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Even those with dog allergies can play and cuddle with certain breeds such as the Labrador Retriever that are suitable for allergy sufferers.
For dog lovers, a canine allergy is probably one of the worst diagnoses. However, those who adore dogs need not give up on cohabiting with a furry companion. Some dog breeds are suitable even for people who are allergic to their beloved animals. In this article, we’ll reveal which dogs might be a good match for allergy sufferers.
There’s a rumour that some breeds produce no allergens that trigger allergies in humans. This belief, however, isn’t true.
Studies have demonstrated that all dog breeds generate allergens, regardless of gender. These allergens are found in dander, saliva, and urine.
The only difference lies in the quantity of allergens. The concentration of allergens varies from breed to breed. Those that release fewer allergens are therefore considered “allergy-friendly” dogs.
Is There Such a Thing as a Dog Hair Allergy?
The term “dog hair allergy” frequently pops up online and in conversations. Yet, in reality, when it comes to a dog allergy, it is not the hair but strictly the allergens produced by the dog that elicit a reaction.
Primarily, the allergen Can f 1 is identified as the culprit. Through the skin and saliva, these offenders also land on the fur, which then distributes the allergens throughout the home.
Is It True That Non-Shedding Dogs Are Best for Allergy Sufferers?
While many assume that long-haired dogs pose a particularly high allergy risk, scientists have proven otherwise. Present data suggest that dogs with short fur more commonly trigger allergies in people than long-haired breeds.
Ultimately, all dogs produce allergens, no matter their fur length. Even hairless dogs release allergens through their skin and saliva. While these don’t linger in fur, they can spread more readily in the environment.
What’s the Role of Undercoat and Shedding?
It’s often said that having a lot of undercoat or going through a shedding phase means a higher allergy risk. It’s true that dogs shed hair laden with allergens more during these times. However, the amount of allergens plays a bigger part than the shedding phase itself.
The absence of an undercoat doesn’t mean a dog can’t still distribute a high concentration of allergens around your home.
Which Dogs Are Not Suitable for Allergy Sufferers?
If you have a dog allergy, you could potentially react to any dog breed, even those labelled as “hypoallergenic”. Whether you’ll have an allergic reaction depends on many personal factors.
A blanket statement on which dogs are or aren’t suitable for allergy sufferers is thus not straightforward. However, it’s worth trying out breeds generally considered as allergy-friendly.
Dogs for Allergy Sufferers: The Top 10 Breeds List
Certain dog breeds are renowned for being particularly suitable for allergy sufferers. Although the science isn’t unanimous in some instances, the following ten breeds are included:
Despite its soft curls, the Bichon Frisé is considered hypoallergenic. However, grooming is on the weekly to-do list for this dog breed, otherwise matting will occur.
Conclusion: Can You Own a Dog Despite a Hair Allergy?
Yes, it is possible to unite dog allergies and dog ownership under one roof. If you exhibit mild symptoms, you can seek out a breed that emits fewer allergens. Armed with the right knowledge on hygiene, proper coat care, and countermeasures, your chances of living comfortably together are good.
You can ask at the animal shelter if you can test contact with dogs onsite – of course, taking appropriate precautions like carrying an inhaler. If after several visits you don’t react to the dog, the feline friend might be right for you.
Alternatively, you can consult your GP about undergoing hyposensitisation. However, you should dispel the notion that there are hypoallergenic dogs which cause no allergic reactions. We wish you the best of luck in finding your ideal four-legged friend!
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Franziska G., Veterinarian
At the Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen I was extensively trained as a veterinarian and was able to gain experience in various fields such as small animal, large animal and exotic animal medicine as well as pharmacology, pathology and food hygiene.
Since then, I have been working not only as a veterinary author, but also on my scientifically driven dissertation. My goal is to better protect animals from pathogenic bacterial organisms in the future.
Besides my veterinary knowledge, I also share my own experiences as a happy dog owner and can thus understand and enlighten fears and problems as well as other important questions about animal health.
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