What exactly is dog dander? Can breed or length of hair effect ones allergies?

I'm told that one is not allergic to dog hair, but to their dander. What exactly is that, and does it vary with the breed. My dog is short haired, and doesn't affect me much, but I've known 3 Golden Retrievers at different times and locations that have really set me off. I'm wondering if the hair was cut short, would that improve things for me, or wouldn't that matter. Thanks.

What exactly is dog dander? Can breed or length of hair effect ones allergies?

Dander is dried saliva and skin that falls of the dogs body, often it is attached to their hair. I hear that non-shedding varieties like Lhasa apsos tend to not be nearly as bad for it but there is still some effect.

What exactly is dog dander? Can breed or length of hair effect ones allergies?

Dog dander is little flakes of dead skin, I belive. All dogs have dander. The coat length has nothing to do with it. Longer haired dogs are usually groomed more, so that helps remove the dander. Don't belive anyone that tells you that certain breeds are "hypoallegenic". They don't know what they are talking about. You may have become immune to your own dog's dander or maybe you have good hygene for him. Talk to you allergist about certain medications you can take to help with the allergies. :)

What exactly is dog dander? Can breed or length of hair effect ones allergies?

You are correct that most poeple are allergic to the dander and not the hair. If your dog is groomed often then the dander is washed off each time. Maybe the Goldens had not been bathed recently. People who say they have hypoallergenic dogs and dogs that do not shed are kidding themselves. All dogs have dander and all dogs shed. Poodles and Schnauzer owners claim this alot, but it is just because they have their dogs groomed enough that the groomer gets all of the dead hair and dander off. Hope this helps!