allergy of pet hair?

Question

i am looking at buying a dog but since having my son have become allergic,any ideas on dogs that wouldn't have this effect on me but would have to be small as my house is

Answer 1

I have allergies to animals and did alot of research when choosing a dog. We have a Bichon Frise, which is good for people with allergies. Like some dogs in a list I saw in an earlier answer, they do not shed their hair. Thus, they have to be brushed and groomed frequently or else they will form mats in their hair. Their skin cells regenerate about every 21 days while most dogs regenerate skin cells about every 7 days. Thus, much less dander.

Let me just add to this GitEmGang, there is no 100% hypo-allergenic dog, but the allergies do have something to do with hair. And, the dog's coat does have a factor. This from the AKC website:

AKC Breeds and Varieties Allow Allergy Sufferers to Consider Dog Ownership
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[Wednesday, August 17, 2005]
-- Plus, Hairless Breeds: Nothing To Sneeze At --

While no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic, there are many breeds which the American Kennel Club (AKC®) suggests people with allergies consider. Most of these breeds have non-shedding coats, which produce less dander. It's the dander not the hair which causes most pet allergies.

For those who can't do without the joy of a canine companion but want to keep their allergies at bay, the AKC suggests they consider the following breeds:
Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Chinese Crested
Irish Water Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Maltese
Poodles (Toy, Miniature or Standard)
Portuguese Water Dog
Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard or Giant)
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Xoloitzcuintli
"These breeds may be just what the doctor ordered for people with allergies," says Lisa Peterson, spokesperson for the American Kennel Club. "There are a variety of sizes, energy levels and temperaments, yet all are well-established in their coat type. Dogs that are AKC registered have pedigrees reaching back often hundreds of years and so the characteristics that make them better companions for allergy suffers are fixed through decades of breeding for consistent type."

Many of these breeds have shown a rise in popularity over the last decade. The Chinese Crested moved from 73 (out of the 153 AKC breeds) to 57 while the Portuguese Water Dog jumped from 86 to 69. Poodles have remained in the top 10, the Miniature Schnauzer and Maltese in the top 25, and the Bichon Frise in the top 30.

"For those who really want to avoid a shedding pet, there are even hairless dogs like the AKC-registered Chinese Crested or the rare Xoloitzcuintli, which listed in AKC's Foundation Stock Service as a step towards full registration," says Peterson. "Dander is usually what triggers an allergic reaction to a dog, not the hair. It is important to know that while no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic -- even the hairless ones – there are options for allergy sufferers to consider."

"Both hairless breeds are great for those with allergies or asthma," says Amy Fernandez, a long-time breeder and President of the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America. "The Chinese Crested is a social butterfly and wants to be around others which make them great with kids, while the loyal Xolo with his guardian instincts is the ideal one-person dog. Just because both breeds are hairless, their temperaments are not interchangeable."

Before you buy any dog, research the breed to make sure its needs fit your lifestyle. Fernandez recommends that you visit an owner with one dog of the breed you are interested in for several hours to test your sensitivity before you make the commitment of bringing a dog home. For more information on hypoallergenic breeds visit the AKC website.

Answer 2

My partner develpoed an alergy to cats and ended up in hospital suffering from an asthma attack - the second time it happened we decided to get rid of the cats- however we do now have a dog - I am not sure of the techinical term - but some dogs have fur (don't really ever need cutting) and these would cause her an attack - but we now have a dog with hair (needs cutting when it gets long) and she is ok with them. It is an english springer spaniel. But my suggestion would be if you are serious about it - go and visit the dogs before you buy them - spend a few minutes and see if you have an attack - if not next time spend more time - and then maybe leave a shirt or something with the owners and let the dog use it as a blanket then take the shirt back and keep it near you for a long time... if all this is ok then you might be ok. If you cant do this with the actual dog you going to buy see if you can find someone with same breed and do it.

Answer 3

Is it a pet hair allergy OR a pet dander allergy???? Does he take Singulair or Zyrtec for his allergies??? There are meds now thta can help anyone reduce their allergic reactions... I am pasting som einformation for you in reference to the different breeds that are supossedly better for those with allergies, and I am pasting the link as well. I know of one person, who couldn't even have the hypoallergenic dogs and ended up with a pot bellied piggy! BUT you have to be very careful with them too!!! I have two and they are great!!!Here's the information on the dogs...good luck!!!


What does "hypoallergenic" really mean?
To be hypoallergenic is to have a decreased tendency to cause allergies. Hypo means less, not none. Hypoallergenic dog breeds will still produce allergens, but because of their coat type, will typically produce less than others. People with severe allergies and asthma will still be affected by a hypoallergenic dog.

There is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog.

What coat-type makes the difference?
There are two coat types that produce a lesser amount of allergens: single-coated dogs, who do not have a thick undercoat, and hairless dogs. However even hairless dogs can produce enough dander to to affect a highly allergic person.

Hair-less Dog Breeds
Xoloitzcuintle (Mexican Hairless)
American Hairless Terrier
Chinese Crested (Hairless)
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Some of Single-Coated Dog Breeds
Chinese Crested (Powder Puff)
Poodles (all sizes)
Schnauzers (all sizes)
Portuguese Water Dog
Bichon Frise
Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
Coton de Tulear
Kerry Blue Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Bedlington Terrier

Answer 4

Poodle fur seems to irritate less than most, unfortunately your allergy can become worse over time if you are regularly exposed to dog hair.
People have their poodle bathed and clipped once a month at the groomers, that seems to help. I think poodle's don't shed like other breeds and thats why they are better if you have an allergy.
You could also try wiping the dog over with a damp flannel every day, and vacuuming every day as well. But there's no guarentee it would work.

Answer 5

I believe it is the animal dander, not the hair, to which people are allergic. I have heard that Poodles are supposed to be good for peeps with allergies.

You might also consider a room air-cleaner, or allergy meds, or shots.

I am allergic to cats and birds, yet have both as pets. I have an air-cleaner in my place, and I use an allergy medicine. It is well worth it to me, as I love my animals.

Good luck to U...

Answer 6

There is no such thing as a hypo allergenic dogs!!

There are two coat types that produce a lesser amount of allergens: single-coated dogs, who do not have a thick undercoat, and hairless dogs. However even hairless dogs can produce enough dander to to affect a highly allergic person.

Answer 7

Cairn terriers are not too bad size wise and they don't shed their fur.You'd have to get them stripped of their fur in the summer.I feel sorry for you.I don't know what I'd do if I became allergic to dogs!I've always had at least one dog in the house.Good luck getting a dog with your allergy.

Answer 8

My partner is allergic to dogs but has always wanted one, after looking after a friends dog for several weeks we realised the dog was not making him sneeze so we have now got one of our own. It is a Bichon Maltese, a small fluffy white dog with "hair" rather than "fur", the dog doesn't mault but her hair grows quite quickly so she needs frequent haircuts, very cute, nice nature and perfect for small homes.

Answer 9

Don't take this the wrong way, but I think a poodle's the dog for you. Those new breeds that are poodle-crosses (Jack-a-Doodle and Labradoodle) are supposed to be good for allergy sufferers too.

Answer 10

a miniture or toy poodle is great. look for dogs with thick, curly glossy fur since since dogs with waterproof coats shed alot less than normal dogs. the only problem is, these dogs tend to be very large working dogs so i would stick with the poodles:)