Top Dog Breeds for People with Allergies

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For many people, dogs are loyal companions and considered a member of the family. For them, life without a dog is meaningless. But what do you do if your love for dogs and your allergies do not mix?

Allergies are associated with the dander produced by the dog and not the dog himself nor the dog hair. Dander is the dry skin that flakes off, floats through the air and induces the classics signs of allergy. There is no breed that is 100% allergy free as they all produce dander, even the hairless breeds such as the Chinese Crested or the rare Xoloitzcuintli.

Thankfully, for all those dog-loving but allergic people, there are a few dog breeds that don't develop as much dander as others and subsequently are less likely to induce sneezing, wheezing and watery eyes.

The American Kennel Club (AKC ®), largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, developed a list of breeds they believe are associated with less dander. They include:

Bedlington Terrier. With the look of a lamb, this terrier is a wonderful companion. Most often seen with a blue haircoat, this breed sheds little, resulting in less dander and easier breathing for the allergy sufferer.

Bichon Frise. The bichonBichone Frise Book
This lively, intelligent dog was a favorite among early 19th-century French aristocrats, and now makes a fine companion to young and old. Barron's... is not only a great lapdog, but the curly-coated whiteCrystal Eye 4oz
Four Paws Crystal Eye (4 oz.) is a safe tear stain remover for dogs and cats. Crystal Eye can also be used on boxers, bulldogs, shar-peis and similar ... breed produces little dander, making the dog a wonderful companion for people with allergies. To keep him looking great, the bichon needs periodic trips to the groomer.

Chinese Crested. This breed is slowly gaining popularity. Not completely bald, the Chinese crested has some puffs of hair on the head and may have a very spotted skin. Despite his weird appearance, the Chinese crested is a great family pet.

Irish Water Spaniel. Even though he may look like the clown of the spaniel family, the Irish waterFresh Flow Pet Fountain
Pets are naturally attracted to fresh flowing water. This unique silent fountain won’t scare your pet when drinking from bowl or ramp. Ultra Qui... spaniel is the tallest spaniel and a great water dog. The coatHerbal Groom Shampoo 12 oz
Bio Groom Herbal Groom Shampoo 12 oz is the Best Of Nature - Botanical Extract Shampoo Concentrate. This all natural tearless conditioning shampoo tr... of the Irish water spaniel is his most distinguishing characteristic.

Kerry Blue Terrier. The hair coat of the Kerry blue is silky soft and dense. The coat can be curly or wavy but should not be wiry or harsh. The Kerry blue does require frequent groomingEvolution Self Cleaning Slicker
Coastal Evolution Self-Cleaning Slickers save you valuable clean-up time. With the touch of a button, the pins retract, hair falls away and the pad ca...

Maltese. As the name suggests, the small MalteseMaltese Book
Barron's Maltese Book provides detailed information on selection, feeding, health care, training, grooming, and keeping this tiny and lovable dog ... originated on the island of Malta, in the Mediterranean. This diminutive breed looks fragile but is quite resilient. The long flowing white coat needs daily care but sheds little and produces small amounts of dander.

Poodle. The standard, miniature and toy poodle make excellent petsStain and Odor Remover
Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover is Guaranteed to remove pet accident stains and odors that other products fail to remove including old uri.... These dogs crave human companionship and, for the allergy sufferer, produce little dander. The breed does require attentive grooming to keep his coat in tip-top shape.

Portuguese Water Dog. Bred to help the fishermen of Portugal, this breed is as happy on land as he is in the water. Another dog that produces little dander and doesn't shed much, the Portuguese water dog is a faithful and activeHol-ee Mol-ee Extreme
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Schnauzer. (Miniature, Standard or Giant) The most common coat color is salt and pepper but black is also available. In order to keep their coat clean and tangle free, frequent grooming and clipping is necessary.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. A medium sized terrier, the wheaten seems to love life and human companionship. The color is any shade of wheaten. The soft coated wheaten has a soft wavy hair coat in any shade of wheaten.

Xoloitzcuintli or Mexican Hairless. Comes in 3 sizes and in two varieties: hairless and coated. The colors are: black, bronze and grey.