Top Ten Breeds of Dogs for Families with Allergies

According to peteducation.com, thousands of people suffer from pet allergies to dogs. While all dogs shed, the skin dander is what causes most pet allergies. If you have a dog that sheds excessively this can increase your chances of having allergy problems. There is no dog that is 100% allergy free, but there are several breeds that don't shed as often, which helps reduce pet dander. You do not have to exclude yourself from the joy of having an indoor dog. Here are the top ten breeds of dogs for families with allergies. According to the (AKC) American Kennel Club, the following breeds generally do well with people that suffer from dog allergies:

Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Chinese Crested
Irishwater Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Maltese
Poodles
Portuguese Waterdog
Schnauzers
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Xoloitzcuintli

I was once, one of those people that would not allow my family to have an indoor dog, due to my severe pet allergies. My resistance finally wore down after several years of them begging for an indoor dog. I started my quest for choosing a breed of dog for families with allergies, by researching the breeds listed above by the AKC. After completing my research, my family decided on purchasing an apricot female toy poodle. In my opinion, poodles are very intelligent, loving dogs that are easy to potty train. My poodle does not seem to shed very often and when she does, it is a small amount of hair that stays in a clump. Unlike some other breeds, that seem to shed a lot of loose, coarse hair that attaches itself to the furniture and clothing. Our poodle is a big part of the family now and we love her very much. After purchasing an indoor dog that I felt would do well with my allergies, I was still somewhat concerned that I would have problems, but I have had none.

Which ever of the top ten breeds of dogs for families with allergies you choose from, be 100% sure of your decision, before making a commitment. I would suggest that you arrange for the family member with the pet allergies, to spend a lot of time holding and playing with the dog, before making that final purchase. Here are some other ideas that my family puts into practice, that I hope will help, once you have chosen the right allergy free indoor dog. My family chose to crate train our poodle, it was highly recommended by our dog's vetenarian. Dogs are den animals, according to americanhumane.org, and crate training gives them a feeling of security. Leaving them alone in a big area while you are away is an open invitation for disaster. Crate training will help keep your dog off the beds and furniture, hopefully reducing the possibility of allergy problems for your family. Do not allow the dog in the bedroom of the family member with the pet allergies. Also, keep your dog bathed, brushed and groomed regularly. Wash the dog's bedding regularly and vacuum your carpet often. These tips on breeds of dogs for families with allergies will hopefully help your family enjoy a loving relationship with man's best friend indoors.

Sources:

www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+15878&aid=145

www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=2588

www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/adoption-pet-care/care/dog-dens.htm