Children and individuals with dog allergies often long for a dog, but are told by an allergist or other medical professional to refrain from getting one. They may also be told that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog or dogs list.
While it’s true that some individuals will never be able to tolerate any dog without allergy symptoms, many can live comfortably with a dog if they take the proper steps and precautions.
Allergic Symptoms
It’s important to know what your allergic symptoms are and what triggers them. Positive allergy testing results without a history of reaction may mean that you are able to tolerate dogs in some way, shape or form.
While it’s true that all dogs have some form of dander and protein, which is what many individuals are allergic to, some dogs have more protein and dander than others.
Keep a symptom journal when visiting friends with dogs and when you have allergic reactions to dogs. Look to see if there is a pattern. Do you react around specific breeds? Do you react immediately upon entering a room? Do you react upon being licked only? (Some individuals are allergic to protein in the dogs saliva.)
Hypoallergenic Dog List
The dogs that are considered “hypoallergenic” often cause less serious or no allergic reactions in dog allergic individuals. They are typically the non shedding dogs and are oftentimes single coated dogs. Following is a list of dogs that are considered hypoallergenic. If you have dog allergies and exhibit symptoms, it might make sense to narrow your choice down to a breed on this list. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you may still develop reactions to a breed on this list.
- American Hairless Terrier
- Airedale Terrier
- Basenji
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bergamasco
- Bichon Frisé
- Bichon/Yorkie
- Bolognese
- Border Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Cavachon
- Chacy Ranior
- Chinese Crested (hairless)
- Chinese Crested (powder puff)
- Cockapoo
- Coton De Tulear
- Doodleman Pinscher
- Giant Schnauzer
- Hairless Khala
- Havanese
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Labradoodle
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Lowchen
- Maltese
- Malti-Poo
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Native American Indian Dog
- Peruvian Inca Orchid
- Poodle
- Poos
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Puli
- Schnoodle
- Shepadoodle
- Shichon
- Shih-Tzu
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Spanish Water Dog
- Standard Poodle
- Standard Schnauzer
- Tibetan Terrier
- Toy Poodle
- West Highland White Terrier
- Wirehaired Fox Terrier
- Xoloitzcuintle
- Yorkshire Terrier
It’s important to remember a few things if you decide to get a dog and there is an individual in the home with dog and other allergies.
Many individuals are not allergic to puppies but ARE allergic to adult dogs
Is the allergic individual already on allergy medications for other allergens like pollen, dust etc.? If so, it’s possible that this medication will help with the dog allergy as well. (Be sure to check with an allergist regarding this.)
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