We’ve all heard about dogs with severe allergies, but what about people with severe allergies to dogs? That’s an entirely different story. If you or someone in your family has a dog allergy, it can be difficult to find the right breed to fit into your lifestyle.
The good news is that there are plenty of allergy-friendly breeds out there. The bad news is that there are also plenty of allergy-unfriendly breeds out there. So which ones are “good” and which ones are “bad?” Well, we’re here to help you figure out which ones are right for you.
Here are seven of the worst dog breeds for allergies:
Pug
Poodle
Dachshund
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Allergies are a common problem for people and their pets. Allergies can make life miserable for both humans and dogs.
If you have an allergy to dogs, you may be tempted to get rid of your furry friend. But before you do, consider the many benefits that come with owning a pet. Dogs provide companionship, loyalty and love. They also lower blood pressure and act as stress relievers during times of illness or injury. If allergies are keeping you from adopting a dog, there are some breeds that may be more likely to cause fewer problems than others. Here are some of the worst dog breeds for allergies:
Worst Dog Breeds For Allergies
German Shepherd
This breed is known as one of the smartest dogs in the world, but it’s also one of the most common breeds that causes allergic reactions in humans. German shepherds tend to shed year-round and can cause problems for people with allergies because they produce more dander than other breeds do. Dander is dead skin cells that carry allergens into the air when they’re shed by an animal’s body. The best way to manage this problem is to brush your dog regularly and bathe him regularly so his coat doesn’t get too matted down with dander.
Allergies are a common problem for many people, and roughly 30 percent of Americans are allergic to dogs. If you’re one of them, you may find yourself wondering which breeds are the worst for allergy sufferers.
The answer is that it depends on the dog’s hair type and shedding habits.
Some dogs shed year-round, while others shed heavily only during certain seasons. And some breeds have hair that is more prone to causing allergies than others.
If you have a dog with long fur, it will be more likely to cause an allergic reaction than a dog with short hair. Long-haired dogs include Afghans, Bichon Frise and Poodles — all of which can be groomed into shorter cuts — which makes them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction than if they had longer coats that couldn’t be trimmed or shaved off entirely.
A good rule of thumb is to ask your veterinarian if your potential new pup is hypoallergenic before buying him or her from a breeder or adopting from a shelter or rescue group.
Dog allergies are a growing problem in the United States. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology estimates that about 10% of people in the U.S. are allergic to dogs and other pets.
If you suffer from allergies, it’s important to recognize which dog breeds are most likely to trigger an allergic reaction before you adopt one.
Dogs shed dander (skin cells) and hair constantly; if you’re allergic, this material can trigger inflammation in your nasal passages and eyes, causing sneezing fits and itchy eyes. If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, your symptoms may be more severe than they would be otherwise.
The most common dog breeds that cause allergies are:
Poodles: Poodles have short hair and don’t shed much dander, so they aren’t a big offender when it comes to triggering allergies among humans — but they do tend to attract fleas and ticks if they spend time outdoors in warmer climates or forests where these parasites thrive. Because of this, poodles should be regularly treated with flea control medication if they’re going anywhere near tall grasses or woods where ticks might be lurking.
Dachshunds: Dachshunds can also carry ticks
If you have allergies, you probably know that dogs can be a problem. But which breeds should you steer clear of? The answer depends on your specific allergies and the severity of the reaction.
The most common dog allergens include:
Dander (skin flakes)
Skin oils
Saliva, urine, and feces
Some dogs shed more than others; this is especially true for breeds with double coats, such as German shepherds, huskies and retrievers. But shedding isn’t necessarily a bad thing for people with allergies — it just means that you’ll need to brush your pup more often to keep her coat clean and free of dander (skin flakes).
If you’re allergic to dogs but still want one in your life, consider these breeds first: