Read on to find out which pet dog breeds are best suited for people with allergies to pet dander.
You want a furry companion, but every time you get near Fido or Fluffy, you start sneezing. Your eyes water. You break into a rash.
Your doctor told you that you're allergic to dog dander.
But perhaps you don't have to live without those puppy-dog eyes and that wagging tail. While there is no perfect dog for people with allergies, vets, pet owners and the American Kennel Club say these breeds may be less likely to cause that sneezing fit you dread so much:
- Basenji. A rare barkless dog, the basenji is small-to-medium-sized, growing to about 16 inches and 22 to 24 pounds. Its coat is very short. The basenji is known as a cheerful, affectionate dog that is good with children.
- Bedlington terrier. Uncommon in the U.S, the Bedlington terrier is a medium-sized dog that looks a lot like a lamb with its dense, cotton-like fur. Its coat needs to be trimmed, but is considered low dander. Although it can be aggressive, it is typically a loving and intelligent dog.
- Poodle. The poodle comes in three sizes: small, medium and large. All have curly coats, with wavy fur on their ears. Poodle owners often clip their dogs. The breed is typically good-natured and sensitive. Owners say poodles can be good with children.
- Bichon frise. A small dog, its fur is fine and silky, but also curly. Its coat can be trimmed like a poodle's. The Bichon frise is known as a lively, bold little dog.
- Portuguese water dog. A medium-to-large dog, it can grow up to 22 inches and weigh up to 55 pounds. The Portuguese water dog looks like a cross between a poodle and a Labrador retriever, with its curly coat and muscular body. Its fur is thick, but the breed has no undercoat. These dogs are known to be lively and affectionate. They are often protective of children.
- Chinese crested. A tiny dog, the Chinese crested is hairless and has only a tuft of fur on its head. It is typically a lively, cheerful dog. Owners say it is rarely noisy.
- Irish water spaniel. A medium-to-large dog, the Irish water spaniel grows to 23 inches tall and 55 to 60 pounds. Its coat is a mass of tight curls. It is known as an intelligent, obedient breed that can be good with children.
- Kerry blue terrier. A medium-sized dog with wavy, close-cropped fur. The breed is known to be stubborn, but is trainable and loving.
- Schnauzers. Like poodles, these dogs come in different sizes, including miniature and giant. Their fur is dense and wiry, with an equally dense undercoat. They are typically energetic and loving dogs. Owners say the miniature breed tends to bark.
- Soft coated wheaten terrier. A small dog, the terrier stands about 18 inches tall and can weigh up to 35 pounds. Its fur is thick and soft, while also curly and wavy. Owners say the breed is energetic and intelligent. It has been known to be protective of its owners.
