No dog is 100% allergen free. This is because humans react to a dog’s dander and saliva, not their fur as commonly believed. However, breeds that shed less, such as the Airedale Terrier, are considered hypoallergenic because dander travels predominately through loose fur. If you’re only mildly or moderately allergic to dogs, you might still be able to own an Airedale Terrier—especially if you take some extra steps to combat the allergen in your home. Continue reading to learn more.
What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?
If you’re allergic to dogs, you might be wondering if a hypoallergenic breed could be the easy answer to canine ownership. The answer is maybe, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Hypoallergenic breeds shed less, which means they don’t release as much dander around your home.
Common hypoallergenic dog breeds include the poodle (include mixes such as the popular Goldendoodle), the Schnauzer, the Portuguese Water Dog, and the Bichon Frise. All these dogs still produce the allergens that humans react to, but in considerably less amounts which might make them a compromise for someone who has mild to moderate symptoms.
Why Airedale Terriers Are hypoallergenic
Airedales are called the King of Terriers because they are the largest breed in the terrier group. Their tight, wiry, coat doesn’t shed much fur and they produce considerably less dander than some dogs. These traits qualify them for being a hypoallergenic breed.
Ways to Combat Dog Allergies
Even if you adopt a hypoallergenic breed such as the Airedale Terrier, you’ll still need ways to mediate the allergen, especially if your symptoms are worse than mild. Here are some simple ways to reduce your body’s response.
1. Recruit another family member to groom the dog.
Ask if someone else in your family will volunteer to brush and wash your Airedale Terrier. You shouldn’t bathe them more than once a week since that’ll dry out their coat, but you can bathe them a few times a month to help get rid of the dander.
2. Don’t let them sleep on your bed.
If your dog sleeps on your bed, they’ll shed their fur and dander all over your sheets. They might even try to snuggle close to your face—which means you’ll be breathing in those allergens all night long.
3. If you must let your dog sleep with you, frequently wash your bedding in hot water.
We get it. Some dogs like to sleep with their humans, and you may not have the heart to say no. If you and your dog are snuggle buddies for life, just make sure that the dog stays relatively clean with several baths a month and wash your sheets weekly in hot water. This will also help kill the dust mites that live in their dander. Dust mites are microscopic bugs that feed off dead skin (gross). Chances are you might be allergic to them too, so do yourself a favor and give your bedding a good hot bath to tackle both common allergens at once.
4. Vacuum instead of sweep.
There may be times you must sweep to grab those pesky crumbs that like to linger in the corners where the vacuum can’t reach. However, choose the vacuum over the broom when possible, or at least vacuum first so you’re less likely to stir up dust. Wear a mask when you dump the filter and keep the filter clean so you’re not breathing in what you’ve sucked up.
5. Dust with a moistened rag.
Moisture traps dust, so always wet your rag when you clean so the dander can’t fly up your nose.
6. Consider medication.
If your allergies frequently inhibit your everyday life, you might want to start taking over-the-counter antihistamines or research natural homeopathic remedies for allergies.
Final Thoughts
If you want to adopt an Airedale Terrier, you’ll be happy to hear that they’re a hypoallergenic breed that most mild to moderate allergy sufferers should be able to live with. However, everyone reacts differently to allergens, so if you have severe symptoms even a hypoallergenic breed may not be the pet for you. Try to see if you can spend some time with your prospective new pet before you adopt them to see how you respond before you commit.
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