Alice White
Dogs with little hair are a viable option for many people with allergies. There are some breeds that are suitable for allergy sufferers because they only lose a relatively small amount of hair, comparable to a person’s hair loss. Therefore, many bipeds with a physical reaction can still keep a dog.
The Essentials in Brief
- The less the dog sheds, the lower the allergy potential;
- Animal hair does not trigger an allergy, but the proteins that are stored on it;
- Poodles, Havanese, and Schnauzers usually have a low allergy potential;
- Hygiene measures reduce the reaction to the new family member.
Dog Allergies and Their Triggers
An animal hair allergy is caused by proteins that are in saliva, sweat, and urine. These substances are deposited on the head of the hair of the four-legged friend. The more hair your darling loses, the stronger your reaction to the allergen (allergenic substance), because you come into contact with it more often.
Dog breeds for allergy sufferers
Certain breeds of fur noses shed less than others. These are best for allergic people. It depends on the dog how much it sheds. Predisposition and health have an impact on the amount of coat loss.
Dogs for allergy sufferers – suitable breeds in a clear list
The best allergy-free dog for you can be found using our list. These companions are among the top 5 for people with an overreacting immune system:
Poodle
Little hair and are easy to care for.
Schnauzer
Despite their undercoat, they lose little hair and are happy companions.
Havanese
Have a layer of hair and are family-friendly.
Portuguese water dog
These animals rarely shed hair and are temperamental.
Goldendoodle / Labradoodle
Popular mixed breed dogs that shed little fur and have a loyal temperament.
Allergic short-haired dogs are just as suitable for sensitive people as long-haired fur noses. There is no relationship between hair loss and coat length. For this reason, animals with long hair are also suitable for you.
If you are looking for a short-haired dog, choose an allergy-friendly greyhound. The fast animals shed little hair but need many hours of exercise every day. In addition, this breed of dog has a strong hunting instinct. The companion with the cat-like creature is well suited for experienced dog owners.
Dogs for allergy sufferers – the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle
The Goldendoodle is a mixed breed. This is a cross between a poodle and a golden retriever. The Labradoodle is also a mixed dog. The animal carries the genes of the Labrador and the Poodle. As dogs with allergies, these mixed breeds are a good choice.
Both four-legged companions are great dogs for allergy sufferers. The domestic animals reach a height at the withers of 60 to 65 centimeters. The weight of such an animal is between 20 and 35 kilos. The life expectancy for the pet is 13 to 15 years. In terms of character, the dogs are balanced and easy to train. The child-friendly companions are ideal for large families. This is because the pets are extremely people-centric.
Dogs for allergy sufferers – Bolonka Zwetna
Popular dogs for allergy sufferers who do not shed are Bolonka Zwetnas. These little four-legged friends shed little fur. The low maintenance requirement is advantageous.
Bolonka Zwetnas reach a height of 24 to 26 centimeters. Therefore these belong to the small dog breeds. The weight of these four-legged friends is between two and five kilograms. The fur noses are balanced, gentle, and friendly. Therefore, the animals are a good choice for families, couples, and singles.
Dogs for allergy sufferers and beginners – these breeds are ideal
Have you avoided dogs because of your health reaction and would you like a four-legged friend? Then you need a pet for beginners. Beginner dogs are easy to train and have a positive disposition.
In addition to the Bolonka Zwetna allergy sufferer, there are other breeds that are suitable for beginners. These include:
- Poodles that are easy to care for, inexpensive to keep, and of solid temperament;
- Maltese, which is bright, small dogs that rarely shed fur;
- Barbets who are loyal, approachable, and easy to train.
Are there dogs for allergy sufferers?
These are the experiences. There are breeds that may be suitable for people with overactive immune systems. You have to try out which breed it is. A test is therefore recommended. Visit a breeder or an animal shelter. There you will get to know dog breeds that are suitable for you.
A dog despite allergies and asthma?
Asthma is a result of pet hair allergies. By inhaling the substances that cause an allergy, your body reacts with asthma. With this symptom, the lining of the lungs swells. The swelling makes it difficult to breathe in and out.
If you have severe asthma, getting a dog is not recommended. The symptom can lead to severe attacks of suffocation.
Tip: do therapy. With this, you get your body used to the allergy-causing proteins. Such a therapy is called hyposensitization and should be carried out by your dermatologist. Short-term treatment of the symptoms of dog allergies is also possible with the help of medication.
Dogs for allergy sufferers – find the right breeder
You can find reputable breeders on the website of the Association for the German Canine Industry (VDH). If you enter the breed, your place of residence, and the desired area, you will be shown all relevant addresses.
Once you have found a breeder, visit them. Ask him questions and watch the animals on site. Also, test your physical reaction to the dogs. The animals produce different amounts of allergy-causing proteins. That is why the selection of a four-legged friend on site is important.
Dogs with allergies are best bought with a sales contract. In this, you will find out your rights and obligations. This gives you a bit of security when you buy your companion.
Adopt an allergic dog from the animal shelter
An alternative to buying animals is to adopt them in an animal shelter. There are four-legged friends of all ages in the rescue center. The advantage is that adoption is cheaper than buying a pet from the breeder. You are also helping a dog in need.
To find out whether an animal suits you, take it with you for a walk. You can also see your physical reaction to the companion. You can find reception centers near you on the website of the Animal Welfare Association.
Our recommendation: Try out how strong your allergic reaction is to certain dogs. You can use a few tricks to lower your physical symptoms.
Note that a physical response can change over time. Usually, the immune system’s response decreases over time. We recommend the following to reduce your allergy symptoms:
- Avoiding carpets at home is recommended;
- Regular cleaning of blankets and pillows is important;
- It makes sense to wash your hands after each contact;
- When cleaning, a dust cleaner with animal hair function is a good choice;
- There should be areas in your home where the animal is not allowed to be;
- It is advisable not to let the dog on the couch or in bed;
- Combing the dog several times a day is essential.
