What breed dog should you get if you are allergic?

Answer 1

Each person with Allergies will react differently to different dogs, even different dogs in the same breed. Although, certain breeds are usually better tolerated by those with allergies to dogs, such as:

• Airedale terrier (The King of the Terriers)
• Basenji
• Bichon frise
• Havenese
• Irish water spaniel
• Keeshond
• Kerry blue terrier
• Maltese
• Mexican Hairless and other "hairless" dogs such as Xoloitzcuintli
• Most poodle mixes like the Labradoodle
• Poodle
• Portugese water dog
• Schnauzer (miniature, standard and giant)
• 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 also known to be often 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.

As already mentioned, one person's allergies may differ from another person's allergies and the breeds listed above are only a few "hypoallergenic" dogs for some people. Therefore, 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 brush to keep clean and dander-free, and other care and environmental factors. As stated above, some of the allergy problem can also be caused by saliva and urine, and not just dander (skin dandruff on the dogs), so bathing is also important in some cases.

For a longer list and additional information about "hypoallergenic dogs", see the related links.

See the related question below about dogs who are low shedding for more information about allergies and shedding. See also related links in the sources and related links section below.

For additional and personal anecdotal information from contributors and allergy sufferers, see the discussion page. And feel free to add to that discussion about your experiences.

Answer 2

Allergies are associated with the dander produced by the dog and not the dog himself nor the dog hair. Dander is the dry skin that flakes off, floats through the air and induces the classics signs of allergy. There is no breed that is 100% allergy free as they all produce dander, even the hairless breeds such as the Chinese Crested or the rare Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)

Thankfully, for all those dog-loving but allergic people, there are a few dog breeds that don't develop as much dander as others and subsequently are less likely to induce sneezing, wheezing and watery eyes.

Bedlington Terrier. With the look of a lamb, this terrier is a wonderful companion. Most often seen with a blue haircoat, this breed sheds little, resulting in less dander and easier breathing for the allergy sufferer.

Bichon Frise. The bichon is not only a great lapdog, but the curly-coated white breed produces little dander, making the dog a wonderful companion for people with allergies. To keep him looking great, the bichon needs periodic trips to the groomer.

Chinese Crested. This breed is slowly gaining popularity. Not completely bald, the Chinese crested has some puffs of hair on the head and may have a very spotted skin. Despite his weird appearance, the Chinese crested is a great family pet.

Irish Water Spaniel. Even though he may look like the clown of the spaniel family, the Irish water spaniel is the tallest spaniel and a great water dog. The coat of the Irish water spaniel is his most distinguishing characteristic.

Kerry Blue Terrier. The hair coat of the Kerry blue is silky soft and dense. The coat can be curly or wavy but should not be wiry or harsh. The Kerry blue does require frequent grooming

Maltese. As the name suggests, the small Maltese originated on the island of Malta, in the Mediterranean. This diminutive breed looks fragile but is quite resilient. The long flowing white coat needs daily care but sheds little and produces small amounts of dander.

Poodle. The standard, miniature and toy poodle make excellent pets. These dogs crave human companionship and, for the allergy sufferer, produce little dander. The breed does require attentive grooming to keep his coat in tip-top shape.

Portuguese Water Dog. Bred to help the fishermen of Portugal, this breed is as happy on land as he is in the water. Another dog that produces little dander and doesn't shed much, the Portuguese water dog is a faithful and active companion.

Schnauzer. (Miniature, Standard or Giant) The most common coat color is salt and pepper but black is also available. In order to keep their coat clean and tangle free, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. A medium sized terrier, the wheaten seems to love life and human companionship. The color is any shade of wheaten. The soft coated wheaten has a soft wavy hair coat in any shade of wheaten.

Mexican Hairless Comes in 3 sizes and in two varieties: hairless and coated. The colors are: black, bronze and grey.

Answer 3

Yes there are actually hypo-allergenic dogs. Which are dogs that shed a little or not at all. Below are some types of hypo-allergenic dogs that may be useful to you.

Some hybrid dogs or Poodle mixes also work!! American Hairless Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Basenji, Bedlington Terrier, Bergamasco, Bichon Frise, Bichon/Yorkie, Bolgnese, Border Terrier, Bouvier des Flandres, Cairn Terrier, Cavachon, Chacy Ranior, Chinese Crested (Hairless dog breed), Cockapoo, Coton De Tulear, Doodleman Pinscher, Giant Shchnauzer, Hairless Khala, Havenese, Irish Water Spaniel, AND MORE!

Answer 4

People with severe allergies should look for dogs with little to no fur. One example is the Chinese crested dog. You can also bathe any dog every day or two to reduce allergic reactions, but the dog's skin may tolerate frequent baths.

Answer 5

There are many breeds OK for people with allergies but only a few for people with Asthma. These are the top three winners. Each of them have low dander. None with no dander though.

1. Toy poodle: Poodle's come in many colors. The three main kinds are black, white, and brown, but they're other colors such as blue or choco. The poodle is the best dog for people with Asthma. The best color to get would be black. The white poodle gets stains under her eyes whenever she cries. The brown poodle shows up a little but you probably won't be able to see it under the black poodle's eyes because he is darker. The poodle will need to be groomed in times when you find he needs grooming there is no certain time to groom him, but always brush him after every bath.

2. Yorkshire Terrier: The terrier won second place this dog barely needs any excersise but needs to go to the groomers quite often. This may be costly, make sure to brush it everyday.

3. Tibetan Terrier: This dog is a good choice. It doesn't shed when reguarly groomed and has low dander.

There is another dog that sheds but has zero dander. This is the Samoyed. If you don't mind cleaning up hairs this dog is a perfect choice.

Answer 6

It really depends on you. I had to give away my "hypo-allergenic" soft coated wheaton terrier after just a week of owning him because he made me miserable. Now I have a Great Pyrenees, about the largest, furriest dog you can find and I can rub my face right on her with no adverse affects, while when my Uncle, who barely has any allergies, is around her for an hour, he suffers greatly. It really depends on your allergies. Everyones are different and you need to test yourself with different breeds. Don't choose a dog just based on it being "hypo-allergenic" either. You need to look at a dogs temperments and which breed suits your family best. Once you find one, test with it. Don't give up either. Keep searching until you find one that fits.

Answer 7

im not a dog allergies

because....

i love dogs except the aspin

Answer 8

Airedale terrier

Basenji

Bichon frise

Havenese

Irish water spaniel

Keeshond

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Kerry blue terrier

Maltese

Labradoodle

Poodle

Portugese water dog

Schnauzer

Answer 9

The dog I have is a golden-doodle she is very sweet and playful the best part is that she doesn't shed so you still might be a little stuffy but it is worth the new best friend!

Answer 10

You can get a poodle but I don't like them that much so you can get a Golden doodle or a Labra doodle (BTW they make great pets)