Coton de Tulear lying on floor

If you have a thing for small, fluffy, happy-go-lucky dogs but suffer from allergies, you should check out the Coton de Tulear breed because it’s an adorable small dog that’s a less allergenic breed. The reason why this breed does not trigger allergies in some people is that it doesn’t shed much.

Before you rush out to look for a Coton de Tulear puppy to buy, you should know that this breed isn’t guaranteed to keep your allergy symptoms at bay. Rather, the Coton de Tulear is simply a dog breed that’s less likely to trigger allergic symptoms in people like you.

The Difference Between Dog Hair and Fur

A breed like the Coton De Tulear dog produces less allergy-triggering proteins from its coat because this dog has a different texture of hair compared to some other breeds. Generally speaking, fur is thick and dense on dogs, and it’s that thickness that makes all the difference when it comes to allergies.

This dog’s hair tends to be finer and also feels smoother to the touch than some other breeds. Because their hair type doesn’t shed as easily, they tend not to trigger allergies in people as much.

No Dog Breed is Truly Hypoallergenic

It’s common for a dog lover suffering from a runny nose, itchy eyes, breathing problems, and even a rash when around dogs to look for a breed to keep as a pet that’s considered hypoallergenic. The problem with this is that there are no truly hypoallergenic dog breeds.

The truth is that all dog breeds produce allergy-triggering proteins in their dander, saliva, urine, sweat, and fur. Dander, in particular, which is nothing more than dead skin cells, can easily trigger allergic reactions in people because it can remain airborne for long periods with very little air circulation required. Dander also easily ends up on clothing, bedding, and furniture.

If you have a dog that is triggering an allergic reaction in you or someone in your family, there are a few things you do. To reduce the exposure to dander inside your home, do the following things:

  • Vacuum and dust your home at least twice weekly
  • Change your bed linens weekly
  • Keep the dog out of the bedroom at all times
  • Use a HEPA air purifier in your home
  • Wash your hands after petting the dog

If you can’t find relief after doing these things, speak to your doctor about getting some allergy medication. If your allergies become so bad that you can’t cope, you may have to find a new home for your dog.

Coton de Tulear standing on grass
Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Other Allergy-Friendly Dogs

In addition to the Coton de Tulear, there are more dog breeds that people with allergies can tolerate because they don’t shed much. Among the most popular low-shedding dogs are the following breeds:

  • Airedale Terrier
  • Bichon Frise
  • Chinese Crested
  • Poodle
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
  • West Highlight Terrier

Final Thoughts

Coton de Tulears may trigger fewer allergy symptoms in sensitive people, but they’re not hypoallergenic because no dog breed can claim that! All dogs can potentially cause problems for people with allergies because all dogs produce allergy-triggering proteins.

However, the Coton de Tulear, along with a few other breeds, is considered more allergy-friendly simply because they shed less and produce less dander. If you’re looking for a particular breed of dog that’s known to be allergy-friendly, spend some time around that dog to make sure you can tolerate living with it.


Featured Image Credit: Pixabay