07 Dec Which pets are anti-allergenic?
Choosing a pet as an allergy sufferer
You may be allergic to our furry friends. But that doesn’t mean one can’t be a member of the family as there are a wide choice of cats and dogs that are considered hypoallergenic. So fear not, you can have a cat or dog without having to constantly reach for the tissues.
Once thing to remember though is that there is never a 100% guarantee that you won’t be allergic to a pet, even when they’ve been picked out as great for allergy sufferers. This is because studies suggest that even so-called hypoallergenic pets can still cause some kind of reaction in some people as their skin and saliva proteins can trigger a reaction rather than their hair.
So, if you can’t live without a pet, but have allergy troubles living with them, we’ve compiled a list of some of the more popular breeds you should consider.
Dogs
Bedlington Terrier
With their curly woolly coats, this breed is known for their minimal shedding. Which is good news as this means less allergens around the home. Weighing between 17 to 23 pounds this mild mannered dog is a more sensitive breed.
Bichon Frise
This cute fluffy dog is a low-allergen choice as it is hard for dander to escape the coils of its coat. And as they need regular grooming this also means that less dander is shed at home. These cheerful little dog known as ‘Powder Puffs’ love leaning new tricks and makes a great house dog.
Kerry Blue Terrier
This breed sheds less dander than many others. When fully grown they have an attractive blue-grey coat (hence their name) but strangely enough are born with a black coat which changes colour as they grow. This breed is a great choice if you want a fun, energetic dog. But it does have strong hunting instincts, so the family cat might not be as keen on you choosing one!
Irish Water Spaniels
If you want a larger dog, then this might be the one for you. Weighing up to 30kg, their curly fur requires regular grooming and bathing which in turn lowers the amount of allergens. An intelligent breed, the Irish Water Spaniel is both devoted and spirited with a desire to please.
The Maltese
If you’re looking for small dog, then you should consider the little Maltese. Weighing around 3kg, they have a silky coat that should be brushed daily. They are very playful and enjoy clever games. As one of the brightest and gentlest of the toy dogs, they make good family pets though they can be snappy around smaller children and toddlers.
Cats
Siberian Cat
This long haired ball of fluff is thought to produce either none, or very little of the allergen produced by other breeds of cat. They have a cheerful and affectionate temperament making them loving cats that are as cuddly as they look. Many owners say they are like dogs in their personality as they can be incredibly loyal.
Russian Blue
This short coated cat has a stunning grey-blue coat which is less allergenic. Intelligent and playful, the Russian Blue is a gentle cat with a shy nature. They are also sensitive to their owner’s moods. They will meet you at the door when you walk in and are always ready to play their favourite game of fetch a toy.
LaPerm
The LaPerm has a very unusual curly coat. This is why it is through to be less allergenic as it sheds less fur than other breeds of cat while its curly coat help stop it shedding dander. This breed has a lovely temperament and enjoys being around humans, wanting to be part of everything that is going on so it can join the fun.
Sphynx Cat
Some think this cat is ugly, while others just love it, especially if they are fans of ET or Yoda. While not strictly hypoallergenic, it is hairless. Which is why it’s thought to be one of the best cats to have if you are allergic. This breed can’t get enough of snoozing on a warm lap. A trait that has earned it the nickname of the Velcro lap cat. It is also the breed of cat owned by Dr Evil for fans of Austin Powers!