Dogs for allergy sufferers: these dog breeds are suitable
It is a real dilemma for some allergy sufferers: they want a dog so much, but as soon as a four-legged friend comes near them, the body reacts: the eyes itch, the nose runs or other complaints appear. Fortunately, there are some dog breeds that pet hair allergy sufferers tolerate better than others.
Allergy sufferers do not have to mope around despite dog allergies, because there are dog breeds that cause fewer reactions in them. However, there is still a misconception that dogs with short fur shed less hair and are therefore more suitable. In fact, they lose even more hair than their fluffy fellows. Today it is assumed that not the dog hair itself, but certain animal proteins in the saliva, skin and urine of the quadruped trigger the allergy symptoms. Some breeds have fewer of these allergens and are therefore more suitable for allergy sufferers. However, as is often the case, there are always exceptions, which is why the following dog breeds are no guarantee that their owners will not experience allergic reactions.
Water dogs for allergy sufferers
Water dogs, for example, are among those dog breeds with which allergy sufferers usually have fewer health problems. Among them are the Spanish and Portuguese water dogs. One of their advantages: They do not go through a coat change before or after winter and shed comparatively little during the rest of the year. This also applies to the Poodle. However, due to their curly coat, these dog breeds need to be combed regularly, which of course should not be done by the allergy sufferer.
Goldendoodle or Labradoodle?
Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are still among the most popular dog breeds. However, since they are very hairy, they are not for allergy sufferers – actually. Because in the meantime there are hybrid breeds, in which the above-mentioned are crossed with a poodle. The result: family-friendly, easy-care and hardly hairy Golden or Labradoodle. They do not have a coat change, but must be clipped about every two months and brushed once a week. This should not be done by allergy sufferers.
Small dog breeds: Bichons
Bichons, i.e. very small dog breeds, are also quite suitable for allergy sufferers. Among them are for example Maltese, Havanese, Bolognese or the Bichon Frisé. They also belong to the dog breeds with very little hair.
Other dog breeds that are possible for allergy sufferers are Yorkshire or Bedlington Terriers, Schnauzers, Peruvian or Mexican Naked Dogs as well as Samoyeds and Shih Tzus.
Trust is good, control is better
To be absolutely sure whether allergy sufferers can cope with one of the dog breeds mentioned, the affected person should talk to a good dog breeder and have a few hairs of the parent animals for a test. If after several days there are no reactions, nothing stands in the way of an animal family member.