Best Dogs for People with Allergies

Dogs make fantastic pets and can bring love, playfulness, and warmth to any home. That being said, it is truly unfortunate that many people who suffer from pet allergies are under the misimpression that they cannot enjoy the immense benefits of having a dog without aggravating their allergies. Contrary to popular belief, even those with pet allergies can share their homes with a dog without suffering allergy attacks. The best dogs for people with allergies are those that are hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic means below normal, or slightly allergenic. Although no breed of animal can be completely hypoallergenic because pet dander exists in a dog’s skin as well as its fur, many breeds of dogs are considered hypoallergenic because they emit very low levels of dander.

Poodles are usually at the top of the list for would-be pet owners looking for a hypoallergenic dog. They shed very little, and therefore produce only a small amount of dander. Poodles also make excellent pets as they crave human companionship. They make great pets for families as they interact well with young children. Although they do not shed frequently, they do require regular grooming to keep their coat in top condition.

A Maltese is also a good dog for an allergy sufferer. Although they have long hair, they have no undercoat which means that if they are groomed regularly, they will shed very little. These small, active dogs love to play and make excellent pets, especially for urban dwellers.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is another dog classified as hypoallergenic. Their coats are soft and dense and can be either tightly curled or wavy. They do not shed, but their hair does need to be clipped regularly to prevent it from growing too long. These dogs have been bred for years as hunters, guardians, and herders. They are very loyal and affectionate with their owners, but they do require early socialization to become accustomed to other dogs.

Although slightly odd looking, the Chinese Crested is gaining popularity as a pet. These dogs are almost completely bald and only have tufts of hair on their heads and paws. Their lack of hair makes them an excellent choice for those suffering from pet allergies as they produce very little dander. They are a good choice for an owner who has lots of time to devote to them as they adore their owners and have a hard time being separated from them.