• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Our website uses cookies. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Learn More.

The Dog People by Rover.com

Powered By Rover.com

Tips, stories, and reviews for people who love dogs, powered by Rover.com, the world's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

  • The Dog People by Rover.com
  • Dog Breeds
    • Golden Retriever
    • Australian Shepherd
    • German Shepherd
    • Pomeranian
    • Shih Tzu
    • Border Collie
    • Labrador Retriever
    • Boxer
    • Beagle
    • Dachshund
    • Chihuahua
    • Poodle
    • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Dog Love
    • Cute
    • Funny
    • Heartwarming
    • Quizzes
    • Trending
    • True Stories
  • Dog Names
    • Best Girl Dog Names
    • Top Boy Dog Names
    • Unique Dog Names
    • Cute Dog Names
    • Best Puppy Names
    • Dog Name Generator
    • Tough Dog Names
    • Food Dog Names
    • Romantic Dog Names
    • Literary Dog Names
    • Country Dog Names
  • Dog Videos
  • Life with Dogs
    • Dog Safety
    • Dog Behavior
    • Dog Psychology
    • Dog Nutrition
    • Dog Training
    • Health and Wellness
    • Recipes
    • Can My Dog Eat…?
  • PuppyHQ
    • Dog Adoption
    • Puppy Essentials
    • Puppy Names
    • Puppy Training
  • Shopping
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • All Dog Product Guides
    • Dog Gift Guides
    • Safety and Training
    • Toys and Chews
  • Cats!
    • Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
    • Cat Psychology
  • Grooming
  • Get Rover
    • Dog Boarding
    • Pet Sitting
    • Dog Walking
    • Doggy Day Care
    • House Sitting
    • Search Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • Sitter Resources
  • Languages
    • en-CA
    • en-GB
    • fr-FR
    • es-ES
    • de-DE
    • it-IT
    • nl-NL
    • nb-NO
    • sv-SE
    • fr-CA

The Truth about Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Share2Pin It996
Yorkshire terrier people yorkie love

The Truth about Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Caring for Your Dog
By Kiki Kane

Share2Tweet0Pin It996
  • Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

About 10% of the human population is allergic to dogs and that number rises to 15-30% for people with other allergies or asthma. People have been touting hypoallergenic dogs as the panacea to dog allergies since Wally Conron bred the first allergy-free Labradoodle seeing-eye dogs for a family with dog allergies.

Unfortunately, however, current scientific research suggests that dog allergies are quite often unique to each dog and human. The good news is that an allergy sufferer is likely to have a good chance of success with their breed of choice, and you can easily get any potential new pet tested (dander and urine) with a possibility of a good match. The bad news is that choosing hypoallergenic dogs is no guarantee of a sneeze-free lifestyle.

Advertisement

Biewer Terrier Dog. Owner is kissing and hugging Yorkshire dog.

What sets hypoallergenic dogs apart from the pack is that they have a hair coat versus a fur coat. These hair coats usually appear in one of thee styles: luxurious long coats that hold less dander, curly and wirehair coats that hold dander in tightly between grooming sessions, and hairless hounds with almost no place for dander to stick at all.

Dog breeds sporting hair have a few unique advantages, including a slower-growing coat with less overall shedding and an innate need for constant grooming, which eliminates dander and other allergens (preferably at the groomer’s salon and not in your house).

The problem, though, is that defining who belongs on the list of hypoallergenic dogs is difficult. It’s not just the amount of hair or dander a dog spreads around, but also the concentration of the protein allergen in the dog’s dander, saliva, and waste that sets off an allergy sufferer. These traits vary by individual far more than by breed.

A portrait of a standard poodle in the grass.

If your pet allergies are mild, allergy shots or antihistamines might be enough to keep you breathing easy. Washing hands after every interaction with your pet and avoiding touching the face can also make a big difference in how well you tolerate a dog allergy.

Hypoallergenic Dogs Are Just the Start: Tips for Reducing Dander

  • Feed your dog a high-quality food with a fish oil or omega fatty acid supplement to minimize dander. Some recommend adding Brewer’s Yeast for trace minerals.
  • Get your dog bathed and groomed regularly, and if you do it yourself, do it outside of the home.
  • Clean surfaces and vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter. A dust mask can make this chore less troublesome for allergy sufferers.
  • Hypoallergenic pillow and mattress covers under your regular sheets can ensure allergens go out with the wash and don’t linger in your bed to harass you while you get your 8 hours of sleep. Keeping the dog out of the allergy sufferers bedroom entirely is even more effective.
  • Wash all items the dog comes in contact with hot water and bleach.
  • Upgrade all air filters, air conditioner filters and furnace filters to a HEPA certified version and change often.
  • Open windows frequently to air out your house and increase air circulation.
  • Carpets, rugs, drapes, and upholstery are all known for holding on to allergens. Consider removing the wall to wall and upgrading to tile or hardwood with a minimum number of washable rugs in rooms pets frequent. If your dog is allowed on the couch, consider moving to leather with a washable throw blanket for him to lie on.

Most importantly, keeping other allergies at bay can significantly reduce allergy responses from pets.

Two Chinese crested dogs at groom house

Avoiding common food allergy triggers such as dairy (or whatever your allergist recommends) boosts your immune system overall and reduces inflammation, as well as Vitamin C and a diet rich in anti-oxidants.

If you don’t have a dog yet, consider having hair and urine samples tested before you take a new pet home. If you already have a dog, getting him tested can help you best avoid your particular triggers.

Some studies show that up to 14% of dogs in shelters are relinquished due to allergies in the home! A little prevention and maintenance could help more people and dogs live together in harmony.

Further Reading

26 Dogs that Don’t Shed: Your Complete Guide to Fur-Free Cuddles

10 Practical Ways to Control Your Pet Allergies when You’re a Dog Owner

Share2Tweet0Pin It996

Kiki Kane

Kiki Kane is a canine chef, professional blogger, and lifelong animal lover owned by a Frenchie-Boston mix named Bea Pickles and a geriatric kitty named Mogwai. As a dog chef and member of Rover's Dog People Panel, she creates original dog-friendly recipes for the web series Kiki's Canine Kitchen.

sidebar

By Kiki Kane

Share This Article

Share2Tweet0Pin It996

Tips & stories by dog people, for dog people

Powered by Rover.com

Popular Posts

  • How Do Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person?
  • 14 Muddiest Dogs on the Entire Internet
  • TLC From B.C. Rescue Turns Fierce Feral Cats Into Calm Kitties
  • 15 Dog-Safe Plants You Can Add to Your Garden Right Now
  • 19 Best Pug Gifts for People Who Love ‘Em

The Dog People Newsletter

Sign up and get $25 off pet sitting and dog walking!

Powered by Rover.com
More from The Dog People
sad looking golden retriever looking out the window

Seasonal Affective Disorder in Dogs: Do Pets Get the Winter Blues, Too?

dog and human wearing hiking boots

Our 5 Favorite Dog Hiking Boots for Paw Protection

dog in screenless window

The 3 Best Pet-Proof Screens for Hot Days

Learn More

  • About Rover.com
  • Download the App
  • Rover Store
  • Sitter Resources
  • In The Press
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • User Terms
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy

Need Help?

  • Help Center
  • Join the Team
Advertisement
© 2022 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.