Which Hypoallergenic Dog Should You Choose?
There are many types of Hypoallergenic Dogs that are available. Since these dogs shed less hair and have less allergen in their urine and saliva, they are great for those who suffer from allergies. Before you actually get a dog that is Hypoallergenic, research all the facts about the dog. Find out the living conditions that the dogs prefer and how they are with children. You also need to find out the amount of maintenance required for the dog. There are few breeds of dogs which would require some one or the other with them all the time as they prefer companionship. On the other hand, there are also dogs which you can leave in your home without any one to look after them or to give them company.
Smaller Hypoallergenic Dog need more maintenance. Some of the breeds are Poodle, Maltese, Labradoodle, and Bishon Frise. Some of the care and maintenance that is required by these dogs are:
They have to be brushed more frequently, at least once a day.
These dogs are very moody and territorial and are not great with kids as they can be quite snappy around small children.
They also require constant companionship from their owners.
They also need to be bathed at least once a month.
The medium dogs which are more manageable and child friendly are terriers, greyhounds, and the Mexican hairless. These require far less attention and maintenance. Some of the other advantages are
They hardly shed any dander or hair as they have short hair or no hair at all.
They are not nervous and snappy as the smaller dogs and can easily adjust to a smaller apartment
They do not make too much noise either.
Depending on your lifestyle, choose a Hypoallergenic Dog that will fit in with you. Normally all Hypoallergenic Dog are smaller breeds but the hound is also a Hypoallergenic Dog. They will normally live from 10 -15 years. But most of the smaller breeds will have some kind of health problem at some point in their lives. They are also unable to reach higher places like beds, counters etc. The smaller breeds are ideal for those who do not travel to work or do not have children.
Get your dog groomed at least once every 2 months. This will reduce the level of allergens present in your home. The smaller breeds of Hypoallergenic Dog also need to be bathed at least once a month. Excess bathing will result in dry skin, so you should ask your veterinarian for instructions on how to bathe small dogs. Brushing the dog once daily and maintaining a clean coat will reduce allergens in your home.
Buying a Hypoallergenic Dog
Many people suffer from allergies. Literally millions around the world suffer from allergies. You can be allergic to certain kinds of foods, plants, pollens, animals, clothes etc. Depending upon the allergy you suffer from, it can be triggered by different things and this can be harmful for your health. Fortunately you can be allergic and still keep dogs at home. The variety of dogs known as hypoallergenic is safe to keep at home.
Both hairy and hairless dogs are Hypoallergenic Dogs. They shed less hair and dander compared to other dogs. They also have less allergen in their saliva and urine. This makes them safer for those with allergies. Allergens will get stuck to almost anything. Clothing and carpeting are the best places where allergens can get stuck and create conditions for people to have an allergy attack. House needs to be cleaned and dusted properly to remove the allergens on a periodic basis. You should also restrict the dogs to certain areas. This will restrict the growth of the allergens.
If you are looking to get a Hypoallergenic Dog as your pet, visit the breeders who deal in these dogs or visit a friend who has this dog. Allergies can become evident at any stage of a person's life. Therefore it's advisable to spend some time with the dog that you intend to buy. Look for Hypoallergenic Dogs that shed less hair and have less allergen in their urine and saliva. Doing research on the internet can show you the breeds that are considered as Hypoallergenic Dogs.
Remember that if you stay in a small apartment, you may experience more allergy attacks since the allergens are confined in a small place. You will need a small Hypoallergenic Dog in such an apartment. If you live in a bigger house, then take the dog out for a walk in the yard or a playground. This will lessen the shedding of the Hypoallergenic Dog on your carpeting and bedding.
As with all dogs, you would need a month to adjust to the Hypoallergenic Dog. Sometimes your allergies may get worse before you start feeling better. As the month goes by, you would see that the Hypoallergenic Dog will shed less hair and dander. These dogs would only need special care if it has be recommended by the dog breeder.
You can take the following precautions if you are allergic
Remove all the carpeting and replace with hardwood floors
The vacuum cleaner that you use should be able to completely remove the dander and dust in your homes
Wipe you walls clean every week with a damp mop and all the cleaning should be done with a damp cloth.
If possible, keep your pet off the bed
These precautions will enable you to have a fun loving relationship with your dog.
Hairless Hypoallergenic Dog
If you are really looking for hypoallergenic dogs, then you should opt for a hairless dog. There are hairless dogs that are available in medium sizes and not just in small sizes. Before you decide to buy hypoallergenic dogs, you should do a bit of research. This will help you in getting a dog that you really want. The types of hairless dogs that are available are the Chinese Crested, the American Hairless Terrier, the Peruvian Hairless, and the Mexican hairless.
The Mexican hairless is difficult to find since there are few breeders who are available in the US and other countries in North America. Since this breed of dog has a short coat, it does not need to be combed or groomed. This can be a big advantage since you do not need to do frequent vacuuming. Contrary to the popular notion, this breed is available in many sizes.
A breed that is not completely hairless is the American hairless Terrier. This dog has a short coat which does not need to be groomed or combed. It is really a freak of the nature that was discovered in 1972, but breeders have been successful in breeding it since 1981. Since it is a terrier, its small husky dog and is extremely friendly especially with children. It suits the lifestyles of those living in small apartments and get allergy attacks.
The Chinese Crested is available in two species. The first variety is hairless but has hair on the paws, head and the tail. The second variety has fine hair like humans all over its body. Both the varieties don't shed much and are considered as Hypoallergenic Dogs. A professional can groom the dog for you, or you can do it yourself, provided you know what you are doing.
A Peruvian Hairless is truly the hairless breed. It is in medium size and is a very intelligent dog. It needs to follow commands and won't always obey. Don't buy this dog unless you have had prior experience with dogs.
Take certain precautions, when keeping the hairless Hypoallergenic Dogs
They need lots of attention, exercise and like to be with their owners.
Some of the breeds can get sunburn. Be careful when exposing them for a long time in the sun. You can apply the sunscreen lotion on their body to prevent sunburns.
They can also have lots of dry skin or acne. Keep their coat soft and supple and apply skin creams to keep the skin moisturized.
Since the Hypoallergenic Dogs are not popular as the other breeds, you need to look for a breeder. Search the internet to look for a breeder in your own locality. It is important that you can verify the credentials of the breeder before you actually purchase the dog. Visit the premises to look at the living conditions and verify the breed of the dog.
Top Three Hypoallergenic Dogs
The lab occupies the first position for those who want to own a lovable and hairless dog. However, there are many other hypoallergenic dogs that are equally good. These dogs are Chinese Crested, the Schnauzer, and Kerry blue terrier . They are perfect for those who are suffering from all kinds of allergies. They have a short coat and do not have an undercoating. They also do not shed nearly as much as the hairy dogs. These varieties can also be found easily and you can contact the breeder online. What is more is that they are pure bred dogs!
One of the more popular varieties, the Chinese Crested comes in two varieties. The first one known as hairless has hair on its tail, paws, and head. It might have hair on its chin too but the hair is quite soft and doesn't shed as much as other dogs. However, this breed is susceptible to skin problems and can get acne and sunburn very easily. Apart from skin problems, this dog is extremely friendly. The other variety of Chinese Crested is known as the powder puff. Both the varieties are considered to be Hypoallergenic Dogs.
The powder puff Chinese Crested is beautiful with a coat full of long hair, but doesn't shed as often. People experience far less allergy problems since the hair just floats and do not affect people much. Both the hairless and powder puff are completely safe dogs to keep at home.
The Kerry blue terrier happens to be a large dog but it is a Hypoallergenic Dog, which used to be used in times past for hunting. It takes its name from the sheen of its coat. The coat gives a bluish hue when it becomes a mature adult. It is a working dog that requires constant companionship. The coat is similar to that of a Poodle.
Maintenance of this species is not very tough since the coat has to be brushed once in two months. This prevents the coat from clumping. The allergies are reduced since it does not have an undercoat. But it needs to be protected from the cold as the cold temperatures can harm the dog.
The Schnauzer is a hypoallergenic dog having short hair and it does not shed. So if you purchase one of these dogs, you will need to keep regular grooming appointments. Schnauzer come in three types: the Standard Schnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer, and the Miniature Schnauzer. They may have different sizes but you can easily identify the schnauzer by its short hair, boxy face and square build. This breed is popular in households since it doesn't shed and also because it has an easy going temperament.
Non-Hypoallergenic Dogs vs Hypoallergenic Dogs
There may not be a lot of dissimilarities between hypoallergenic dogs and non-hypoallergenic dogs but the dissimilarities are sufficient to decrease the rate of allergy attacks that individuals face when they are near specific breeds of dogs. If you wish to have your own dog but are unable to stay with it in the same room for a long period then it can be annoying at times. To solve this problem, you can purchase a hypoallergenic dog. You may still have allergy attacks but they may not be as frequent as before.
