best hypoallergenic dogs for toddlers

10 Most Popular Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for People and Kids with Allergies

8. Explore treatment options

There are many different treatments for allergies. While many children grow out of allergies as they get older, these types of situations are more frequent with food allergies. Many children who are allergic to dogs will stay allergic to them even into adulthood. If the child is only mildly allergic, medical treatment may seem like overkill, and its often advisable to try the above methods before resorting to treatment. Its important to remember that you cannot cure a child of allergies. However, for children with moderate to severe allergies, there are treatments available that can limit their allergic reaction and allow them to live harmoniously with dogs.

• Allergy shots (also known as immunotherapy)

These are a popular option, though they require commitment and expense. The child will need to go to the allergist on a regular basis to receive these shots. There are two phases to immunotherapy treatment. The first is the build up phase, in which the child will receive injections frequently to build up their immunity. The length of this initial phase varies, but it can last anywhere from three to six months. After the build up phase comes to the maintenance phase, in which the child will need to go to the allergist once or twice a month to receive the injections. Its important to take into consideration how cooperative your child will be- no kid likes getting shots! Though they may be begging for a dog, the prospect of bi-weekly injections may change their (and your!) mind. Allergy shots are frequently, but not always, covered by insurance.

There are many over the counter medications that children can take to combat allergy symptoms. They are most commonly antihistamines. These drugs, which often come in two varieties (one for kids and one for adults), sometimes have mild side effects, such as drowsiness or hyperactivity. While many people take allergy medication for seasonal allergies, like pollen allergies that get worse during the warmer months, many people wont want to give their children medication year round to treat pet allergies. Consult your pediatrician before committing to any medication regime, and think carefully about the potential side effects of any long term medication, even something as simple as allergy meds.

9. Consider another type of pet

While this is the least palatable option, some children are simply too allergic to dogs to enjoy living with them. There are many delightful pets in the animal kingdom including cats, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, lizards, snakes, mice, and gerbils. If your child is allergic to all of the above (which is unlikely but not impossible) consider a beautiful aquarium full of fish, which can be artistic, soothing, and fun! It can be very disappointing for a child who loves dogs not to be able to have one, but there is nothing more unpleasant than getting a puppy only to have to find it another home when the child has a severe allergic reaction. If you suspect your child may be allergic, its good to test them early before committing to any pet (and its the responsible thing to do for the animal, as well!)

Many children will eventually ask for a puppy. And who can blame them? Dogs bring joy, love, affection, and fun into the family and are a great source of unconditional love. If your kid has allergies, however, the fun will likely be short lived unless you take the proper precautions. Researching and choosing a good hypoallergenic dog breed, and keeping them clean is your first priority. Make sure air filters are installed and consider the possibility of medical treatment to combat allergies are all good ideas that may make it possible to bring a pup into a home.

Best Hypoallergenic Dogs: A Guide For Families and Kids

Introduction

So youre getting ready to select a new dog for your home. Youre pretty excited, but you also realize that choosing the perfect pet for your home isnt always the simplest of tasks. After all, there are a lot of considerations that need to go into choosing the right dog for a family. For starters, you need to think about the dogs temperament and personality, and how they will overall fit into your family.

Of course, theres another huge consideration that you need to make when it comes to choosing a dog if you have people in your household with allergies is the dog hypoallergenic?

In reality theres no full way of knowing how your family members are going to respond to a dog, and whether their sinuses can tolerate the dog in question. With that being said though, hypoallergenic dogs are usually a better choice for households with allergies. If youre looking for a hypoallergenic dog for your home, heres everything that you need to know.

What is Hypoallergenic?

So what does hypoallergenic mean? Hypoallergenic usually tends to be a word that you will find listed on certain products, since the products in question are designed to ensure that the user doesnt get an allergic reaction to it.

It ultimately means that the thing in question does not contain many things that are common allergens. Theres no set definition of hypoallergenic though, so it can sometimes be difficult to know for certain whether you will have a reaction to it or not.

Lets just get one thing out of the way first and foremost technically, hypoallergenic dogs dont exist. Ultimately you cant really have a hypoallergenic dog because the things that cause the allergies, such as fur, dander, and certain proteins on the skin are present in all dogs.

Theyre living, breathing creatures. They are not products that we can specifically manufacture to reduce allergic reactions. Not even breeding can give you that kind of result.

Instead, Dogs that are marketed as hypoallergenic are usually ones that have certain characteristics, for instance they may not shed a lot or at all.

Some factors that determine whether a dog is considered to by hypoallergenic include:

• Low Shedding Dogs that are seen as hypoallergenic generally dont shed as much as other dogs. This means that they produce less dander, a common allergen.
• Minimal hair if they have very minimal or no hair at all, the dander isnt going to be as likely to stick to the dog in question. The dander usually sticks to the dogs hair, after all.
• Coats are short and have just one layer dogs with more than one coat tend to have an undercoat that they can shed. This means that the dander is more likely to come off with the undercoat as it sheds.

Ultimately, a hypoallergenic dog is one that is less likely to leave dander around your house. Its usually not the fur of the dog thats the main culprit of allergies, in fact its usually the dander thats the problem. Dogs with a lot of fur, double coats and dogs that shed a lot are far more likely to provoke an allergic reaction in a person.

With all of this in mind, having these characteristics only reduces your chances of having an allergy to the dog in question. It doesnt mean that its impossible for you to have an allergy to them. It is usually just a case that there are some dogs that produce certain proteins in their skin that people arent as allergic to.

In addition to this, it can also apply to two dogs of one breed. You may be allergic to your sisters Afghan hound but not to your own, for instance.

Breeds of Hypoallergenic Dogs?

So now that you know what a hypoallergenic dog is, you may be wondering which breeds are usually considered to be hypoallergenic. Well, as it turns out, there are many breeds that are classed or marketed as hypoallergenic, so you have a lot more choices than you may have thought you did initially.

Here are just a few of the great choices you can have for your family if you or another family member has allergies.

Afghan Hound

Wait, the Afghan hound is hypoallergenic? This may seem almost unbelievable based on the sheer amount of fur that these dogs have. In reality though theyre one of the best dogs out there for allergy sufferers.

They have very silky coats and dont shed very often. They look super cute too, with fuzzy short coats as pups and luscious long, silky locks when they are fully grown.

These dogs do require quite a bit of grooming, as you may imagine based on the length of their coats. With that in mind though, grooming can be an excellent bonding activity, so you may not mind!

So what are the pros and cons of having an Afghan hound? Well, these dogs are quite energetic and can run for miles! Theyre a fantastic choice for an active family that likes to go on walks a lot. Theyre pretty independent, and they have a lot of love to give to their families.

They are sure to fit right in with your family. As we have already established, the Afghan hound doesnt tend to shed a lot and they dont tend to smell a lot. Just remember though that they will need to be brushed every day and the grooming can be quite a lot of maintenance!

With that being said, an Afghan hound may have trouble around people it doesnt know. Its not a great dog to have around strangers, as it is usually quite aloof. It chooses its pack and likes to stick with it! Remember too that an Afghan hound is going to need plenty of backyard space to explore and exercise in.

These are large dogs with a high amount of energy so this is an essential thing for them. Likewise, its important to remember that these dogs have a chase instinct thats difficult to ignore, which can make walks somewhat difficult if you live in an area where there are a lot of small animals.

They can be challenging to train too, but are definitely worth it if you do put in the time and effort to train them. These dogs are generally a better choice for dog owners with a lot of experience.

American Hairless Terrier

The name probably tells you a lot about why this dog is hypoallergenic it doesnt have hair! There are certainly versions of this dog that have tiny amounts of hair, but it really is quite miniscule. Since they either have no or very little hair, you can expect that the dogs arent going to shed a whole lot, which is perfect for allergy sufferers.

These dogs can suffer from skin issues with their ears though if they are exposed to the sun. Because there isnt any fur protecting the skin, the dogs may struggle with sunburn. As a whole though theyre fantastic as a hypoallergenic breed. Theyre not the most common dogs out there either.

There are a lot of benefits to having one of these dogs too. They are incredibly fun and good natured. You will certainly have an easy time getting a lot of affection out of an American Hairless Terrier, making them the perfect family pet! Unlike the Afghan hound that we mentioned just previously, they also dont require a lot of maintenance in the looks department.

Theres no need to give them daily brushes or spend a small fortune on grooming all the time because they either have very little fur or none at all. They are also energetic dogs, so theyre a good choice for active families.

Of course, there are also some disadvantages to these dogs, depending on what your priorities are. For instance, these dogs are extremely independent. They arent really lap dogs that will insist on being glued to the hip with you. This is both a good and a bad thing depending on you as a person.

You will also need to ensure that their skin is well looked after when the weather is extreme, such as when its super cold or incredibly hot. They are also prone to chasing after small prey animals, so be warned if you have any rabbits in the home or if you walk in locations where there are a lot of small animals.

Bedlington Terrier

The next option on our list is the Bedlington Terrier. These dogs are very unique looking, so they are sure to attract attention when you are out on walks! In fact, in regards to the look of their fur, they resemble sheep in many respects. These dogs love all of the attention that they get too, so theyll be well suited to households where they are able to get a lot of love and affection.

These dogs have very curly coats that arent quite wiry but arent super soft either. You would think that given the combination that these dogs would have a habit of shedding, but this actually isnt the case. In fact they are one of the most hypoallergenic dog breeds out there.

They will require quite a bit of grooming and clipping though since their coats grow really fast, even if they dont shed. You will need to take good care of them!

So what about pros and cons? These dogs are around medium size theyre not super big or small either. They also have a very unique appearance which is a lot of fun! These dogs run very quickly and have a lot of energy, so theyre great if you like to get a lot of activity into your day too. They also arent super boisterous in the house either, which is quite the rarity for terrier breeds.

With that being said, these dogs can get into quite some mischief if you havent trained them well, such as hole digging, barking and they can be quite stubborn. They arent ideal to have if you live in a multi pet household since they can be prone to aggression towards other dogs.

Youll also need to make sure that you have plenty of time to give them in order to ensure that they arent bored. Boredom is one of those things thats going to contribute to a destroyed house, after all!

Bichon Frise

The Bichon frise is a popular dog with a snow white coat and enough personality for an entire village. Theyre a joy to have in any household, and are the ideal dogs to have around children, people and even other dogs. If youre looking for a lap dog then look no further than one of these cuties!

They dont tend to shed a lot, despite their large amounts of fur. Most of the time if one of these dogs does end up shedding, the hair will get trapped in the undercoat. This does mean that you will need to keep them well groomed, but otherwise theyre ideal if you have allergies.

These dogs are great with other pets and children, as weve already said, making them a good family pet. Theyre very small and super playful. If you need a watchdog then theyre also a good choice, but they dont show any aggression either which is ideal.

Unfortunately they are quite well known for their tendency to bark a lot, so if this is something that you wish to avoid then you will need to work hard on your training. Speaking of training, these dogs can be quite difficult to housebreak, so thats something that you will need to keep in mind.

They dont like being alone either, so they may not be the ideal choice if you are frequently out of the house without them.

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is yet another unique looking dog that comes in both hairless and coated varieties. Thanks to their minimal amounts of hair, these dogs dont tend to shed. Youre going to need to groom them regularly, particularly focusing on their skincare because it can be quite sensitive. They are a great choice if you want a hypoallergenic dog.

These dogs are also very playful and fun to have around. Youve probably seen them in a couple of different movies in your time too! Theyre fantastic watchdogs that are also docile with strangers, and work fantastically well alongside other pets in the home.

They can be somewhat fragile though as they are a toy breed, and are very difficult to housebreak too. They can be known for their habits of trying to dig out of areas if they are confined too.

Coton de Tulear

You may not have heard of the Coton de Tulear before, but these are the most adorable dogs. You wouldnt think if you looked at one that they would be hypoallergenic, but they are! They look almost like white cotton candy, and they barely shed at all, which is perfect if you need a hypoallergenic dog.

They are perfect family dogs, are very happy and energetic and are a good choice if you want a little shadow that will follow you wherever you lead!

Giant Schnauzer

If youre in the market for a really big dog, look no further than to the Giant Schnauzer. The name is hard to spell, but they are very easy to love! These dogs are the perfect working dogs and they make great companions. Theyre clever and easy to train, and you will never meet such a loyal dog.

You can expect a small amount of shedding from these dogs, but its so little that youll barely notice it. If you groom and bathe them regularly then you are a lot less likely to have dander circulating in your house. If youre an allergy sufferer that loves big dogs, this is the dog for you.

Irish Water Spaniel

These dogs have a luscious curly coat, and they are super tall too! Theyre active dogs that are big fans of the open water. If you live near the beach, then these dogs are in their element. They do shed a tiny bit depending on the season but as a whole they are very hypoallergenic.

You will need to ensure that they are brushed and trimmed fairly regularly, but beyond that they are very low maintenance. Theyre beautiful dogs that will take up a big chunk of your heart when you add them to your household!

Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a unique looking dog that can also come in a blue color, making them extra unique! Theyre known for their alert nature and their abilities to be great family dogs. They dont shed, though you are going to have to brush them a lot since they have curly, medium length coats. Theyre a good choice if you are looking for a fairly large breed of dog.

Lagotto Romagnolo

This is another dog you may not have heard of, but you should definitely look into them! They look like little teddies, and are just as lovable as you would expect. They are known for their strong senses of smell, and they work hard too ideal if youre looking for a working dog.

They have curly and thick hair, yet they are very hypoallergenic since they dont shed a lot. Make sure that you are keeping on top of a regular trimming regime to keep their fur in good condition. Otherwise these dogs are a great choice for allergy sufferers, and will be a real asset to your home.

Maltese

This tiny little ball of fur will add oodles of love to your home. They have beautiful white coats and barely shed at all, though you will need to ensure that they are crooked and brushed regularly if you dont trim their fur often.

Theyre friendly dogs that are the perfect lap dogs. They are happy and will love your family a lot, so why not consider one?

Miniature Schnauzer

These gorgeous dogs are similar to the schnauzers we mentioned earlier on the list, but theyre miniature! In such a small dog though, you may not expect the high levels of energy that you get with them!

Theyre ideal if you lead an active lifestyle and want a dog that can participate in that lifestyle with you. Theyre also good as guard dogs if you happen to need one. They dont shed a lot, despite the amount of fur that they have. Just stay on top of grooming and both you and your pooch will be happy.

Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless)

You would be lucky to find one of these rare dogs! They originally come from Peru and are very loyal and ideal as guard dogs. They can be tall, short or medium sized, and can either be hairless or have fairly short coats. Youre going to need to keep on top of their skin care regimen to keep them healthy, but you have no need to worry about these dogs setting off your allergies.

Poodle

When people think of hypoallergenic dogs, they may think of the poodle. The poodle is a popular dog for a reason it has a lot of love to give and it looks very elegant. Theyre intelligent dogs that dont tend to shed a lot. Maintaining a good grooming schedule will be necessary with these dogs, so keep that in mind if you plan on getting one.

Portuguese Water Dog

Another water dog thats ideal for people who live by the ocean! They used to occupy the White House, which has made them more popular. They are of medium size, super easy to train and have gorgeous curly coats. They do shed during certain seasons so staying on top of grooming will be necessary, but they are otherwise very hypoallergenic. They make wonderful family pets!

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

This dog has a fairly long and soft coat in comparison to many other terriers, yet they dont shed a lot as long as you groom them regularly. These energetic dogs are perfect for families and are super energetic, but be warned they are rather stubborn!

Spanish Water Dog

These are wonderful hypoallergenic dogs with unique, beautiful coats. You will need to put in the work to maintain their coat, but its worthwhile and will be good for bonding with your pet! They are active dogs that love to play, and are also good watchdogs. All in all, they are the ideal pets that are sure to impress all of your friends with their beauty.

Standard Schnauzer

Its not giant or miniature its just the standard schnauzer. With that being said though, these dogs certainly arent boring they are a medium height and are active and easy to train. They are very good in households with small children, and are incredibly loyal. Their coats dont tend to shed much, just keep on top of grooming.

Xoloitzcuintli

We bet you didnt know about this dog! These are dogs that originate from Mexico and resemble two dogs weve already talked about on this list the Peruvian Inca Orchid and the American Hairless Terrier. They are beautiful dogs that are very affectionate and make good watch dogs.

They can be big or they can be small, or anywhere in between. You can get them with fur or without. Like the other two dogs mentioned, they barely shed at all, but you are going to have to keep on top of a specific skincare regime to ensure that they dont get hurt by the sun or inclement weather.

What Else Can Be Done to Prevent Allergic Reactions

So now that you know about the different hypoallergenic dogs out there, its time to take it one step further before your furry or not so furry friend comes home. What can you do in order to ensure that you minimize the risks of getting an allergic reaction from your dog?

Diet

Your dogs diet can have a huge impact on his overall health and wellbeing. Not only is it important for your dog to eat in general, but your dog gets vital nutrients and vitamins from their diet that they need to keep them healthy in all aspects. Your dogs diet has a particularly large effect on his coat. If your dog has a good quality diet, then their fur and skin will stay in a much better condition.

This in turn can reduce the chances of your dog shedding. Dont just get any food though food that is of a low quality is more likely to make your dog shed since the food doesnt have the nutrients that your dog needs in order to keep their coat healthy. Only high quality dog food will do, and trust us your dog will thank you for it!

Grooming

Its a good idea to keep on top of grooming, even if you do have a hypoallergenic dog. Make sure that you buy tools that are specifically made to deshed coats, and ones that also target any undercoats that your dog may have. Your dog will shed a lot less if you do this and keep on top of grooming.

Bathing

Grooming is something that should be done on a daily basis with some dogs, but bathing often doesnt need to be done as frequently unless your dog is extra attracted to muddy puddles and dirty water! Make sure that your dog is bathed on a schedule that works for the specific breed sometimes this may be on a weekly basis.

It will help to ensure that the amount of dander on your dog isnt as much, so you have fewer allergens floating around your home. Likewise, use a shampoo thats especially made for dogs. Your store bought shampoo that you use on your own head is not going to cut it!

Filters

If you really want to reduce the number of allergens in the air in your home in general, it may be a good idea to get filters. They will help to take away the allergens and any pollutants that are in the air. Its a good idea to look for HEPA filters for the job, and these are readily available in stores or online on websites like Amazon.

Cleaning

This one may seem obvious but keeping your house clean will also reduce the number of allergens in your home. Make sure that you are cleaning anything that may be a magnet to pet dander. This includes things like the carpet, curtains, couches and pillows.

You should stay on top of cleaning these as regularly as you can possibly manage in order to reduce the dander that is hanging around in your home. Regularly vacuum your home too as the dander from your dogs can have a habit of stickin around on the floor.

Summary

If you have allergies then you may worry that you are going to be robbed of the chance of having a wonderful four legged friend that you can love in your home, but this is thankfully not the case.

There are many hypoallergenic dogs that will make the perfect companions for you in your home, and they come in lots of sizes. You are almost certain to find at least one dog listed here that will be the perfect choice for your home!

Additionally, when you have your pet you can reduce the chances of allergy flare ups by staying on top of the right grooming care for your dog and keeping your home clean. With all of that being said, we hope you enjoy the company of your hypoallergenic dog!