What Kind of Dogs Are Good for Children With Allergies?

Poodles are often good pets for people with allergies.

No dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that people are actually allergic to the proteins in a dog. Still, there are several breeds that children with allergies can usually tolerate.

Breeds

Schnauzers are one breed that cause less allergic reactions. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Esparta Palma

Popular dog breeds for allergic kids are poodle, Labradoodle, Kerry blue terrier, soft coated wheaten terrier, schnauzer, Havanese, bichon frise, Portuguese water dog, Italian greyhound, basenji, Chinese crested, chihuahua and Mexican hairless.

Pet Dander and Saliva

Bichons are kid-friendly and low-allergy. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Grace

People are allergic to a dog's dander and saliva, not the fur. However, fur traps the allergens and can trigger an allergic reaction to the pet.

Grooming

Frequent dog grooming may prevent strong allergies. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jim Reynolds

Pet owners can minimize allergic reactions to almost any dog through good grooming. Bathe the dog weekly, and frequently vacuum pet dander to reduce allergies.

Purebred vs. Mut

Chihuahuas are small and a better choice for kids with allergies. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Daniel Chan

Purebred dogs are not any better than shelter mutts when it comes to allergies. A well-groomed dog that is a cross between low-dander breeds will make a good pet for a child with allergies.

Considerations

Make sure the breed of dog you choose is a good fit for your family's lifestyle. Select a dog that is good with children and matches your activity level.

References

• What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?
• American Kennel Club: Dogs and Allergies