The Best Hypoallergenic Dogs For Kids

Source: Tween Parent Staff

(13 ratings)

Everyone knows that preteens Sasha and Malia finally got their new puppy, a six-month-old Portuguese water dog named Bo. One of the main considerations in choosing a dog was Malia's allergies. Like 10 percent of Americans, Malia is allergic to dogs. As the American Kennel Club points out, no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic. However, by choosing a dog with a non-shedding coat and maintaining a low allergy environment at home most kids can enjoy being a pet owner.

Things to Consider

• Personality Traits - Evaluate the type of dog that suits your lifestyle and family.
  
• Smaller Dogs - Little dogs equal less dander and are easier to bathe.
  
• Consult an allergist - Avoid heartbreak for you and your kids by having an allergist test your family for the type of breed you are considering.
  
• Beware of Designer Dogs - Dogs mixed with poodles are not as hypoallergenic as purebred dogs. It is impossible to predict what percentage of the dog is poodle and therefore low-allergy.
  

Minimizing Allergens

• Prep Your House - Remove heavy carpets and drapes. Buy an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
  
• Regular Grooming - Brush or comb your pet daily, outdoors if possible. Remember to wash out brushes and combs each time you use them.
  
• Regular Baths - Use an anti-allergen pet shampoo.
  
• Consult Your Vet - Ask about ways to keep your pet's skin healthy in order to reduce dander.
  
• Dog Free Zones - Train your dog to stay off the furniture and NOT to sleep in the bed of an allergy sufferer.
  
• Wash Hands - Dog saliva is also a source of allergies. 
  
• Vacuum and Dust - Invest in a vacuum with features for allergy sufferers.
  

The American Kennel Club Recommends:

• Bichon Frise - This gentle, white powder-puff is one of the studier small dogs, but still requires supervision with young children.
  
• Chinese Crested - A mixture of long hair and no hair, this adorable dog is loyal and great with kids.
  
• Irish Water Spaniel - This intelligent, fun-loving hunting dog is great with kids, but needs to be trained. 
  
• Maltese - A sweet natured, affectionate dog that requires extra grooming due to its long hair.
  
• Poodles - A reliable family dog that is intelligent and easy to train.
  
• Portuguese Water Dogs - No longer to be confused with a poodle, this dog breed is now the choice of an American President.
  
• Schnauzers - This intelligent, devoted family dog needs lots of exercise and is not good with other pets.
  
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier - A happy, affectionate dog that stays puppy-like into adulthood, but takes patience to train.