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Which dogs are suitable for allergy sufferers?

Many people are allergic to contact with dogs. Those who still want a four-legged pet should think twice before taking this step. After all, the symptoms that dogs trigger in allergy sufferers are often extremely unpleasant and can make everyday life a real pain.


What triggers a dog allergy and which dogs are suitable for allergy sufferers is explained below.

What causes a dog allergy?

When people are allergic to dogs, the term dog hair allergy is often used. However, this term is misleading. Strictly speaking, it is not the hair of dogs that causes problems for allergy sufferers. 


Instead, certain protein compounds found in dead skin cells as well as in the saliva and excretions of the four-legged friends are responsible as allergens for the complaints.


As with all allergies, contact with these harmless substances triggers an overreaction of the immune system in those affected. This results in symptoms such as itchy eyes, a runny nose and violent sneezing fits, as well as skin problems such as eczema and rashes.

All dogs have allergens

One often reads about special dogs for allergy sufferers, which are said not to cause any complaints in people with a corresponding sensitisation. However, this is only partially correct. Allergens can be detected in all dog breeds.


In some dogs, the amount of allergens is just significantly lower, which means they have a lower allergy potential. This increases the chances that allergy sufferers can cope with these breeds. However, there is no guarantee for a symptom-free everyday life even with a supposedly hypoallergenic dog.

These dogs are suitable for allergy sufferers

There are some breeds of dogs that are known for their low allergy potential and can, therefore, with luck, be suitable for allergy sufferers. 

Dogs that are suitable for allergy sufferers include, for example, the following breeds:

  • Labrador
  • Labradoodle
  • Bichon Frisé
  • Poodle
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Maltese
  • Schnauzer
  • Labrador 

With a shoulder height of 55 to 62 centimetres, the Labrador is one of the medium-sized dog breeds. They are known to be easy to train and are one of the most popular family dogs. Apart from that, the Labrador's allergy potential is considered particularly low, which may also make it a good dog for allergy sufferers.

Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is a cross between a large poodle and a Labrador. The hybrid dogs were first bred in the late 1980s. Originally, the Labradoodle was intended as a guide dog for people with dog allergies. Labradoodles reach a weight of 25 to 35 kilograms and a shoulder height of up to 65 centimetres.

Bichon Frisé

The Bichon Frisé is a small social dog. It reaches a maximum shoulder height of 30 centimetres. Its origins probably lie in the Canary Islands. In Germany, the little four-legged friends with the striking curly white coat have been bred since the 1950s. 

Poodle

The poodle used to be a hunting dog for water hunting. Today, however, it is kept as a family dog. Poodles are considered to be extremely intelligent and capable of learning. They are bred in different varieties. The particularly small Toy Poodles grow to a maximum of 28 centimetres, while the King Poodle, the largest representative of its breed, reaches a shoulder height of up to 60 centimetres.

Welche Hunde eignen sich für Allergiker

Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog breed with a shoulder height of up to 57 centimetres and a weight of 16 to 25 kilos.


Portuguese Water Dogs were once used as helpers in fishing. Today, the breed enjoys increasing popularity as a family dog thanks to its gentle nature.

Maltese

The Maltese originally comes from the Mediterranean region. The small dog breed weighs about three to four kilos and is 20 to 25 centimetres high.


Maltese have a long, white coat and are considered to be affectionate and happy companion dogs, with whom even inexperienced owners get along very well.

Schnauzer

The Schnauzer is a rough-coated dog from Germany. It is bred in three different breeds, each of which is distinguished by its size. Besides the small Miniature Schnauzer, there is also the medium-sized Standard Schnauzer and the Giant Schnauzer. The latter can weigh up to 47 kilos and reach a shoulder height of between 60 and 70 centimetres.

Should allergy sufferers keep dogs? 

In principle, of course, the decision to acquire a dog should never be taken lightly. However, this is especially true for allergy sufferers. 


Even if you decide on a supposedly hypoallergenic dog, it can still happen that allergic reactions occur when you come into contact with the four-legged friend and that you, therefore, have to give it back in the worst case.


To spare both yourself and the animal this experience, you should therefore make sure in advance that handling the dog as an allergy sufferer does not cause you any problems.

Treatment options for people with dog allergies

An existing allergy is not always known when the dog is acquired. It can also develop over time. Depending on the severity of the allergic reactions, various treatment measures can be taken in this case.


Acute symptoms can be counteracted to a certain extent with antihistamines or preparations containing cortisone. Apart from that, it is also possible to carry out a so-called hyposensitisation.


This treatment method attempts to gradually accustom the allergy sufferer's immune system to the dog's allergens. With a little luck, an existing dog allergy can be controlled in this way. The chances of success of hyposensitisation with this type of allergy are quite limited. However, it is worth a try.

Allergy sufferers and dogs - our conclusion

As you can see, there are no dogs that do not cause problems for allergy sufferers. However, there are some breeds whose allergy potential is comparatively low. 


Those who choose such a dog as an allergy sufferer, therefore, have a significantly lower risk of allergic reactions through contact with the animal. However, there is no guarantee, even when purchasing a supposedly hypoallergenic dog.


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