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A dog is always a great addition to a family. However, if you have a kid allergic to pet hair or dander, you have to be cautious about the type of dog breed you bring home. Choose a dog who sheds a lot, and your kid will develop severe allergy issues that might be expensive to treat.
If you have a responsible child who desires to be a young pet owner, don’t deny him or her that chance. Any of these twelve hypoallergenic pet dogs for kids can be a great housemate that your children with pet allergies will enjoy owning.
What Is A Hypoallergenic pet Dog For Kids?
Most people assume that a hypoallergenic dog breed is a dog that does not shed any fur. However, that’s not true.
No dog is 100% Hypoallergenic. A hypoallergenic dog breed is a general term coined to describe dogs who produce less fur and dander that trigger allergies.
What Causes Dog Allergies?
The hair the dog produces is not the culprit that causes kids or adults to sneeze and have watery eyes. Instead, it is the protein found in dander. This protein can be on your pet’s saliva, dander, urine, or fur.
So why does that happen? The human immune system reacts to substances in the environment differently.
For people with sensitivity, the immune system perceives the protein in the dander as a harmful organelle. In turn, the immune system produces antibodies to attack this protein.
That when now one develops extreme itchiness, watery eyes, and endless coughing.
Best Hypoallergenic Pet Dogs for Kids
Now that you know how pet allergies occur, here are some of the best hypoallergenic pet dogs for kids.
1. Affenpinscher
Classified under the toy group, the Affenpinscher is a hypoallergenic dog breed that suits a family with kids.
This dog breed has a neat but shaggy dense coat that doesn’t shed.
The dog breeds bear ape-like facial features; that’s why you might hear some corners calling it the ape terrier or monkey dog. Nevertheless, this dog breed is affectionate and loyal to its handlers. However, it dislikes kids who play aggressively.
2. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington terrier is despicable because of its pear-shaped head and crisp curly coat. Although the coat grows quickly, it’s not a high shedding dog; best for kids suffering from allergies.
The Bedlington terrier loves being the center of attention and, if left alone, can develop separation anxiety.
3. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is another hypoallergenic pet dog for kids. This dog breed weighs between 12-and 18 pounds, and it is famous because of its white curled coat.
The Bichon Frise is playful and easily gets along with kids and other pets
4. Chinese Crested Dog
There are two varieties of this Chinese crested dog breed. The powder-puff variety- this breed has hair on the body. The other type is the hairless Chinese crested dog.
The hairless Chinese crested dog is hypoallergenic since it doesn’t shed compared to the powder puff.
Nevertheless, this dog breed is elegant and a perfect house companion.
5. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry blue terrier is an alert, adaptable, and people-oriented dog breed that relates well with kids. This hypoallergenic pet dog for kids has a soft, dense wavy coat that doesn’t shed but needs high maintenance.
This dog breed is also popular because of its blue coat, making it a head-turner everywhere.
6. Lagotto Romagnolo
If you are looking for the best hypoallergenic pet dog for kids, this breed developed in medieval Italy to retrieve water ducks might suit your kid.
The Lagotto Romagnolo has a water-resistant double coat of hair rather than fur, thus sheds minimally.
Its relationship with kids and other pets is not questionable. This hypoallergenic dog breed for kids loves company and lives for human attention.
7. Lowchen
The lowchen or little lion dog is an affectionate and courageous hypoallergenic dog breed suitable for kids. This dog breed with an outgoing personality has a softer coat that barely sheds. Nevertheless, frequent brushing is mandatory to keep it pretty.
8. Maltese
If you are looking for a hypoallergenic toy breed for kids, you should get a Maltese. This dog’s glory is the long silky and white hair covering it from head to foot. They are adaptable pets, loved because of their hypoallergenic nature.
Nevertheless, their small size makes them unfit for kids who are hyper or kids who like yanking pet hair.
9. Miniature Schnauzer
The miniature schnauzer is a cute and cuddly hypoallergenic pet dog for kids that develop snuffles anytime they interact with pets. This dog breed has a wiry topcoat and soft undercoat that doesn’t shed.
They have distinctive long coats around the limbs, eyebrows, and muzzle.
10. The Poodle
The poodle is a popular hypoallergenic pet dog for kids. There are three varieties of poodles, toy, miniature, and standard.
The dog has a curly coat with a harsh texture and barely sheds. Furthermore, this dog breed is intelligent and thrives on tricks and games that will challenge it.
11. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese water dog breed was bred to be a fisherman helper. This hypoallergenic pet dog for kids can either have a tight and curly coat or a loose, wavy coat that barely sheds.
Bo and Sunny, Obama’s dogs, helped propel this dog breed’s popularity.
12. Yorkshire
The Yorkshire terrier, or Yorkie, is one of the popular terriers.
This dog breed has glossy hair, which is fine and silky. Moreover, the Yorkie was popularized in Yorkshire and Lancashire, where it was a ratter in mines and mills.
This lapdog is a hypoallergenic pet fit for people and kids who suffer from allergies.
How to Help Your Kid Live With A Hypoallergenic Dog Breed
Even though these hypoallergenic dog breeds for kids produce less fur, there is no harm if you are extremely cautious about how often your kids interact with pet hair.
Here are some of the measures to put in place so that your kid is allergy-free.
- Don’t let your dog access areas your kid spends the most—for example, the bedroom or study room.
- Kids should change clothes after interacting with a dog.
- Brush and groom your pet frequently. Such sessions reduce the dander or fur on the pet’s coat.
- Install HEPA air filters in the living room.
- Kids need to clean their hands after interacting with a dog breed.
Where To Get The Best Hypoallergenic Pet Dogs For Kids
You will interact with many people claiming to sell hypoallergenic pet dogs for kids. Don’t let anyone take advantage of your desperation.
Always do your due diligence. Before you purchase, first consider adopting. Visit a local animal shelter or visit pet finder.com
If you are to get one from a breeder, choose a legit person who prioritizes the animal’s interest, not profit.
The breeder should show you the pup’s parents. Also, these dogs should be in a well-kept breeding center.
Final Thoughts
Gone is the era kids with allergies could not live with pets. You can now get a hypoallergenic dog breed that your kid can pet with no adverse reaction.
Nevertheless, remember owning a dog entails lots of things. You should ensure this hypoallergenic pet dog for kids gets proper grooming, a balanced diet, frequent health checks, and daily exercise sessions.
References
America Kennel club
Asthma and allergy foundation of America – Are You Allergic to Dogs or Cats?