A Good Dog for a Kid With Asthma

A child with asthma may not be allergic to dogs and, according to "Asthma in Australian Children" published by the Institute of Health and Welfare, dogs do not cause asthma to develop. Although there is no proof that any breed causes less reaction than another, some breeds that do not shed, shed very little or have very little hair may make exposure control easier.

Hairless

• The Chinese crested have very little hair.

  Choose a dog with very little hair, such as the hairless Chinese crested, Peruvian Inca and Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican hairless) to make cleaning the dog easier.

Non-Shedding

• Select a dog with hair, not shedding fur, such as poodles, cotton de tulear, Bedlington terrier, dandi dimnont terrier or Portuguese water dog. Decreased shedding reduces dander in the home.

Low-Shedding

• Consider a breed with low-shedding coats (no undercoats, curly, matted, corded and wire-haired) such as the shih tzu, bichon frise, Havanese, Yorkies, Maltese, schnauzers, airdale, puli, bergamasco, basenji and many terrier breeds.

Dander

• Keep dander to a minimum. People react to dander and secretions, not to dog hair or fur. Regular grooming and bathing will help remove dander from the dog's body. To help prevent dander exposure in the home, removing carpeting, using HEPA (high efficiency particle arresting) air filters and keeping the dog out of your child's bedroom may help, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

• Allergy shots may help to decrease reactions.