Which dog breeds have most allergies

Best and Worst Dog Breeds for People With Allergies

What do you do when you love dogs, but you or a family member is allergic? You do what many people do: Get a dog breed touted as hypoallergenic. Theyre the best types of dogs for people with allergies because they tend to shed less than other breeds.

Pet hair or pet dander is a common cause of allergic rhinitis, a chronic disease that affects as much as 30 percent of the U.S. population, according to theWorld Allergy Organization. Commonly known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis happens when the body overreacts to something that does not cause a problem in other people.

Most people are not actually allergic to dog hair. Rather, theyre allergic to dander (flakes on the dogs skin) or saliva. Hair does have something to do with it, though: Sometimes other indoor allergens like dust, or outdoor allergens like grass or tree pollen, can build up on a dogs furry coat and trigger allergy symptomslike sneezing, congestion, nasal swelling, asthma, andrashes. Many people with dog allergies complain about red, itchy eyes.

Tips to Prevent Dog Allergies

If you already have a dog, here are a few tips to prevent pet allergies:

• Keep your dog clean and bathe it weekly in warm water. This may reduce the amount of dog dander and dog saliva deposited throughout your home.
• Get a groomer to bathe your dog so youre not exposed to the allergens.
• Wash the dogs bedding weekly to remove excess dander.
• Use air purifiers throughout your home and avoid furnishings that collect allergens, like cloth curtains or carpets.
• Keep the dog out of the bedroom and off the bed during sleep.
• Keep the dog outside if possible. It may take weeks or months before your house is free of pet allergens.

If youre on the hunt for a hypoallergenic dog that wont leave you watery-eyed, youll need to do your research and perhaps an in-home test-drive to make sure your new pup doesnt trigger an allergy orasthma attack.

Dont go straight for the breeds of dogs with shorter coats, and dont count out shaggy pups. There are many types of hypoallergenic dogs some with more hair, some with less.

Heres some more information on the best (and worst) breeds for people with dog allergies.

10 Breeds That Are Prone to Allergies

When dogs have allergies, the reaction can be extreme. After all, they cant pop a Zyrtec. They cant decide to go for a round of allergy shots. They cant even make the decision to stay out of the field thats causing them to sneeze and scratch.

Its up to us to pay attention and provide relief. Genetics affects the tendency toward allergies as well as where the dog lives and what the dog eats. And a dogs breed also has a part in a predisposition to allergies.

Related:8 Large Breed Dogs That Dont Shed or Make You Sneeze

There are many kinds of allergies that can affect your dog. Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory, chronic skin disease and is caused by dogs reacting to environmental allergens. Typical sources of atopy allergies are pollen, molds, ragweed, dust mites, cigarette smoke, feathers, cleaning products, and even perfume. Allergies that result from something your dog has eaten are food allergies. Theres also allergies from flea bites called flea allergy dermatitis and contact allergies from things like carpet, plastics, and fabrics.

How Do You Know if Your Dog Has Allergies?

In order to help your dog, you have to recognize the symptoms that indicate hes suffering from allergies. These include:

• Increased scratching
• Constant licking
• Itchy, red, moist skin
• Itch, runny eyes
• Chewing at the feet
• Scratching or rubbing the face
• Itchy back or base of tail
• Sneezing
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Hair loss
• Hot spots
• Ear infections

If your dog has any of these symptoms, start by taking him to your veterinarian. Allergy testing is similar to tests done on humans: substances are introduced into the skin just below the surface to see if theres a reaction. Food allergies are tested by giving your dog a prescription diet for a few months to rid the system of allergens and then reintroducing foods to see which one she reacts to.

Treatment for Allergies

The best treatment for allergies is prevention. Once you figure out what the offending culprit is, remove it from your dogs environment or diet.

For flea allergies, be rigorous about flea control. Fleas can actually kill your dog if left untreated because the loss of blood leads to anemia. If your dog is allergic to indoor allergens like dust, wash his bed weekly and vacuum your home at least twice a week. Bathing once a week will remove environmental allergens and pollen from his skin. (Prescription shampoos can cut down on bathing if it dries out your dogs skin.) Some dogs may be helped by antihistamines like Benadryl or Chlor-Trimeton, but be sure to consult your veterinarian for dosage.

Purebred dogs are at greater risk for allergies than mixed breed dogs, though mixed breed dogs can have allergies, too.

Here are 10 breeds that are prone to allergies:

1. American Pit Bull Terrier

Allergies are common in the American Pit Bull Terrier, along with other stocky, square-head dogs, including the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog and American Bully. Allergies are often caused by environmental allergens including fleas, pollen, grass, and dust. Common food allergens include beef, wheat, rice, and corn.

2. Bichon Frise

The most common allergies for the Bichon Frise are contact allergies that cause skin problems and food allergies. They are also sensitive to flea bites and airborne allergens from grass, flowers, trees, and dust.

3. Boxer

Watch out for environmental allergies that affect their skin and food allergies. Boxers are particularly sensitive to dog food with a high grain content, including corn or wheat. Allergies from trees, weeds, pollen, and dust can affect them year-round.

4. Brussels Griffon

Skin allergies are at the top of the list for Brussels Griffon. Areas most affected are the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears. Watch for licking of the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections. Allergies manifest early, from 1 to 3 years.

5. Bull Terrier

Sensitive skin, contact allergies, and allergens inhaled such as detergents, chemicals, pollen, dust, and mildew are the most common allergies for Bull Terriers. An allergic skin disease called atopic dermatitis that causes itching, irritation, infection, and discomfort is prevalent.

6. Cocker Spaniel

The three most common allergies are food, contact, and inhalant allergies. Food allergies manifest typically as itching in the ears and feet of Cocker Spaniels. Allergies to typical inhalants like pollen and materials like wool, plastic, copper, synthetics, and sand are common.

7. German Shepherd

They are more prone to food and environmental allergies, while the short-haired German Shepherd suffers more from skin contact allergies. Skin allergies are triggered by fleas, food allergies (including beef, chicken, corn, soy, dairy and wheat), and pollen.

Related:5 Medium-Sized Dog Breeds Who Are a Blessing for Those With Allergies

8. Golden Retriever

There are four major forms of allergies for the Golden Retriever: flea, canine atopic dermatitis, food, and contact. Irritants that affect the skin include pollen, dust, fleas, mold, grasses, and weeds. Common food allergies are soy, wheat, dairy, beef, and some poultry.

9. Labrador Retriever

Common allergies for Labrador Retrievers include food, flea, contact, bacterial, and inhalant allergies that manifest most frequently as skin problems the skin. Food allergies are triggered by common dog food ingredients like soy, eggs, beef, corn, fish, and chicken.

10. Maltese

The top signs of allergies in the Maltese are itching, rash or irritated skin, thinning hair, wheezing, and eye, nose or ear issues. Food allergies can also manifest as gastrointestinal problems. Contact allergies can be to fabric (beds) and plastic (bowls).

Related: Our Favorite Products to Help Dogs Who Suffer From Summer Allergies

Best Dog Breeds for People With Allergies

So, you want a dog but you seem to have an allergy attack whenever youre around one? Youre not alone! Its estimated that 10 and 20% of people are allergic to cats and dogs, causing many prospective puppy owners to wonder which dogs are hypoallergenic. Spoiler alert: none of them are.

Thats right: no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. No, really. Well say it one more time for the people in the back: There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. No mixed-breed dog, no purebred dog, and most definitely not any so-called designer dog, is truly hypoallergenic, no matter what people claim or try to sell you.

That said, it is possible to find less-allergenic dog breeds that are better suited for people with allergies. These purebred dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat that produces less dander. Dander, which clings to pet hair, is what causes most pet allergies in people. Even though dogs that are hypoallergenic dont truly exist, many breeds make it possible to enjoy the companionship of a dog, even if you suffer from allergies. That predictable coat of a purebred dog is key: you know what kind of coat these breeds will have, and there wont be surprises that end up making you sneeze.

There are also ways to prepare your home to help keep allergens at bay when you have a dog. Be sure to launder your pets bed often, keep up with their grooming, and consider not letting your dog sleep on your bed. Its also helpful to remove heavy carpets and drapes that can trap dander. Vacuum cleaners for pet hair and pet air purifiers also help remove allergens, and some can even groom the hair and dander right from your dog.

Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is known for being aloof and dignified. They require regular exercise and grooming. They should be bathed and brushed twice a week.

American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is a lively, friendly, and intelligent companion. The breed does well with children and is also good for city dwellers due to their minimal exercise needsregular walks and indoor playtime will do. They also need regular bathing and nail trimming.

Bedlington Terrier

The gentle, loveable Bedlington Terrier is known for its curly, wooly coat that resembles a lambs. The breed doesnt need intense exerciseregular playtime and daily walks will do.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a naturally gentle, happy, playful dog that loves activity. The Bichons hair continually grows and doesnt shed, so regular grooming is important to prevent mats.

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is an alert, playful dog that thrives on human companionship. They are small and do well in families with gentle children. Cresteds shed little to no hair.

Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is a small, hardy dog that is happy, eager to please, and loyal. The breed gets along well with other dogs and children. Their long coat requires daily grooming.

Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is intelligent and can be territorial, naturally feeling protective of their family. The breed needs a lot of exercise and loves having a job to do. They require regular grooming.

Irish Water Spaniel

This strong, intelligent breed is the clown of the spaniel family. Irish Water Spaniels are active and energetic, needing daily exercise. Their water-repellant double coat requires brushing every few weeks.

Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is energetic and fun-loving. The breed enjoys being part of an active family that can provide daily exercise. Their coats need regular brushing and trimming.

Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolois a happy dog with tons of energy, needing plenty of activity. They are affectionate and devoted to their owners. Their thick curly coat is similar to that of a Poodle. They require trimming and regular brushing to prevent mats.

Maltese

Though small, the Maltese is known for being brave, playful, and fearless. They have long, silky white hair that needs to be brushed daily to prevent mats.

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer has a natural protective nature that makes them a great watchdog. The breed is smart and cheerful. They adapt well to different living environments, and their double coat requires clipping.

Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless)

The Peruvian Inca Orchid can be hairless or coated (the hairless variety does well with allergy sufferers). They also come in three different sizes (small, medium, and large). The breed is loyal and protective of its family. They also have a great deal of energy, needing regular activity. They have minimal grooming needs.

Poodle

The Poodle comes in three size varieties (Standard, Miniature, and Toy).The breed is exceptionally smart and active, needing daily exercise. Their trademark coat requires regular professional grooming.

Portuguese Water Dog

An athletic breed, the Portuguese Water Dogneeds vigorous daily exercise and would do best with a very active family. PWDs are intelligent, loyal workers. Their waterproof coat requires regular maintenance.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

This happy dog is active and needs plenty of exercise daily. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier adapts well to city, country, or suburban living, and does well with children. They have a silky, soft coat that needs regular grooming to prevent mats.

Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish Water Dog is a lively, hardworking dog with natural protective instincts. They are a high-energy breed that does best with an active family. They require little grooming for their curly, wooly coat. No brushing is needed, but at least once a year, they should be shaved down.

Standard Schnauzer

The Standard Schnauzer is a sociable, affectionate breed that has a fondness for kids. They are athletic dogs that need daily exercise. Their beard and leg hair should be brushed often to prevent mats.

Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli comes in three sizes (Toy, Miniature, and Standard). They also come in two varieties, hairless and coated. The hairless has smooth, tough, protective skin and the coated has a short, flat coat. Theyre calm, tranquil, and attentive, and can also be aloof. They have moderate exercise and grooming needs.

Choosing a Purebred Dog for People With Allergies

With all of these purebred dogs with predictable coat types, shedding, and dander levels to choose from, theres no reason for people with allergies to avoid getting a dog that works for their lifestyle (and their immune system). You can learn more about the activity levels, size, sociability, trainability, and types of sports these breeds may excel at by visiting our AKC.org breed pages, or using our Dog Breed Selector to see which of these less-allergenic dog breeds might be the perfect choice for you.