What are the best dog breeds for a person with dog allergies?

Each person with allergies will react differently to different dogs, even different dogs in the same breed. Although, certain breeds are usually better. Low shedding breeds include:

• Airedale terrier
• Basenji
• Bichon frise
• Havenese
• Irish water spaniel
• Keeshond
• Kerry blue terrier
• Maltese
• Most poodle mixes
  
• Poodle
• Portugese water dog
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Though these are good breeds for some allergy sufferers, some people have different types of allergies. Common allergens from dogs that cause allergic responses in people are the proteins found in their dander (dandruff), saliva, and sometimes in their urine. Also, some dogs in some breeds are not as allergen free as others in the same breed, therefore, a trial with the allergic person and the dog closely together for a period of time is the best method to use to determine if the dog is one that the allergic person can live with.

Certain breeds are known to be problematic for those with allergies to dogs. These breeds include:

• Afghan Hounds
• Basset Hounds
• Cocker Spaniels
• Dachshunds
• Doberman Pinschers
• German Shepherds
• Irish Setters
• Springer Spaniels

President Obama chose a Portuguese Water Dog after much research looking for a dog that was good for his daughter who has allergies. The Portuguese Water Dogs are known to be a good dog breed for many people with allergies to dog dander and saliva.

You might also go to an allergist to determine if a series of allergy shots to help reduce the extent of the allergic response would be helpful in your case.

See the related question below about dogs who are low shedding for more information about allergies and shedding. See also related links in the links section below.
One person's allergies may differ from another person's allergies and these breeds listed are only a few "hypoallergenic" dogs for some people. The best approach before getting a dog for a home with someone who is allergic, is to visit the dog or bring the dog to the home to visit for a trial. Reputable dog breeders will be agreeable to assist with this process as will Humane Societies and most Shelters for dogs. Some claims of breeds that are hypoallergenic are disputed by medical allergists who say the variants may actually be the degree to which the person is sensitive, the size of the dog (smaller dogs spread less dander in the environment, therefore, may create fewer symptoms just due to a lower quantity of allergens), the ease of care of the dog breed's coat to keep clean, and other care and environmental factors. Some of the allergy problem can also be caused by saliva and not just dander (skin dandruff on the dogs).


Here is a small list of some "hypoallergenic" or "low dander" dogs that have been found to be more tolerable to allergic owners:



Poodle
Schnauzer (miniature, standard and giant)
Xoloitzcuintli
Portuguese Water Dog
Labradoodle
Mexican Hairless and other "hairless" dogs


For a longer list and additional information about so called hypoallergenic dogs, see the related links.
Anything bred with a poodle is usually quite good. Poodles are great as they do not shed their coat at all and therefore people don't have reactions to them. So pick whatever dog you like and cross breed it with a poodle and you should do fine!

I would recomend the keeshond. These dogs make brilliant family pets because of their sweet nature. I grew up with a keeshond and my sis has really bad asthma and allergies but never hard a problem with my keeshond. This breed also only needs a short walk a day. They might sould like a breed from heaven but they have two drawbacks. One is their long fur. Though they only shed (bi-)annually (and the fur comes out in clumps which makes for easy cleaning) they need to be groomed daily or every other day. The second issue is... well... they have a tendency to get fat and the intelligent devils know just how to look at you to get you to give them treats. Though super friendly they were originally used as guard dogs on barges so they would work well in guarding the house from strangers (though their not going to attack their going to bark happily saying welcome to my home). I love these dogs and would suggest them to anyone.