First off, some of you might be wondering just what “hypoallergenic” means, and why hypoallergenic dogs are good for allergy sufferers. A hypoallergenic dog just means it’s a a dog that won’t cause allergic reactions, or anyway is less likely to. If you have strong dog allergies, then there’s really no “perfect dog” – but if you only have mild dog allergies, then this page should help you.
Why Are Some People Allergic to Dogs?
The cause of our allergies to dogs, varies from person to person. For some it’s dog saliva that triggers the allergy, for some it’s skin dander, for some it’s skin oils, for some it’s the dust and pollen that they get in their fur. Dander is the most common.
Whatever triggers a particular person’s allergies, you need to know that a dog will spread residues of all these things wherever the dog lives.
What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
Simple: The breeds that are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs, are the breeds that don’t spread dander as much as other breeds.
Some other facts about hypoallergenic dogs:
- They tend to be smaller dogs, but not always.
- They usually have a single coat, or are completely hairless.
- They either don’t shed, or are low shedding.
- Many hypoallergenic dogs retain their allergy-provoking dander and hair, rather than spreading it.
How to Reduce Dog Allergies
Aside from choosing a hypoallergenic dog, these are the tips I always share when someone asks how they can own a dog without suffering from allergies:
- Talk to an allergy specialist about preventative medicines – that could solve the whole problem!
- Get some real experience hanging around different breeds of hypoallergenic dogs. Spend time with the various breeds of dog you’re considering, before you bring one home.
- Vacuum your home, wash the walls, and wash the dog’s bed.
- Give the dog, even a hypoallergenic dog, regular baths to keep skin healthy and reduce dander.
- Brush your dog regularly so that dander won’t spread everywhere.
- Open windows to air-out any remaining dander.
What are the Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds?
Here is a list of dog breeds that are hypoallergenic, and therefore will be less likely to trigger allergies:
- Airedale Terrier
- American Hairless Terrier
- Basenji
- Beddlington Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Cairn Terrier
- Chinese Crested
- Fox Terrier (wire)
- Havanese
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Labradoodles
- Lhasa Apso
- Maltese
- Poodles & Poodle Hybrids
- Portugese Water Dogs
- Schnauzer
- Shih Tzu
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
Return to the guide to dog training, or go back to dog breed information.