Although Golden Retrievers are great family pets, they unfortunately, aren’t hypoallergenic. They are a breed that frequently sheds and are not a suitable match for people with bad allergies.

While no dog can actually be 100% hypoallergenic, there are some breeds that are better suited for those with pet allergies. Unfortunately, the loving, energetic and playful Golden Retriever does not fall on that list.

There are a few myths to bust when it comes to hypoallergenic dogs. First, contrary to popular belief, no dog breed can actually be hypoallergenic. Individual dogs can cause fewer allergy symptoms than others, but this doesn’t mean they won’t still cause an irritation from time to time.

The second common assumption is that people are allergic to a dog’s fur or hair when in fact they are allergic to dander. Dander is the flecks of skin that are shed by dogs and can cause allergic reactions.

The reason people mistake their allergies for dog’s fur or hair is because when your dog is prone to shedding, dander more frequently falls off and spreads through the air and throughout your home. Those loose particles of dander are what causes your allergies to flare up.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

There are plenty of dog breeds that are well suited for allergy prone individuals. Even if you do have moderate to strong dog allergies, many people can still own breeds without suffering from any sort of irritation.

Smaller dogs are typically more hypoallergenic as they are very infrequent shedders.

These include Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, Maltese Shih Tzu and Poodles. Since they do not typically produce dander, they are all great dogs to own for people with allergies.

Although if you’re worried about having any sort of allergic reaction, hairless dogs are always an option. The Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli, American Hairless Terrier, and the Peruvian Inca Orchid are all well-mannered and loyal dog breeds.

More popular dog breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic. However, if you only suffer from mild dog allergies, it is possible to still own these breeds without having daily irritation. Check out the tips below on ways to reduce your dog allergies.

Ways to Reduce Dog Allergies

Aside from owning a hypoallergenic breed, there are other things you can do to reduce your irritation. Using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier and vent filters helps to reduce airborne pet allergens.

In addition, keeping your pet out of your bedroom or other rooms that have furniture will help to reduce your chance of an irritation.

Bathing your dog once a week will help remove the dander from its coat, making an allergic reaction less likely.

Also, choosing a house without carpet will significantly reduce your chance of allergies, however, if you already have carpet in your home, shampooing it regularly will do the trick. Lastly, if you are able to keep your dog outside for a few hours during the day, you can allow the air in your home to clear.

With so many different lovable breeds there’s plenty of options for finding the right hypoallergenic dog for you and your family. And if you’re a Golden Retriever lover through and through, you can use the above tips to help mitigate your allergies and enjoy time with your new dog.