Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Pollen, ragweed, dust, and so much more can cause allergies in children leaving them stuffy, drippy, sneezy, and at times miserable. Of course these are usually seasonal and go away through time however there are other allergens that may not ever go away. These allergies come from man's best friend.

Children love animals and growing up with a dog can be beneficial to a child but because of their allergies parents steer clear of welcoming a furry creature into the family. But there is a solution to this problem, there are dogs that are hypoallergenic and therefore will not be likely to cause a child the sniffles.

Here is an overview of a few dogs that do not have an effect on children with allergies.

The Yorkshire Terrier is small in size and usually doesn't grow beyond 7 pounds. These furry little guys are not only portable but they are great for children because they generally do not shed. In addition the Yorkie is a very low-maintenance dog but does require regular brushing to prevent naps in its fur and should be taken to the groomer every 6-8 weeks.

The Toy Poodle is also very portable and generally grows between 6-9 pounds and is easy to take care of. This breed fits in well with most families but can be expensive due to maintenance. Regular brushing and bathing will keep their coats healthy and should cut down on the amount of visits to the groomer.

The Border Terrier approximately grows between 13-16 pounds and is a good hunter, lively, affectionate with its owners, and easy to train. Their coats should be brushed a few times a week and a trip to the groomer is generally twice a year. Although the Border Terrier is a great watch dog they usually are not aggressive.

As with all animals it is imperative that owners take the pack leader role otherwise the dog will have the run of the house and will develop many behavioral problems such as barking, snapping, biting, and disobeying in general.

This list serves as a guide and therefore should be treated as such. It's important for families to visit with a dog prior to making any form of commitment. Although children do well with these breeds every dog has its own temperament and may not be a family's perfect fit.

To learn more about hypoallergenic dogs log on to www.akc.org.