There is a solution: a hypoallergenic dog. A dog with minimal dander which won't cause an allergic reaction in people who usually have allergies to dogs.
There's no such thing as 100% hypoallergenic dog, because all dogs release some dander. However, the following breeds listed shed very lightly and also release much less dander from their skin than other breeds:
- Bedlington Terrier - Bichon Frise - Chinese Crested - Maltese - Irish Water Spaniel - Portuguese Water Dog - Kerry Blue Terrier - Poodle (toy, miniature and standard) - Schnauzer (miniature, standard and giant) - Xoloitzcuintli
These breeds will probably not trigger an allergic reaction. The Chinese Crested hairless variety and the Xoloitzcuintli both have no hair. As well as being the most hypoallergenic of all dog breeds, these dogs make very efficient hot water bottles.
Once you decide which of these dogs suits you, spend some time around the breed you've chosen to see whether you react. Spend a few hours in the home of the breeder, handling the dog and being in it's environment to see if you still have an allergic reaction. Chances are you won't.
Keep in mind that some people react to dog saliva when they are licked by a dog. Unfortunately, if you're allergic to dog saliva these breeds may not help you, because although they don't shed much dander, they will still lick.
The first important consideration is to understand exactly what hypoallergenic dog breeds are. In short, they are breeds of dogs that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in the humans they share their life and living space with. And since many asthma sufferers' attacks are allergy-related (i.e. triggered by contact with some different kind of allergen), then it is obvious that asthma sufferers, more than the rest of us, are always looking for ways of minimizing the possibility of allergic reactions.
Calling a dog breed hypoallergenic simply means that the dog has less potential for producing dander, an allergen that triggers asthma attacks in many people. However, it doesn't mean that they produce absolutely no dander at all, so even some of those dogs that have very little to no fur, or hair, may still cause someone that is extremely allergic to have reactions to the dog.
Dog Breeds Better Suited for Those with Allergies
On the basis of these considerations, the following breeds could be considered as more suited to be in the company of people with allergies:
* Dogs that have no hair at all, such as the American Hairless Terrier, the Chinese Crested or the Peruvian Inca Orchid * Dogs with a single coat, including the Poodle, the Schnauzer, the Water Dog, the Kerry Blue Terrier, the Bedlington Terrier and the Bichon Friese
Other Factors to Consider
However, there are many other factors to take into account. First and foremost, if you are an asthma sufferer, do you know exactly what triggers your asthma attacks? Are they allergy-related? If so, what are the allergens that are responsible? Your doctor should be able to tell you if any kind of dog-related allergen is a cause of your asthma attacks, and, if so, whether it is dog dander. It may not be dog dander, but dog saliva, for example, and in that case a hypoallergenic dog breed is obviously not going to be any more suited to you than any other dog breed.
And if your asthma attacks are frequent and severe - and your doctor has confirmed that they are related with some kind of dog allergen - then you should simply keep away from all dogs, hypoallergenic or not.
Finally, if you are considering a hypoallergenic dog breed, you will also need to ensure that the dog still fits well within the family, not just that it has the right type of fur. Make sure to consider the fact that the dog will still need a great deal of attention and will require space and plenty of love. In the end, though, if you think a hypoallergenic dog will fit in with your family - and help reduce the chances of allergic reactions - you'll be sure of finding one that will make a wonderful pet!
Both Jessice Grace & Terry Roberts are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jessice Grace has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dogs, Dog Breeds and Pets. For more information on hypoallergenic visit http://www.justdogbreeds.com. Jessice Grace's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.
Terry Roberts has sinced written about articles on various topics from Arts, Photography and Computers and The Internet. Terry Roberts is a translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more of his articles about dogs and asthma please visit his websites: