According to statistics, 10-20% of the world's population suffers from allergies to dogs. So, will these people never have a four-legged friend? Not at all: if you are allergic, pay attention to the wonderful representatives of hypoallergenic breeds. But remember that there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog.
There are breeds that produce a small amount of allergens - so small that they practically do not cause an allergic reaction in an owner who is sensitive to them. Research has found that most dog allergies are allergies to animal dander. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to breeds with minimal highlighting. Dogs' coat is significantly renewed approximately every three weeks - at the same time, skin scales separate, circulate in the air, and settle on furniture, walls, and sleeping places, presenting a serious problem for a sensitive owner.
Dandruff is the main, but not the only reason:
- Dirt. Street garbage, dust, plant pollen that stick to the fur and skin of an animal are also a source of allergies.
- Wool. Fluffy, long-haired animals with a double undercoat are the most undesirable pets for allergy sufferers. These pets will shed profusely all year round.
Small hypoallergenic dogs
Small dogs are pets weighing 2-10 kg.
Yorkshire Terrier
Features: cheerful, affectionate, quick-witted.
Yorkies were bred in Yorkshire (England) to track rats in cotton factories: despite their tiny size, they are skillful and brave hunters. Today, Yorkies are one of the most popular miniature breeds. These are very smart and quick-witted pets with an amazing inner world that need to communicate with people.
Italian Greyhound
Traits: sensitive, friendly, sociable.
Italian greyhounds were favorite pets of medieval nobility in Italy. And today they are dexterous dogs, skilled hunters of small game. Be sure to provide this baby with proper activity - he loves outdoor games. In addition, the dog does not mind sharing his sports activities with his owner.
Cairn Terrier
Features: cheerful, family-friendly, smart.
In their homeland, the Cairn Terrier breed is called “the best family farm dog.” This dog will once and for all rid your land of small animal pests. For people far from agriculture, he will become an excellent friend and companion.
Cairn Terriers are very intelligent and independent animals. At the same time, they are very obedient and rarely “show character.”
The breed is good for allergy sufferers because it practically does not shed.
Scottish Terrier
Features: independent, sensitive, moderately active.
Like any terrier, the Scottish Terrier can show some stubbornness and excessive independence. His short legs calm his active nature a little, but this dog needs daily walks around the neighborhood.
A remarkable advantage of the breed: the “Scottish” does not bark, which makes it possible for him to live even in a small apartment. Like humans, they only lose hair—no undercoat or significant dandruff.
Bichon Frize
Features: curious, active, playful.
Bichon Frize are valued not only as amazingly smart pets. These animals are the center of love and charm. Such a dog will always cheer you up with his smile, funny antics and attempts to cheer you up.
Havanese
Traits: smart, sociable, funny.
The birthplace of the breed is Havana, Cuba. When you see this dog, you will never forget its expressive eyes: it seems that the dog knows how to communicate through his gaze.
Havanese are not only smart and quick-witted, but also very cheerful and funny. Such funny dogs are family favorites and great friends for children.
Maltese
Features: gentle, charming, playful.
It may be difficult to find a breed as charming as the Maltese. These are cheerful, playful, affectionate and very friendly dogs. They seem to be universal: companions, “healers,” record holders in dog sports.
Although Maltese dogs have long hair, they lose a small amount of it when they shed.
Shih Tzu
Traits: loyal, playful, sociable.
The Shih Tzu is a Chinese breed with over 1000 years of history. Despite its small size, it is one of the best watchdogs in the world. Shih Tzus always remain vigilant and cautious.
In addition to their protective functions, they are excellent family dogs: due to their playfulness, they will get along well with small children. Shih Tzu is a humane breed: they are ready to give their love not only to their owners, but also to strangers.
Miniature Schnauzer
Traits: smart, friendly, obedient.
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest variant of the Standard Schnauzer. A representative of the hunting breed, it was created to catch rats. This is a smart, charming, sociable and flexible dog. But remember that it needs to be provided with good activity.
Australian Terrier
Traits: affectionate, energetic, brave.
The Australian Terrier is a brave, curious, yet even-tempered dog with a “sane approach to life.” Such pets simply disarm with their obedience, affection, friendliness and boundless love for their family.
Welsh Terrier
Features: smart, playful, friendly.
This is a cheerful and friendly dog with a gentler character than other terriers. The breed was created for hunting badgers, otters and other small predators. As family pets, Welsh Terriers are friendly, loyal, sweet, gentle and even shy.
Silkie Terrier
Traits: friendly, energetic, fast.
The Silkie Terrier (Australian Silky Terrier) has a smooth, silky coat and is absolutely charming. In terms of habits, this is a true terrier - energetic, courageous and self-confident. He reveals his gentle and loving side to his owners.
Norwich Terrier
Traits: loyal, affectionate, intelligent.
Initially, the breed was bred as a farmer's assistant, but then Norwich Terriers were “retrained” as fox hunters. This is one of the best companion dogs today: friendly, sweet and very smart.
Wire Fox Terrier
Traits: friendly, confident, energetic.
This is a unique terrier - smart, energetic and loving people with all his heart. Such an animal needs constant physical and mental stress - the dog cannot stand boredom in the literal sense of the word.
For allergy sufferers, the advantage of the breed is its hard, coarse coat, which the fox terrier loses in small quantities.
Brussels Griffon
Traits: curious, loyal, attentive.
A Belgian breed whose representatives are very independent and important. That, however, does not prevent them from becoming man's best friends. Griffons know that they are wonderful, but at the same time they are not shy about being cheerful and happy. Such a dog is your personal source of positivity.
Border Terrier
Features : brave, affectionate, cheerful.
This little one is a very stubborn and purposeful dog. The little hunter was bred to stalk foxes: when he spots his prey, he literally explodes with overwhelming energy and impatience.
They are excellent family dogs who love children. But their specialty is to dig holes. In this activity, Border Terriers burn off excess energy and embody their hunting instincts.
Coton de Tulear
Features: charming, affectionate, playful.
This little dog from Madagascar is always full of positivity and always ready to play. Very similar to the Bichon Frize and Maltese with its cheerful disposition and charm.
The soft fur of the Coton de Tulear very rarely falls out, which makes the acquisition of such a pet possible even for a hypersensitive owner.
Chinese Crested
Traits: unusual, loyal, loving.
The Chinese Crested is one of the most unusual breeds. Its representatives are often called cat dogs - small and agile, they do not really like to run or take long walks. If you were looking for a loving and loyal pet, this is a great choice.
For allergy sufferers, the breed is good because its representatives are hairless.
Russian Tsvetnaya lap dog
Traits : cheerful, charming, curious.
This breed was bred as the best apartment breed. Russian colored lapdogs are playful, smart, and obedient. These are friendly dogs who adore cheerful and active people: it seems that the dogs are ready to make friends with any stranger.
For allergy sufferers, lap dogs are good because they rarely shed.
Zushon
Traits: loyal, affectionate, people-oriented.
The Zuchon is a hybrid breed, a cross between a Cavachon and a Shih Tzu. Its representatives simply adore people: seeing their owner home from work is a great happiness for them. But at the same time, such dogs have difficulty coping with loneliness.
Bolognese
Traits: playful, loyal, patient.
By choosing a Bolognese dog for your home, you get a calm and playful, loyal and obedient friend. The pet adores its owner, but at the same time knows how to cleverly manipulate him: smart and cunning, he knows what he wants and how to get it.
Kiy-Leo
Traits: playful, friendly, gentle.
This is a small but confident dog. Calm and obedient, suitable for families with small children. This is a quiet pet that will not annoy you with barking. Kiy-Leo are cheerful, playful, and cope well with loneliness for a long time.
Czech Terrier
Traits: smart, family-oriented, adventurous.
The dog is distinguished by cold calculation and an adventurous spirit. This is a family pet and a wonderful friend for teenage children. It seems that it is unusual for this animal to experience stress; a bad mood is simply an inexhaustible source of cheerfulness.
Toy poodle
Traits: Loyal, energetic, highly intelligent.
Poodles are one of the smartest breeds, loyal and obedient pets. They are not only funny, but also surprisingly active and playful - excellent companions for followers of a healthy lifestyle.
Small lion dog (Levchen)
Traits: optimistic, friendly, affectionate.
Levchen is one of the most expensive breeds in the world. The reason for the high price is that the dog practically does not shed.
“The Little Lion Dog” is as friendly as a Golden Retriever and brave as a lion. Despite its toy size, it will become a faithful guardian of the owner’s peace.
Lakeland Terrier
Traits : self-confident, calm, friendly.
The main task of the breed: protecting sheep, hunting foxes. Keep in mind that these little ones are quite aggressive with other dogs. But people are charmed by their friendliness. These are energetic dogs that need adequate exercise.
The Lakeland coat is hard, short, and without a fluffy undercoat. They shed lightly, making the breed hypoallergenic.
Allergy treatment
Allergies in dogs treatment
begins after the provoking factor is identified. There are several courses of action:
- For flea dermatitis, put a flea collar on your pet. The affected areas should be lubricated with a special ointment (usually corticosteroids) prescribed by the veterinarian. Also bathe your dog with anti-flea shampoo. If necessary, give a tablet to relieve itching.
- Food allergies cannot be cured, only removing the allergen from the diet forever.
- If you have been vaccinated, give an antihistamine and the symptoms will go away quickly.
- Allergy to chemicals can also be treated only by eliminating the harmful factor. Without this, all efforts will be in vain.
- If your dog is allergic to dust, do wet cleaning more often, bathe him, and do not let him run in dusty places on the street (construction sites, trash cans, etc.).
- If you have an autoimmune disorder, you can apply anti-inflammatory agents to your skin. This will ease the condition. During this time, the doctor will select etiotropic treatment, which will have to be repeated often, because the autoimmune disease does not go away completely.
- In case of drug allergies, you need to replace the drug with an analogue if the dog has a chronic disease that requires treatment.
What can be given to a dog for allergies and how to restore its body, only a specialist can tell you. He will first examine your four-legged friend and collect anamnesis. Much in treatment depends on the owner; the more attentive he is to his pet, the easier and faster it will be to find the source of the problem.
Medium Hypoallergenic Dogs
This category includes pets weighing 10-22 kg.
Bullets
Traits: smart, confident, friendly.
Pulis are excellent family dogs, self-confident and hard-working. Rest assured that they will always be the center of attention.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Traits: humane, loyal, intelligent.
This breed is characterized by an unwavering loyalty to people and amazing friendliness: Kerry Blue Terriers seem ready to get along with everyone. As hunters, they can pursue both large horned animals and small game.
Lagatto Romagnolo
Features : loving people, unpretentious, keen sense of smell.
The second name of the breed is “truffle dogs”. One of the few, they are able to find a valuable product thanks to their keen sense of smell. As pets, they make excellent family dogs. Their coarse coat requires minimal grooming.
Tibetan Terrier
Traits: loyal, loving, sensitive.
The “Holy Tibetan Dog” loves a person more than anything in the world. It exhibits excellent guard instincts: the breed was bred to guard the monasteries of Tibet. These dogs are sociable: they are “friends” with both people and dogs. They reveal their sensitive and gentle nature to their loved ones.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Traits : Loyal, friendly, cheerful.
This pet charms with its cheerfulness, but at the same time remains stubborn, like any terrier. He needs competent and consistent education. Kind and cheerful, gets along well with children.
The dog rarely sheds, but its hypoallergenic, silky coat requires careful grooming. Without grooming, tangles appear.
Irish Terrier
Features: energetic, bold, gentle.
The brave “Irishman” is a real desperate “daredevil”. But at the same time a very gentle and sensitive pet. It is universal: it can perform guard functions and hunt small game. The animal's fur requires minimal care.
Standard Schnauzer
Traits: brave, energetic, smart.
This is one of the most reliable dogs, an intelligent and quickly trained animal. The Schnauzer has amazing dedication and determination: he will complete the task no matter what.
Portuguese water dog
Traits: loving, active, adventurous.
This breed was bred to help fishermen in trouble. The dog is very agile both on land and in water. This is an affectionate family pet who loves the water element and swimming.
Bedlington Terrier
Traits: Charming, friendly, good-natured.
This terrier can hardly be called typical - perhaps he is the most charming of all his brothers. One cannot help but be charmed by his good nature and endless love for people.
Sealyham Terrier
Traits: mischievous, friendly, sociable.
