“There is really no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog,”says Mayo Clinic’s allergy specialist Dr. James TC Li, PhD. There are, however, breeds that are considered non-shedding and are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. How does this work?

The real culprit, Dr. Li explains in his MayoClinic.com article, “is not the fur but the protein that’s found in your dog’s saliva and urine.” This protein attaches itself to dry flakes on your pooch’s skin, which becomes dander. And because some dogs are virtually non-shedding, the dander that’s attached to their fur doesn’t get released into the environment.

So there is hope for dog-loving allergy sufferers! But you need to choose a breed that would be least likely to trigger your allergic reactions. Below are a few suggestions.

For more pet articles, check out these links:

• Getting a Cat May Cause You to Become Allergic to It over Time
• Condo Canines: 12 Dog Breeds for Small Homes
• Popular Pooches: Top 10 Dog Breeds in the Philippines
• Canine Companions: 12 Child-Friendly Dog Breeds for Your Family
• Turtles, Hamsters, and 10 More Small Pets You Can Get

(Photo by kitty.green66 via Flickr Creative Commons)