The Best Dogs for People With Allergies
So what are the best dogs for people with allergies? First of all, I need to tell you that there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog! The term “hypoallergenic dog” was coined by breeders and pet stores as a way to market their puppies. Dog allergies are caused by dander (microscopic particles of dead skin) and proteins found in dog saliva and urine. Since all dogs have skin, saliva, and urine there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. So please don’t buy into all the marketing hype! The best dogs for people with allergies are typically those that shed less. While dog allergies aren’t caused by fur, dander does stick to fur as it falls off the dog’s body. The most popular dogs who tend to shed less and therefore produce less dander are Poodles, Shih-Tzus, Chihuahuas, Schnauzers, the Bichon Frise, and Maltese. However, there’s no guarantee that any of these dogs will not cause an allergic reaction because they still have dander, but on a lesser scale. Most scientists agree that allergies are caused by genetics. Therefore, the best dogs for people with allergies is going to vary from one person to the next.
