Allergy Friendly Dogs

Without question, prevention is better than cure regarding the issue of allergies, including those caused by dogs. In an ideal world, families would be tested to see whether any member is predisposed to dog allergies before buying a dog. Aside from the expense, in reality there are many other factors that make this rather impractical e.g. the allergy response may vary depending on the specific dog in question or may just develop suddenly.

Whatever the situation, advocates of allergy friendly dogs believe such breeds help minimize allergy risks and represent a potential solution for people who already know that they suffer from dog allergies but still wish to go ahead and purchase a dog. However, as we will discover such views are not universally accepted.

In fact, dogs such as these are referred to by a variety of terms and although some are technically inaccurate, for the sake of completeness, they may include:

• Allergenic: Low or Non Allergenic Dogs or Hypo-Allergenic or Hypoallergenic Dogs.
• Allergy: Low Allergy, Allergy Free or Allergy Friendly Dogs.
• Dander: Low, Non or Dander Free Dogs.
• Shedding: Low or Non Shedding Dogs.

Dog Anatomy

The following diagram is included to help clarify terms that may be used in various articles in this section of the site e.g.  measurements related to the height of a breed are taken from the withers to the ground.

Although the information that follows is aimed towards those interested in allergy friendly dogs, sections such as considerations, dog breeders and caring for the dog will also be useful to the wider dog-loving community:

	Characteristics of an Allergy Friendly Dog What precisely are the characteristics of dogs said to be allergy friendly and conversely, what traits do non-allergy friendly dogs exhibit? Furthermore, we question whether hypoallergenic or allergy friendly dogs really exist.
	Considerations Before Buying an Allergy Friendly Dog General considerations and factors to be borne in mind prior to buying a dog. This includes things such as dog size and accommodation, temperament and whether there is an optimal age to buy a dog are discussed here.
	Dog Breeders and Buying an Allergy Friendly Dog For many people buying a dog, especially if it is their first one, can be a daunting prospect. Being prepared is key to achieving an optimal outcome; find out how to get started, breeder visiting pre-checks, arranging a visit and other considerations.
	Allergy Friendly Dog Care | General, Preparation and Feeding This area covers general aspects of allergy friendly dog care as well as preparation for bringing home a dog, what to do when the animal arrives, aftercare and the important topic of feeding.
	Allergy Friendly Dog Care | Training, Routine, Exercise and Grooming Caring for allergy friendly dogs related to training (crate training, collar and leash training), routine and exercise, home alone issues, as well as information associated with grooming and brushing will be covered here.
	Types of Allergy Friendly Dogs This article gives the reader an overview of the types of allergy friendly dogs and basic principles. This will serve as preparation for the varied range of dogs that are categorized and described in the articles below.
	Smaller Sized Allergy Friendly Dogs Discover the traits of smaller sized allergy friendly dogs related to attention, exercise, care and health. See examples from this category such as the Bichon Frise or Yorkshire Terrier and furthermore, an interactive weight and height chart of the dogs described is provided.
	Larger Sized Allergy Friendly Dogs Various examples of larger sized dogs said to be suitable for those allergic to dogs can be viewed here such as the Bouvier des Flandres or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. An interactive weight and height chart of the dogs described is included.
	Allergy Friendly Hunting, Sporting and Working Dogs The characteristics and types of breeds that represent this category, like the Afghan Hound or Portuguese Water Dog, can be found here along with an interactive weight and height chart for the dogs discussed.
	Allergy Friendly Hairless Dogs Love them or loathe them, hairless dogs are certainly an interesting choice of dog. View examples from this category such as the American Hairless Terrier or Peruvian Hairless, and check out the interactive weight and height chart provided.
	Allergy Friendly Hybrid Dogs Characteristics and examples of dogs such as the Labradoodle and Schnoodle, which result from cross or mix breeding different purebreds with the aim of being beneficial to those allergic to dogs, are discussed here.
	Allergy Friendly Dogs Resources Useful facts, figures and links associated with the topic of allergy friendly dogs.