Hypoallergenic dog breeds and hypoallergenic dogs
There are dogs, and then there are hypoallergenic dog breeds that provide hypoallergenic dogs. That is to say, not all dogs are created equal!
Since dog lovers are born, not made, it is incumbent upon an allergy suffering human to search among hypoallergenic dogs that do not exacerbate their allergies! Further, the cause of the allergic reaction is due to the dander (minute scales from hair or skin that may act as allergens) of an animal. Contrary to the common belief, hair shedding is not the problem, per se. It does contribute to the spread of the dander, however, so hypoallergenic dog breeds should be considered when looking for a pet.
Everyone has a different threshold for allergic reactions. Since the best medicine is preventive medicine, take a good dose of a home in which your prospective breed resides! Not all dog dander is created equal. There are breeds that are considered to be hypoallergenic dog breeds, like the poodle, mostly because it has hair rather than fur. The distinction is that, like human hair, it comes out daily without ever being truly seasonally shed. But the only true test of hypoallergenic dogs is the one performed by the sensitive individual.
One list of hypoallergenic dog breeds includes: Bichon Frise, Chihuahua, Irish Terrier, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. The Mexican Hairless Dog is hairless except for a swath on the top of its head. If you are not satisfied with one of these hypoallergenic dogs, then try the dog of your choice--on consignment! If you are considering the purchase of a friend's or neighbour's pup from their litter, ask them if you can take the dog home for a day. This is not recommended if you are severely asthmatic or allergic, but you know yourself best.
Or, go to a breeder of your dog of choice and spend some time there. If you are very familiar with your own allergic reaction, then you know how long you need to spend visiting. The fact that one dog belongs to one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds is not a guarantee that you will not react. Additionally, even the best of hypoallergenic dogs will need good grooming to keep the dander down and the irritants at bay.
Check with your veterinarian to see how often a particular breed of hypoallergenic dogs needs to be washed without causing skin problems for the dog! And be sure to inquire of your vet as to the type of soap that should be used. The Mexican Hairless Dog has no hair, but sunscreen must be applied when it is going to be exposed to the sun for extended periods of time and its skin must have moisturisers applied to keep it from drying out!
Note from Stephanie :
Hi! A reader sent me this very useful piece of information :
Hi there -
Just thought I'd add that Old English Sheep Dogs are also Hypoallergenic.
And boy are they cute puppies! Also, it's hard to tell whether a dog will stir up your allergies when it is only a puppy, since the puppy coat won't hold much dander. A prospective owner needs to take a full grown dog home.
Maybe the Mom before she has her litter?
Thanks,
JuliAnn
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