Are you or someone in your family allergic to dogs? Do you wish you could still have a guard dog to protect your home and family? Did you know that you can be allergic to dogs but still have a dog at home with no ill effects?
That’s right! The reason for this is that there are canine breeds out there that are hypoallergenic and cause no allergies to their humans. There are hypoallergenic guard dogs of all sizes out there for your family to love and enjoy, so you don’t need to worry that you won’t have multiple breeds to choose from. Just the opposite.
What Are Allergy Free Dogs?
Before we discuss specific breeds that make great hypoallergenic guard dogs for families, let’s define hypoallergenic dog.
First and foremost, there is technically no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. That said, some dogs shed less often than others, and some dogs don’t shed (or shed far less often). Most people with allergies react to the protein in a pet’s dander. The less shedding, the less likely a reaction.
It’s still wise to ensure you have other measures in place to reduce the chances of allergies, including having your AC serviced regularly; neglecting AC maintenance can mean your air is less pure and more polluted, which can lead to allergies.
BEST HYPOALLERGENIC GUARD DOGS
The Wheaten Terrier
The Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog that is rarely aggressive but has a mean growl that will surely scare people off. They are easy to train and great for families. They average in size from 35 to 45 pounds.
Argentine Mastiff
If you are looking for a large breed dog, you should definitely check out the Argentine Mastiff. These dogs shed very little, so they are great for those with allergies. They weigh between 80 and 100 pounds and are known as big game-hunting dogs.
It should be noted, though, that these dogs require a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation, but with the proper training and a dedicated owner, they can be great family dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs
Looking for a fun dog that isn’t too big but can be protective when needed? A Portuguese Water Dog makes a great option for you! These dogs do require a lot of physical and mental activity so be sure not to let them get bored.
The Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is another breed that needs an experienced dog owner with plenty of time to train and care for them. They require dedication, time commitment, and work, but once trained, they make excellent guard dogs for families.
Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is a great breed for those who want a smaller breed dog that is hypoallergenic, fiercely loyal, and protective of their family. These dogs generally max out at about 50 pounds and are born with a protective instinct, which makes them perfect for a family looking for a guard dog to help protect them.
The Schnauzer rarely barks for no reason but does have a high prey drive, so be sure to keep an eye on small family pets.
Tips for Finding and Owning Hypoallergenic Guard Dogs
The breed is everything when choosing a dog; it should be hypoallergenic and a good guard dog.
In addition to choosing the right dog, you also need to put a lot of time and dedication into obedience training and early socialization. These are both very important to owning a guard dog.
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH DOG ALLERGIES
Even with “hypoallergenic” dogs, those who suffer from dog allergies need to take steps to reduce reactions from these allergens. The following tips can help you to help lower your risk of allergic reactions:
Keep Your Dog Out of Any Room that You Spend a Significant Amount of Time In
The best thing you can do for your dog allergies is to keep your dog out of the spaces where you spend the most time.
Keep them out of your bedroom and most definitely your bed so that you don’t spend your sleeping hours breathing in their dander. The same goes for any other room you spend a lot of time in.
Groom Your Dog More Often to Reduce Shedding
Baths can truly do wonders for your furry friend, especially when it comes to removing dander from their coat! Regularly bathing your dog not only keeps them looking and smelling fresh, but it also plays a significant role in preventing allergy attacks.
Maintaining a consistent bathing schedule, you help ensure that your pet stays comfortable and healthy, which means more enjoyable moments together! So, why not make bath time a delightful routine for both you and your dog?
Get Rid of the Carpet
Changing your home’s flooring may feel like a big investment, but it’s a wonderful step toward creating a more comfortable space, especially for those managing dog allergies. Pet dander is a common culprit that can settle into the fibers of carpets and rugs, making life a bit tough for allergy-sensitive individuals.
To tackle this concern, regular cleaning is key! Vacuuming your carpets at least four times a week can significantly reduce allergens, though we understand that this can be tricky for busy homeowners.
So, you might want to consider flooring options that are easier to clean and less likely to collect pet dander. This simple change can greatly enhance the air quality and overall comfort of your beloved home!
allergy shots worked pretty well before but they just aren’t accessible to us. luckily its not awful unless the dog is really in his space (the bedroom, bed, couch, etc)
Glad to hear the allergy shots helped! Too bad you can’t continue that, though. I’m allergic to dogs too according to the test I took, and we have a whole zoo it feels like here lol.
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