Are hypoallergenic dogs really safe for allergy sufferers?

While there's a lot of debate on the subject, there's no such thing as hypoallergenic dogs. BUT there are certain breeds like the Coton de Tulear that are considered to be a good choice for allergy sufferers because they shed very little and produce less of the offending dander.

Even though some breeds are labeled as hypoallergenic (like the Coton dog), it’s important to understand that there's no guarantee that they will not produce symptoms for those with pet allergies. While many people have had success with these breeds, each individual dog is different, each person is different, and the combination of dog and human can have an unpredictable outcome.

Because of this, it’s wise to spend time with any prospective puppy to make sure you’re compatible. Also, the breeder should allow you to spend time with the puppy’s parents since often allergic reactions to dogs don’t happen until they’re older.

If you’re getting the dog from a rescue group see if you can take the dog home on a trial basis before committing to a lifetime of allergy suffering.

Some of the more popular breeds of hypoallergenic dogs include: