Do you or your child dream of having a dog, but suffer from allergies to their fur? What should you do in this case? Should you really say goodbye to your dream of a faithful four-legged friend forever and deprive yourself of the joy of communicating with these amazing friendly creatures? Not at all! There are the least allergenic dog breeds, and there are many of them, which are perfect for allergy sufferers.
In this article, we will list these breeds and tell you about each of them. We will also give general recommendations, following which you can comfortably live in the same apartment with your pet and minimize the impact of allergens. Know that allergies are not a reason to deny yourself the pleasure of having a pet.
What causes animal allergies?
As scientists have found out, allergies are caused not by dog hair as such, but by proteins Can f 1, Can f 2 and Can f 5, which are contained in urine, saliva and dander of animals. To identify markers for allergens, it is recommended to take a comprehensive blood test.
Let’s be honest, there is no universal 100% “hypoallergenic” breed. However, some dog breeds pose the least threat to the health of people sensitive to proteins that cause allergies. Among them, there are different types: wire-haired, long-haired, curly and even hairless. So the choice is huge, and everyone can choose a breed at their discretion.
Wirehaired breeds
The good thing about “hard” dogs, as groomers call them, is that they practically do not shed. Their strong, wire-like hairs remain in the skin even after they die. However, they should be removed periodically, i.e. combed out. Otherwise, new hair will grow poorly and look weak and thin. As a result, the coat will be uneven, resembling pieces of matted cotton wool. This spoils not only the aesthetic appearance of the dog, but can also lead to health problems – skin irritation, dermatitis.
1. Airedale. British hunting breed. To understand it better, watch the movie “The Adventures of Electronics”. This is an extremely sociable dog that cannot be alone for long. Airedale Terriers have high intelligence, quickly learn various commands. They are energetic and love active games. They live 11-14 years.
2. Jack Russell Terrier. This is a very popular breed, largely due to the movie “The Mask” with Jim Carrey in the lead role. A physically strong breed that is perfect for active people. Does not get along well with other animals in the house. With good care and concern for health, the dog will live a long time – 15-16 years.
3. Fox terrier. Dogs of this breed are distinguished by their wayward character, they like to dominate, so they need training. Life expectancy is 14-15 years.
4. Irish TerrierIn their homeland, these dogs received the nickname “red devil” largely due to their bright coloring and equally active temperament. However, they have excellent qualities as home guards, searchers and hunters. They live about 13-15 years.
5. Scotch Terrier. These dogs are extremely sensitive to criticism and praise. They are touchy, but do not show it, because they have a proud character. It is not for nothing that the “Scots” were called unbending. They are not aggressive, prefer measured walks, so they are perfect for older people. The life expectancy of Scotch terriers is on average 12 years.
6. Schnauzers. They are divided into three types: large (Riesenschnauzer), medium (Mittelschnauzer) and miniature (Zwergschnauzer). These dogs get along well with people and children. Life expectancy is 13-16 years.
7. Wirehaired Dachshund. These are energetic, hunting dogs. They require long walks in the fresh air. The breed is not suitable for people leading a sedentary lifestyle. They live 12-14 years.
8. German Wirehaired Pointer. Affectionate and peaceful dogs. They usually choose one person as their owner, whom they obey unquestioningly. If not raised correctly, they will be jealous of their “leader” to strangers. They can be wonderful guards. Their life expectancy is solid – up to 16 years.
Long-haired breeds
These breeds require careful care, which can take up a lot of free time. The pet must be combed regularly to prevent tangles, which can lead to problems with the fur and skin. It is recommended to wash long-haired dogs once every 1-3 weeks using professional cosmetics. Dogs should not be washed often, as this can lead to excessive dryness of the skin. The fur on the ears and paws should also be trimmed periodically.
1. Yorkshire Terrier. Dogs of this breed are energetic and friendly, however, they have a stubborn character, so they are difficult to train. They are well suited for keeping in small apartments. They live a long time, up to 15 years.
2. Havanese Bichon. These small dogs have all the qualities to become a favorite of the whole family. They are playful, love to sit in the hands of their owners, and adore frolicking with children. However, from an early age, Bichons need to be accustomed to the company of strangers, otherwise the dog may show aggression. Bichons are long-lived (life expectancy is 15-16 years).
3. Afghan hound. Hardy, non-aggressive, but a little timid dogs. From puppyhood, they should be accustomed to communicating with other people and animals. They do not tolerate loud and sharp sounds, so it is not recommended to have an Afghan hound in a family with small children. They treat their owner affectionately, do not try to prove their superiority and dominance. On average, they live 12-15 years.
4. Shih Tzu. Positive dogs with a stable character and psyche, never bark without reason. They love long walks, but they can also be trained to use a litter box in the house. Playful and get along well with children. With good care, a pet can live up to 18 years.
5. Maltese. Dogs have an independent character, are not too attached to the owner. They tolerate loneliness well, are left alone at home without problems, so they are perfect for busy people who are rarely at home. Despite their small size, the lapdog can be an excellent guard. Dogs live about 12-15 years.
Curly breeds
The peculiarity of these dogs is that they do not shed, but their fur easily gets tangled and tends to get matted. To avoid such problems, pets need to be regularly trimmed, combed and bathed.
1. Bichon Frize. Charming little dogs look like a snow-white, fluffy cloud. They are friendly, love to communicate with other animals. They do not require constant attention, but they will also get bored alone if their owner is absent for a long time. Bichon Frise live about 15 years.
2. Bedlington Terrier. The breed is well suited for active people, because terriers need a lot of physical activity. They love games, walks, training. Dogs are jealous and always prefer to be the center of attention, so there may be problems with adaptation if there are children in your family. Life expectancy is 11-16 years.
3. Poodle. These are cheerful and energetic dogs, they require regular long walks. They are considered one of the smartest breeds, easy to train. They get along well with children. Life expectancy is 12-18 years.
4. Irish Water Spaniel. Hunting dogs, active and energetic. They love to swim. They have an undeniable advantage – their fur does not let moisture through, so they can swim in water bodies in any weather. They need training from an early age, otherwise they can become timid towards other animals and strangers. They do not live very long – 12-13 years.
5. Kerry Blue Terrier. Dogs are stubborn and willful. They require serious training, so they are not suitable for those who have little experience in handling dogs. They do not tolerate shouting and raised voices, so they are not recommended for families with children. They live about 15 years.
6. Spanish Water Dog. The dog is friendly and affectionate, will not cause much trouble to the owner, is easy to learn commands. It is well suited for families with small children and other animals. It can be kept in a private house as a guard. Life expectancy is on average 12-14 years.
Naked rocks
A distinctive feature of animals is that they have no fur, but they do have dandruff. To get rid of it, pets need to be washed regularly. Dog skin requires special care – it should be smeared with a moisturizer so that it does not dry out. In cool weather, dogs will need clothing just like humans. And in hot weather, pets are not recommended to stay in the sun for a long time.
1. Chinese Crested. Its big advantage is the absence of a characteristic dog smell. The dog will not bark without reason and spoil the furniture. It must be trained from a young age, otherwise it will grow up timid and nervous, will be afraid of other animals. Representatives of this breed live 13-18 years.
2. American Hairless Terrier. Dogs are easy to train, so they are perfect for those who have no previous experience with dogs. Terriers need company and an active lifestyle, they will suffer from loneliness. They live 14-16 years.
3. Peruvian Hairless Dog. There are three varieties of the breed: standard, medium and miniature. They are distinguished by their endurance. They are suitable for both people who prefer a sedentary lifestyle and for active ones. Can become an excellent guard. Will live with you for 12-14 years.
Practical advice for allergy sufferers
1. Before taking your pet home, talk to it to make sure it does not cause you allergies. If no symptoms appear, feel free to take your four-legged friend to a new place of residence. After all, if the pet does not suit you and you have to give it to other hands, it will be a huge stress for it. Think not only about yourself, but about the dog too.
2. Remove allergen-collecting items from your apartment: carpets, curtains, fluffy blankets. Animal dander settles and accumulates on these “dust collectors,” which can trigger allergies. Instead of carpets, lay linoleum or laminate, and curtains can be replaced with blinds.
3. Do wet cleaning of your home as often as possible. Wipe dust, furniture, wash bed linen to remove particles that cause allergies.
4. By following good hygiene, you can minimize the amount of allergens that come into contact with your body. Wash your hands often, especially after petting your dog, and avoid touching your face after contact with your dog.
5. To remove hair and dandruff, brush your pet regularly. If you can’t do it yourself, ask someone to do it outside or take your dog to a groomer.
6. Install an ionizer or air sterilizer at home, which will clean the air from invisible allergens flying around the apartment.
7. Take anti-allergy medications. They eliminate allergy symptoms. Consult your doctor in advance so that he can prescribe a course that suits you. Visit an allergist. He can prescribe immunotherapy. A course of such treatment will help develop tolerance to allergens.
