Things You'll Need:
- Ability to provide a good home for a dog.
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Step 1
For people who suffer greatly from allergies but still love dogs, hypoallergenic dog breeds can be the perfect solution. A hypoallergenic dog is a breed or crossbreed that is more tolerable to people who would otherwise have allergies to dogs due to shedding, dander, and allergens in saliva. But there are many types of hypoallergenic dogs, and it is important to select the right one for you.
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Step 2
The production of allergenic protein in dog saliva and dander varies by breed. Generally, the less a dog sheds, the more hypoallergenic it is. Very small dogs have less surface area, so they shed less, produce less dander, and are thought to be more hypoallergenic.
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Step 3
However, small breeds known for excessive barking, like the schnauzer, may have higher allergen levels from the projection of saliva from barking excessively.
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Step 4
Popular hypoallergenic dog breeds that do not shed include the Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Maltese, Portuguese Water Dog, Poodles and poodle hybrids, and the Silky, Wheaten, Welsh, Bedlington and Yorkshire Terriers.
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Step 5
The Bichon, Yorkie, Poodle, and Silky Terrier are hypoallergenic dog breeds that are recommended for allergy sufferers by the American Kennel Club.
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Step 6
Once you see these breeds and have an idea of which ones may be right for you, do some research. Find out how big each breed gets, what their temperment is like, what activity level they prefer, how manageable they are with things like grooming, how they are around water, or how they are around children.
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Step 7
Each hypoallergenic dog breed is different and will have it's own unique set of traits and characteristics specific to the breed it is. Be sure to respect all the aforementioned considerations so you can be sure that you choose the hypoallergenic dog breed that is right for you and your family.
Comments
ashcraft said
on 11/12/2009 Great article on hypoallergenic choices in dog breeds. 5* rec
ees1984 said
on 11/4/2009 Great article. I know my two hypo allergenic dogs (bichons) are the best ever and I wouldn't be able to have them if they weren't. 5* What a cute dog you have!
redar said
on 11/4/2009 Thank you for this 5* article, this is why I have always had poodles.
mvalora said
on 11/2/2009 Interesting article on hypoallergenic dogs!
carolj1 said
on 11/2/2009 Too late! Mine sheds like leaves in autumn. But I lover her anyway!