Many of us have grown up in households with dogs and we may have a love for them that has lasted our entire life. The unfortunate reality for some people, however, is that they have allergies and it can make it difficult to live in the home with dogs when you are miserable from those allergies. If you find yourself in this situation, we have good news for you. Just because you are allergic to dogs does not mean you need to give up on having one in your home.
One of the most important things you can do if you suffer from dog allergies is to choose a breed of dog that tends to be hypoallergenic. It gives you the opportunity to still enjoy that type of companionship while at the same time, not being miserable with your allergy symptoms at all times. There are a number of different breeds of dogs that are considered hypoallergenic, and choosing from that list is a great place to start.
Before we consider some of the different types of hypoallergenic dogs, it is important to recognize that no dog is going to be completely free of shedding and other issues that can lead to allergic reactions. In addition, some people tend to be supersensitive to dogs and they may experience some allergy symptoms, even if they have one of these hypoallergenic breeds. That being said, you are likely to experience fewer problems when you choose from one of the following breeds of dogs.
Bichon Frise – These dogs have the distinction of not shedding, so they make the list for being hypoallergenic. They also tend to be very friendly and work well in most families, so it is a good choice if you have a child that has some mild allergies to dogs.
Poodles – If you are looking for a highly intelligent dog that doesn’t shed, you will appreciate the poodle. You shouldn’t confuse not shedding with not needing any grooming, because they will need groomed on a regular basis. They are an excellent choice for families with children and you can choose from the toy, miniature or standard size.
Schnauzers – When it comes to hypoallergenic dogs, you have a number of different choices when looking at a schnauzer. They come in many different sizes, so they can fit well into almost any household. Their wired haired coats don’t typically cause a severe allergic reaction in those who are sensitive.
Labradoodles – this relative newcomer to the scene is a cross between a poodle and a Labrador retriever. It has the pleasant disposition of a lab with the benefit of not shedding from the poodle side of the equation.
These are a few of the top choices for households that may suffer from dog allergies. If you want the companionship of a dog but don’t want the miserable symptoms that sometimes go along with an allergic reaction, one of these breeds may be the best choice you could make.