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Airedale Terriers are often considered to be hypoallergenic dogs because of their low-shedding coats. However, it’s important to know that there’s more to dog allergies than you might think. Firstly, it’s important to know that there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, but there are some that trigger less of a reaction to allergy sufferers than others. In order to understand why that is, and where the Airedale Terrier falls in the allergy scale, let’s dig a little bit deeper.
Why Airedale Terriers Aren’t 100% Hypoallergenic
It is true that Airedales are not high shedders, which is why they are sometimes labeled as being hypoallergenic, along with a list of other low-shedding breeds. Dog allergies are triggered by various proteins found in the hair, saliva, and urine of dogs. These proteins also combine with dander, the microscopic flakes of dead skin that clings to a dog’s fur. So the more they shed, the more dander can spread and cover a wider range.
Since different proteins cause dog allergies, some low-shedding dogs can still end up triggering symptoms. For example, smaller dog breeds that are more difficult to potty train can cause frequent allergy flare-ups if they urinate in the home. Dogs with sensitive or dry skin can also trigger allergies by spreading dander and licking itchy areas on their body. And dogs that salivate more will also trigger allergies from the proteins in their saliva.
Can People With Dog Allergies Live With an Airedale Terrier?
A person’s ability to live with a dog will depend on the severity of their allergies. If you have minor symptoms, you may learn to live with a dog, and some people find that their symptoms reduce after time. A low-shedding dog like an Airedale Terrier can help minimize allergic reactions, because there will be less loose hair carrying dander around the home. Additionally, they’re not an overly “drooly” breed, which can make a huge difference.
How to Make It Easier to Live With an Airedale Terrier
If you are desperate to add one of these active, loving creatures to your household, there are a few things you can do to improve the situation and reduce the severity of your allergies.
- Keep dogs out of your bedroom and off furniture.
- Use air purifiers to reduce allergen levels in your home.
- Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter, and use it regularly!
- Have a regular grooming routine, preferably with someone else (family member/dog groomer) doing the washing and brushing.
- Use products like pet body sprays or no-rinse shampoos between grooming appointments to help keep the skin and coat healthy, and reduce the amount of fur and dander flying around – be careful not to use them so often that it makes their coat greasy.
- Ensure your dog is on a high-quality diet and add supplements containing Omega-3 essential fatty acids to improve the quality of their skin and coat.
- Talk to your doctor about medications or immunotherapy to help reduce your allergy levels.
Is an Airedale Terrier the Right Dog for Me?
While choosing a low-shedding dog breed can help reduce allergic reactions, it’s also important to consider the breed’s temperament, and whether they’re a good fit for your lifestyle. Airedale Terriers are active, fun-loving dogs that are sure to bring more excitement into your home. They possess many qualities found in terrier breeds, including being fiercely loyal, independent, and having a strong prey drive – they love to run and chase.
Airedale Terriers usually develop strong bonds with their families and are generally good with kids. They’re also friendly with strangers, but they may not always be warm to other dogs, so it’s important to socialize them from a young age. They have quite a loud bark, so they might not be the best apartment dogs.
Overall, Airedale Terriers do best to live with people with active lifestyles who can meet their daily exercise needs. They also don’t like being left alone for long hours, so it’s important that someone is usually at home with them, or pops in regularly. They’re not the best fit for apartments but would love living in a family home with a fully fenced yard that they can run around in.
Final Thoughts
Airedale Terriers are low-shedding dogs that may be more suitable for allergy sufferers than other high-shedding breeds, but it’s important to consider their temperament and care needs. They are active dogs that require ample amounts of physical exercise and mental stimulation, and they don’t like being home alone for long hours.
Airedale Terriers are a (relatively) hypoallergenic breed, but they can also be a tad hyperactive! If you are looking for a low-allergen dog who will love joining you on adventures, runs, and long walks, the Airedale Terrier might be just the right fit. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, breeds that don’t shed or salivate a lot can be ideal for allergy sufferers. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about how much a pet may affect your allergies, but there are certainly ways to make living with a dog possible.
Featured Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock
