Hypoallergenic Dogs: Live with Pet Allergies

President and Mrs. Obama recently ended their search for a suitable hypoallergenic dog for their family, ultimately settling on a Portuguese Water Dog. Many allergy sufferers can own pets, if they choose their pet breeds carefully. However, even after carefully researching hypoallergenic dogs, there's no guarantee that the selected dog will be completely hypoallergenic. After all, it's not the fur that causes allergies; it's the dander. All dogs, even hairless dogs, shed dander which could trigger allergies.

Dog Allergy Assessment

If you are allergic to dogs but long for a four-footed companion, hypoallergenic dog breeds do offer hope. Start by meeting with your allergist and discussing your desire to adopt one of the low-allergy dog breeds. Your doctor may have concerns if your allergies are severe. On the other hand, if your allergies are manageable, your doctor may give you the green light or even offer low-dander dog breed suggestions.

Recommended Hypoallergenic Dogs

Next, start your research! Hypoallergenic breeds like Portuguese Water Dogs and Poodles are considered hypoallergenic dogs because they do not shed fur and therefore produce less dander. With that in mind, you are looking for dogs that don't shed fur. The AKC lists several hypoallergenic breeds on its Web site including: Irish Water Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Kerry Blue Terrier, Maltese, Schnauzer, Bedlington Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and Xoloitzcuintli. Other non-shedding dogs include Old English Sheepdogs and Havanese dogs.

According to the AKC, several hypoallergenic dog breeds have risen dramatically in popularity over the past decade including Standard Schnauzers (24%), Bedlington Terriers (28%), Chinese Crested (28%), and Portuguese Water Dogs (44%).

Other Dog Breed Criteria

As you can see, hypoallergenic dogs come in all shapes and sizes. While you're searching for non-shedding dogs, keep in mind that the dog's low-allergy coat is just one of many traits you must consider. You must also look for a dog breed that is right for your family and circumstances. If you live in a small apartment, a Standard Poodle may not be the best choice though a Toy Poodle or Chinese Crested might be. Do you have small children? Do you want a sporting dog? How much time are you willing to spend on grooming? Take all of these factors into consideration and choose a hypoallergenic dog breed that satisfies all of your criteria.

Once you've narrowed down your list of low-allergy dog breeds, visit a breeder and spend time with these dogs to see if your allergies flare up. Allergic reactions can vary from one animal to the next, even within the same breed, so you can't be completely sure. Ideally, you'll be able to spend time with the exact dog that you plan on adopting before making the final decision.

Careful research and actual time spent with the hypoallergenic dog that you want to adopt will guide you in your quest to bring home a low-allergy pet.