Allergens

• Dog allergens are small, lightweight particles that originate in a dog's saliva, skin and urine. When these particles are produced, they easily drift and spread throughout a home, especially when an animal sheds excessively. The allergen particles are what cause allergic reactions in humans.
  
  

Description

• An allergen-free dog is also known as a hypoallergenic dog. Contrary to belief, a dog that is considered hypoallergenic will not be completely free of allergy-producing particles. The term "hypoallergenic dog" describes a dog that produces less allergens than others, whereby creating a reduced chance of reaction for allergy sufferers.
  
  

Allergy Test

• Some allergen-free dogs will work for you, while others may not, depending on what types of allergies you have and how severe they are. The best way to determine how a particular breed will affect you is to visit a breeder and spend time with the breed of your choice. Evaluate how you feel and note any allergy symptoms you experience while in contact with a breed. If you do not experience any noticeable symptoms during or after your exposure, then that dog breed is a pet option for you.
  
  

Breeds

• There are some dog breeds that are more suitable for people with allergies. Some allergen free dog breeds are poodles, Chihuahuas, miniature schnauzers and Portuguese water dogs. Also, there are hybrids--two breeds mixed together to make one unique breed--that are considered hypoallergenic. One of these allergen-free hybrids is the Labradoodle, a mix between a Labrador and a poodle.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Hairless dogs, like Chihuahuas, are usually seen as allergen-free due to lack of fur. All hairless or shorter-haired dogs are not allergen free. It is dander, skin cells that shed, which cause the most significant allergic reactions, not the length or absence of hair or fur.