What Kind of Dogs Are Good for Children With Allergies?

By Denise Bertacchi

Instructions

Breeds

Step 1:
Popular dog breeds for allergic kids are poodle, Labradoodle, Kerry blue terrier, soft coated wheaten terrier, schnauzer, Havanese, bichon frise, Portuguese water dog, Italian greyhound, basenji, Chinese crested, chihuahua and Mexican hairless.

Pet Dander and Saliva

Step 1:
People are allergic to a dog's dander and saliva, not the fur. However, fur traps the allergens and can trigger an allergic reaction to the pet.

Grooming

Step 1:
Pet owners can minimize allergic reactions to almost any dog through good grooming. Bathe the dog weekly, and frequently vacuum pet dander to reduce allergies.

Purebred vs. Mut

Step 1:
Purebred dogs are not any better than shelter mutts when it comes to allergies. A well-groomed dog that is a cross between low-dander breeds will make a good pet for a child with allergies.

Considerations

Step 1:
Make sure the breed of dog you choose is a good fit for your family's lifestyle. Select a dog that is good with children and matches your activity level.

Photo/Video Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of greg westfall

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