Labrador retrievers, however, can "wreak havoc on your allergies," according to the AKC. That said, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
"Some people with a dog dander allergy may be less reactive or have less symptoms to dander from certain breeds," Carver says. "Allergy testing cannot determine which breeds may work better for you than others. The only way to determine if you can tolerate being around a certain breed is to have direct, repeated exposure to a dog and see how your body reacts."
While the typical signs of pet allergies may seem obvious — sneezing, scratchy throat or itchy eyes — several lesser-known symptoms can also appear, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you're doing a test run with a pup, keep an eye out for facial pressure and pain, swollen blue-tinted skin beneath your eyes, and excessive coughing. These symptoms are similar to allergies caused by hay fever; they're caused by the inflammation of nasal passages.
Other allergic reactions can affect the skin, resulting in hives, eczema and itchiness. In the most serious cases, pet allergies can also contribute to asthmatic reactions like chest tightness, wheezing, difficulty breathing and trouble sleeping.
Many pet allergy warning signs resemble symptoms of a regular cold. The Mayo Clinic notes symptoms that last beyond two weeks are likely allergies, and therefore a red flag.