If you’re one of the many people who suffer from allergies but still want to enjoy the companionship of a loyal furry friend, a Tibetan Terrier may be the perfect breed for you.
Tibetan Terriers are small to medium-sized dogs that are incredibly smart, affectionate, and absolute lovebugs. Best of all, they don’t shed much despite their furry coats, which makes them a fantastic option if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed.
Why Tibetan Terriers are Great for Allergy Sufferers
First, let’s get one thing straight: there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. In fact, we recommend staying away from breeders who try to sell you a so-called “hypoallergenic” pooch.
Dog allergies are caused by a protein found in your pet’s saliva and urine, which sticks to dead skin cells (dander). When a dog sheds its fur, this dander gets released into the air and can trigger allergy symptoms in susceptible people. However, some dog breeds shed less than others, which means there’s less dander floating around for you to breathe in. Tibetan Terriers fall into this category, which may be surprising if you’ve never seen one before.
About the Tibetan Terrier Coat
Specifically, Tibetan Terriers have a double coat. They have a soft and wooly undercoat and a longer and coarser outercoat. This combination protects them from the harsh weather conditions in their native country, Tibet.
Tibetan Terriers with coats that have grown out look a lot like Bearded Collies or Old English Sheepdogs. However, if you keep their coats trimmed short, they look more like a small bear. Despite this, Tibetan Terriers hardly shed, and they don’t blow out their coats seasonally like Siberian Huskies and other heavy shedders. In other words, there’s less dander for you to deal with if you adopt a Tibetan Terrier.
In addition, Tibetan Terriers don’t drool too much, as well. Since the allergy-causing proteins are also present in dog saliva, this further reduces your chances of having a reaction around a Tibetan Terrier.
How to Minimize Your Allergies Around Dogs
Low-shedders or not, there’s always a chance that you could have an allergic reaction to a Tibetan Terrier, or any other dog breed, for that matter.
While you can’t eliminate the possibility of an allergic reaction, you can take steps to minimize your symptoms after taking your new pup home:
- Always wash your hands after petting your dog. This will remove any allergens that may be present on their fur and that get transferred to your skin.
- Brush your dog regularly with a deshedding brush. This will help remove any loose fur and dander that could trigger your allergies. Don’t forget to do this outside your house!
- Invest in a good air purifier. Not only will this help remove any allergens in the air, but it will also improve the quality of the air in your home overall.
- Make sure your dog is well-groomed. A clean and healthy coat is less likely to trigger allergies than a matted and dirty one.
- Don’t let your dog lick your face. While it may be tempting to let your pup give you a big doggy kiss, this is a surefire way to end up with a face full of allergens.
- Consider taking allergy medication. If you’re really struggling with allergies, over-the-counter or prescription medication may be necessary. Talk to your doctor about what options are available to you.
- Keep a clean home. The cleaner your house is, the less likely you are to have a reaction to any allergens that may be present. This means vacuuming regularly, dusting often, and keeping your dog out of your bedroom (if possible).
Conclusion
If you’re allergic to dogs but still want to experience the joys of pet ownership, a Tibetan Terrier may be the breed for you. These low-shedding, low-drooling pups are less likely to trigger your allergies, and they make great companion animals.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
