an hour in an indoor setting to assess whether or not you will have an allergic reaction to the dog. Most people do fine with low-allergen dogs, but it is always a good idea to make sure. Petfinder.com is one of the largest resources for finding rescue organizations, while the American Kennel Club is excellent for finding reputable breeders.