Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Might Be For You
There are a lot of dog lovers in the world who also suffer from dog allergies. So, what can you do if you're allergic to the animals that you love? The answer is to choose a dog that is from a hypoallergenic dog breed! There are a lot of hypoallergenic dog breeds that are out there. Essentially, a hypoallergenic dog breed means that the dog produces a minimal amount of dander, so it usually does not affect the person who has the allergy. Many people think that dog allergies are connected to the hair shedding of the dog, and this isn't exactly true. It is true that dog hair can contribute to the spread of dander, but it is actually the dander which causes the allergy.
There are many different hypoallergenic dog breeds that you can choose from. However, you should know that there will never be a dog that is 100% hypoallergenic. Even dogs that are hairless, such as the Mexican Hairless Dog and the Hairless Khala still will produce dander. For this reason, it is recommended that you try to spend some time with a hypoallergenic dog that you are considering to purchase. Usually spending about a day with a hypoallergenic dog is sufficient time to see if the dog will cause an allergic reaction, but some people are able to have an allergic reaction in less than twenty minutes.
Here are a couple of hypoallergenic dog breeds:
•Old English Sheep Dogs – This is one of the popular options for hypoallergenic dog breeds, particularly because the puppies are so cute! However, you should know that Old English Sheep Dogs sometimes do not produce a lot of dander as puppies, and then they begin to cause allergic reactions when they grow to be bigger. If you are going to buy an Old English Sheep Dog, make sure that you buy one that is full grown. This way, you will ensure that you won't have to sell your dog after a few years, because the amount of dander it produces has increased.
•Bichon Frise – The Bichon Frise is another popular hypoallergenic dog breed, particularly because these patient dogs do so well with children. In addition, these little white dogs are also playful, affectionate, and cheerful. This dog makes a great addition to any family!
•Poodle: There are a lot of different types of poodles, such as the miniature poodle, the standard poodle, and the toy poodle. All of these poodle breeds are listed as being hypoallergenic. Recently, it also has been popular to get poodle mixes, such as the labradoodle and the goldendoodle. These breeds also are thought to be hypoallergenic, but you should be more careful here. If you are going to get a poodle mix, you should try to purchase one from the second or third generation. Usually the first generation poodle mixes do not have strong poodle traits, and they might produce more dander than a regular poodle.
•Portuguese Water Dog – It is quite easy to spot a Portuguese Water Dog, because they have curly or wavy hair. These hypoallergenic dogs also are very intelligent, which makes them easy to train! Usually, the Portuguese Water Dog likes to stay in close proximity to its owner, making these pets really great companions. Just make sure that you never leave this dog boxed up in the house for too long – when these dogs get bored, they tend to be a little destructive! As long as you let this dog get its exercise and play with toys, you shouldn't have any problems.
These are some of the hypoallergenic dog breeds that are available. If you have other questions about hypoallergenic dog breeds, you should ask a dog breeder or a veterinarian.
More Learn About Dogs
« Family speaks out on dog's | Only Dog Beds | Tips For Choosing A Hypoallergenic Dog »
