You desperately want to adopt a dog, but you have allergies? What if our immune system takes time off? In that case, you will need the assistance of hypoallergenic dogs. Let it be taken for granted, from a scientific point of view, hypoallergenic breeds do not exist. This is because all dogs produce allergenic proteins in their sebaceous glands, saliva, hair, and skin scales. When these come into contact with the respiratory system, skin, or mucous membranes of an allergic person, they cause an inflammatory reaction.
A study conducted by researchers at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, and published in the scientific journal Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, concludes that, regardless of the breed of dog, considered hypoallergenic or not, the level of allergen detected in the foyer was just as high. However, some dogs secrete a slightly different protein, so the allergic person’s immune system may not recognize it. This is why, before adopting the animal, it is imperative to provoke close contact with it, to observe our reaction, and this, before formalizing the adoption.
Here are some breeds that are key to success
Tulear Cotton
Weight: 8 to 13 lbs
Temperament: A true clown on all fours, affectionate, energetic, and playful and ideal for families and single people.
Possible health problems: 10% of dogs of this breed suffer from a degeneration of the nervous system (neonatal ataxia). However, a DNA test can detect breeding animals with this anomaly.
The Maltese
Weight: 6 to 9 lb
Temperament: affectionate, cheerful, and playful. It is suitable for families with children as well as for the elderly.
Possible health problems: degenerative disease of the mitral and tricuspid valves.
The Portuguese water dog
Weight: 40 to 60 lbs
Temperament: very good swimmer, active, disciplined, and friendly. It is ideal for active families.
Possible health problems: progressive retinal atrophy.
The Poodle
Weight: Toy Poodle: 3 to 9 lbs, Miniature Poodle: 10 to 17 lbs, Royal or Standard Poodle: 45 to 70 lbs
Temperament: very intelligent, athletic, loyal and ideal for families.
Possible health problems: sebaceous adenitis, osteochondritis, gastric torsion.
Irish Soft Coated Terrier (Wheaten Terrier)
Weight: 30 to 40 lbs
Temperament: playful, sociable, in a happy mood, but stubborn.
Recommended for people who have experience with dogs.
Possible health problems: renal dysplasia and Addison’s disease.
Even if you love dogs, just because you don’t adopt one doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t want them – quite the contrary. If these animals cause you allergic reactions, it is indeed good to take this factor into account before inviting them to share your home. Fortunately, not all breeds of dogs cause allergies in humans. They are then called hypoallergenic dogs.
Before offering you a list of hypoallergenic dog breeds that you can adopt, it is important to tell you more about the usefulness of these atypical animals.
What is a hypoallergenic dog?
The word hypoallergenic is a term used to describe a product, animal, or any other factor of external origin, which does not elicit allergic reactions in sensitive subjects. A hypoallergenic dog is therefore a non-allergenic animal, that is to say, one which does not trigger allergic reactions when in contact with humans. However, before adopting a so-called hypoallergenic dog, you must understand this concept.
