If you suffer from allergies, you might think the dream of one day owning a dog is out of reach. Pet dander, saliva, and fur can cause nasty allergic reactions. However, you might not be aware that some dog breeds produce fewer allergens than others.
In honour of Allergy Awareness Week this April, we are exploring the best hypoallergenic dog breeds for people with allergies. We have also put together a comprehensive guide on how you can manage any allergy symptoms you experience while enjoying the companionship of a four-legged friend.
Want to talk to us about what dog might be best for you? Contact us.
Understanding Allergies and Dogs
Before we have a look at the best dogs for allergies, it’s important to examine what it is that really causes these allergic reactions, and why the human body reacts in the way it does. It’s widely believed that dog hair is the primary cause of allergic reactions in humans, but the real trigger is proteins found in a dog’s saliva, skin flakes (dander), and urine. When these allergens become airborne or settle on your furniture, clothing, and bedding, they are almost impossible for people to avoid, and allergic reactions become inevitable.
When the human body comes into contact with these proteins, its immune system mistakenly identifies them as a threat. This triggers the body’s allergy defence system, which involves the release of histamine, causing sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and skin irritation. Those who suffer from hay fever may be aware that this is similar to what happens when the body comes into contact with pollen–it mistakenly thinks it’s under attack. While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic (won’t cause allergic reactions), certain breeds produce less dander and do little shedding relative to others, making them better candidates for allergy sufferers.
Common Symptoms of Dog Allergies
Before deciding if a certain hypoallergenic dog breed is a good option for you, it’s important to first recognise the symptoms of dog allergies. Each individual experiences symptoms differently as the level and symptoms of allergic response depend on one’s sensitivity level and exposure to allergens.
Common symptoms of dog allergies include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and coughing. If you suffer more severely, you might find yourself wheezing, struggling to breathe, and coming out in rashes or hives. If you have asthma, pet allergies might exacerbate your pre-existing symptoms, causing chest tightness and asthma attacks. If you or someone in your household is allergic to dogs, speak to a doctor to go over allergy management strategies before introducing a dog into your home.
The Best Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers
No dog is entirely hypoallergenic, but some breeds are definitely more tolerable than others for people who suffer from allergies. These dogs typically have coats that produce less dander, shed minimally, or have hair instead of fur, which helps trap allergens instead of letting them become airborne. Here is our list of the best dogs for allergies:
Poodle
With low-shedding, curly coats that trap dander and prevent it from releasing out into the air, poodles are among the most well-known hypoallergenic dog breeds. Though they do require grooming as their hair grows continuously (like human hair), they hardly shed at all, making them an ideal candidate.
Poodles come in three sizes–Standard, Miniature, and Toy–which means potential owners can pick a size that’s best suited to their lifestyle. They’re also highly intelligent dogs, and as such, are easy to train and perfect for a range of households, including those with families, single individuals, and those requiring therapy work. It’s important to remember, however, that poodles do require frequent brushing and, ideally, professional grooming. This will keep their fur from matting, which in turn will help maintain the hypoallergenic properties that make poodles well-suited for allergy sufferers.
Bichon Frise
Small and affectionate, the Bichon Frise is another top candidate for allergy sufferers. With a soft, curly coat that sheds only a little, allergens are kept to a minimum. The coat keeps loose hair and dander trapped, so you can rest assured that there are few allergens floating around in the air.
Beyond their suitability for allergy sufferers, Bichon Frises are friendly, playful, and well-suited for apartment living or homes with small spaces. As with poodles, they require a lot of grooming to keep their coat maintained, clean, and tangle-free, but it’s worth the minor hassle to have a pet with such a cheerful disposition. If given the proper care, a Bichon Frise will be an excellent option for families and individuals who want a sociable, low-allergen dog.
Schnauzer
Schnauzers–like poodles–come in three different sizes: Miniature, Standard, and Giant. They have wiry, non-shedding coats, the texture of which is effective in preventing excessive dander from becoming airborne, meaning the risk of an allergic reaction is minimised compared to other dogs.
Highly intelligent, trainable, and loyal, Schnauzers have been known to make excellent watchdogs (though they can be aloof with strangers, they are not known for being violent). They have a lot of energy, requiring a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, making them perfect for outdoorsy people who love taking long walks or hikes. Their wiry coats make regular trimming and grooming a necessity, but it’s a small price to pay for a protective, smart, and low-allergen dog.
If you’re interested in buying a family protection dog, see our page.
Portuguese Water Dog
Like the Schnauzer, the Portuguese Water Dog is high-octane and intelligent. With a waterproof coat that’s curly and non-shedding, dense enough to trap dander and reduce airborne allergens, they’re as hypoallergenic as dogs come. Originally bred for water work, these dogs require a lot of exercise to release energy, making them ideal for active households.
To be kept as hypoallergenic as they are, Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming to maintain their coat. Other than that, they’re low maintenance, easy to train, sociable, and affectionate, making them strong candidates for anyone looking for a larger dog that’s still suited for allergy sufferers.
Shih Tzu
One of the most iconic small dog breeds in the world, Shih Tzus are known for their long, silky coats that hardly shed. As with poodles, their hair continues to grow indefinitely and falls out very little, making them a strong choice for allergy sufferers.
Famously affectionate and sociable, Shih Tzus thrive in family environments and can live comfortably in apartments and larger homes. To keep their coats pristine, brushing and grooming are required regularly, preventing tangling and keeping allergens at bay. With proper maintenance, Shih Tzus can be a great companion for allergy-prone individuals or families looking for a loving addition to the household.
If you’re still unsure about what breed of dog is best for you, contact us and we can go through your options.
Tips for Living with a Dog if You Have Allergies
If you do decide to get a dog of a hypoallergenic variety, it’s still important to take the necessary steps to minimise any potential allergic reactions you might have. This will make your living environment more comfortable and enhance the relationship you have with your new dog.
Regular Grooming and Bathing
Regular grooming is a common theme among the dogs recommended in this guide. To reduce allergens in the home, brush your dog’s coat every day to remove the loose hairs and dander before they spread throughout the home. Giving your dog a bath once a week (try using a mild, allergy-friendly shampoo) can also keep allergens at bay by washing away irritants that build up on the fur. If you want to really minimise the allergens–and to keep your dog looking pristine and well-groomed–then professional grooming services might also be worth it.
Use HEPA Filters in Your Home
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can significantly improve air quality in your home by capturing pet dander, dust, and other allergens. By using HEPA filters in vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and HVAC systems, you can help minimise allergens in the air around you, easing allergy symptoms. Make sure to change filters regularly, alongside cleaning air ducts, to enhance air quality.
Keep Dogs Out of Bedrooms and Certain Rooms
If you’re still having allergy symptoms, an easy fix is to designate pet-free areas within your home, so you can have a space where you know you won’t be exposed. Elsewhere in your home, keeping your dogs off furniture and using washable pet beds can further reduce allergen buildup, while cleaning regularly (especially dog bedding and upholstery) can maintain a low-allergen environment.
If you’re already a dog owner and need help keeping your pet out of certain areas, see our professional dog training services.
Conclusion
If you’re an allergy sufferer but have always wanted a dog, you might think there are no options available to you. However, by getting the right hypoallergenic breed and taking the right precautions, you can make the dream of having a four-legged friend a reality. Maintaining strict grooming routines and implementing the right home modifications (such as the use of HEPA filters and pet-free zones within the house) can significantly reduce your symptoms, allowing you to enjoy the companionship of your new dog. With the right approach, allergies don’t have to stand in the way of having a loving, loyal canine companion.
At A&T Trained Dogs, we offer consultations and guidance for dog owners and potential dog owners to ensure the best decisions are made for their pets. Whether you’re interested in our dogs for sale, dog training services or doggy daycare, our experts are on hand to help you. To learn more about our services, visit our about us page, contact us online or call us on 01524 587315.