A great option if you want to find an always cheerful and positive friend. Another of his strong points is his impressive friendliness. Seliham Terriers become not only excellent hunters, but also watchdogs.
Mountain hound
Features: strong-willed, smart, tough.
Representatives of the breed are independent and tough, which is why special attention is paid to their upbringing and training. With the right approach, they make excellent watchdogs and friendly companions. However, the Mountain Hound is not suitable for first-time dog owners.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Traits : graceful, loving, devoted.
It is impossible to find such an elegant dog among other breeds. These calm animals are ideal playmates for both children and other dogs. Excellent watchmen and defenders. Hairless, need special skin care.
Barbet
Traits: friendly, positive, kind.
The breed is valued for its good nature, obedience and trainability. They are strong and energetic bird hunters.
Despite his “beard” and curly coat, this dog sheds slightly.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Traits: conscientious, energetic, confident.
The dog takes any task assigned to it unusually seriously. Can be somewhat stubborn and independent.
Spanish water dog
Traits: optimistic, playful, diligent.
A universal shepherd, caring for both land (sheep) and aquatic (ducks) animals. An intelligent dog has simultaneously developed protective, herding and hunting instincts. These are also family pets who adore children.
Hypoallergenic coat does not require special care - it is enough to trim the dog once a year.
Xoloitzcuintle
Features: calm, affectionate, reliable.
Externally, the dog is as unique as the name of its breed, because it is a hairless pet. Show-low-its-queen-tlee is the “dog of the gods”, bred by the Incas over 3,000 years ago. Today he is a loving, calm and affectionate protector of the home.
How to properly care for a dog
Hypoallergenic dogs do not exclude the possibility of allergies. To reduce the risk of increased symptoms of the disease, experts recommend especially careful care of your dog. The animal should be washed and combed thoroughly several times a week. It is important to carry out frequent wet cleaning in the house. In this case, allergen-free dogs will cause minimal harm to their owner. Additionally, you can install air purifiers that use special filters to capture harmful particles and rid the air of germs.
Large hypoallergenic dogs
In the category animals weighing more than 23 kg.
Irish Water Spaniel
Features : brave, diligent, cheerful.
No matter what the animal does, it will always be fun. These are universal companions suitable for lovers of an active lifestyle. The dog loves water - it’s great if the owner knows how to swim well.
Afghan Hound
Traits: Gentle, funny and independent.
Despite its royal appearance, this is a somewhat funny dog. She is very independent, suitable for novice owners.
The long fur of such a pet does not bother her - she rarely sheds.
Bergamasco Shepherd
Traits: smart, independent, friendly.
These are patient, gentle animals with a developed protective function: like nannies, they will look after and love small children. Bergamascos persistently carry out all the tasks assigned by the owner.
The dreadlock-like coat is hypoallergenic: requires little maintenance and rarely falls out.
Griffon Korthals
Traits : friendly, obedient, patient.
These are obedient and trainable animals, which makes raising and training very easy. Strong and insightful, wire-haired griffons are one of the best hunting breeds.
The Griffon's coarse and short coat is considered hypoallergenic in nature.
Samoyed
Features: unpretentious, affectionate, loving.
Samoyeds will always give love and theirs. But in return they ask for the same love and care. They can be both working and domestic dogs.
The animals have fluffy fur with an undercoat, but leave almost no dandruff.
Airedale
Features: affectionate, brave, smart.
This is not only a skilled hunter, but also an excellent athlete. A brave, strong, but at the same time gentle dog, capable of protecting the people he loves.
Giant Schnauzer
Traits : Trainable, powerful, alert.
This is a large, energetic and intelligent working dog. It is attractive for allergy sufferers because it sheds slightly and rarely.
How to determine if you have an allergy?
To understand what your allergies are related to, it is best to undergo special tests. However, if you take the test after you get a pet, it will be of little use. It is better to decide on the breed in advance and conduct a test. If possible, arrange direct contact with the animal. Even after playing with a cat or dog for a short time, allergy sufferers may experience itchy eyes and sneezing. Possible symptoms also include changes in skin color.
The intensity of contact with the pet is of great importance for allergy sufferers. Thus, owners of private houses have a better chance of proper adaptation. Having an open garden in the backyard increases the overall space.
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