Up to 20% of people on Earth experience allergic reactions in the presence of a cat or dog. Veterinarian Sanda Koch from Minnesota, USA, said that this happens because pets produce a number of allergenic proteins, which are more often found in saliva, keratinized skin particles and dandruff. People with allergies experience unpleasant symptoms, including coughing and itching, due to interaction with such proteins.
Supposedly hypoallergenic breeds include naked terriers, poodles, Bichon Frisees and Schnauzers, and cats include the Cornish rex and the naked sphinx. However, the absence of wool does not guarantee safety for those prone to allergies.
Animals, among other things, have allergens in their blood, various glands and urine. And by taking care of themselves, pets spread allergens throughout their own bodies.
The conclusion is simple: none of the currently existing breeds is actually hypoallergenic in the full scientific sense.
Here is a list of dog breeds that you might consider to be hypoallergenic:
- Poodle
- Bichon Frise
- Schnauzer — all sizes: miniature, standard, giant
- Shih Tzu (Shih Tzu)
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Maltese Lapdog
- Basenji
- Bedlington Terrier
- Chinese Crested Dog (Chinese Crested)
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Labradoodle
- Goldendoodle