Excess shedding is common in non-hypoallergenic dogs. The fur of the dogs is dense and loose. In other words, it may have excess dander. A combination of dust particles, skin cells and other particles that are found in air is referred to as dander. When a dog sheds it will give out such particles which would mix with the air, causing people to have allergy attacks. You may find that such dogs have an undercoat that shields them from extreme temperatures. It is this undercoat that that makes the dog shed often.
Certain breeds of non-hypoallergenic dogs salivate more than other breeds and this may make a person have allergies more often than before as there are bacteria in the saliva. Such dogs are unable to control their saliva and individuals (who have allergy attacks around them) may feel uncomfortable. To avoid the growing of hair, it should be trimmed once a while.
It has been found that the breed of dogs that do not salivate as often as other breeds is the hypoallergenic breed of dogs. So people who are allergic to dogs would feel better with hypoallergenic breed of dogs. When a hypoallergenic dog cleans itself, not much bacteria would be left behind. Moreover, the urine of hypoallergenic dogs does not make a person have allergy attacks most of the time.
So are you thinking of getting yourself a hypoallergenic dog? There are certain breeds which you can check out and research on if you are planning to get one. Some of the breeds to check out are Irish Water Spaniel, Greyhounds, Portuguese water dog, Bishon Frise, Schnauzer, Terriers and Maltese. Of course you will find many other breeds of dogs. However, the breeds mentioned above are the well-known and popular breeds that most people have brought or are looking to buy. When you know exactly which breed of dog you want then you will not have a difficult time looking for a hypoallergenic dog in your area.
You should also find out more information about the ways in which you can care, brush and groom your pet dog. Most of the time, the majority of the breeds are friendly and you can expect them to survive for a minimum of twelve years.
Hypoallergenic Hunting Dogs
Many of the hunting dogs have now become house pets. There are many of the hunting dogs that are also Hypoallergenic and great for those who have allergies. These hunting dogs are specifically for hunting small games that include hunting foxes, rabbits and many other small animals. The Three well-known breeds consist of the German shorthaired pointer, the Basenji and the Afghan hound.
This German Shorthaired Pointer is a graceful dog and is still used for hunting. Since it has short hair and does not shed much hair and dander, it is great as a hypoallergenic dog. The hair can be brushed quite easily too. For all these factors, the German shorthaired pointer is considered as great dog for those who have allergies. The dogs are quite friendly and it is safe to have them with children. They are athletic and require exercise. Give them a bath only when they are dirty.
It is a loyal companion and is great to have, when you are going outdoors. It can move very quickly and responds to noise very fast. It is a cross between a German Pointer and an English Pointer. The hair of the Afghan hound is similar to that of a human hair and is very fine. It does not shed too much air and is a hypoallergenic dog though it may not look like one. For this reason, it is considered to be a great dog for those who have allergy problems. It is quite a good looking dog and used for hunting purposes. It is a lovable and a loyal companion that.
It is not a very obedient dog and will sometimes show its independent streak. If you are looking for a dog that you can control, then this dog is not for you. Unlike other hypoallergenic dogs, they are not very good with commands and can sometimes totally disregard their owner. But with their beautiful brown coat, they are a joy to have.
The Basenji is another hunting dog that has its origins in Africa. This dog will hardly bark but can just yelp once or twice. It is great to have the dog in the apartment as it hardly creates any ruckus. The dog also has short hair and does not shed often. It can imitate the sounds in the environment and is a Hypoallergenic dog that loved by its owners.
The Basenji also does not take orders well from owners. It is a quiet dog that loves to discover new places. It has been compared to a cat as its behavior and temperament is similar to a cat. It is possible for you to train it to carry out specific tasks. However, it will not obey your orders most of the time.
How To Find Hypoallergenic Dog Breeders
Before you decide to buy a dog and visit the breeder it is advised that you do a bit of research. Good dog breeders can be hard to find, especially if you want a hypoallergenic dog. Some of the dog breeders will try to sell sick or non hypoallergenic dogs. They will even try to sell mixed dogs to people who don't know much about dogs.
If you are planning to buy dogs, you should visit the library or check the internet. While researching on hypoallergenic dogs, look at the breeds of the dogs and how they look like, the specific characteristics that marks each dog, what their living conditions should be, their disposition, their eating habits etc. learn about their moods and how to care for the dogs. It is important to learn about their diseases and how to cure the dogs. Look for the prices that are also been currently paid for the dogs. All information can be easily found on the internet.
When you are searching for breeders, ideally you should look at breeders who are accessible in your area. Some of the aspects while researching for the breeders are:
Breeders will ideally put their contact details in newspapers, vet offices, community bulletin boards and internet
Find out if the breeders are licensed before you decide to buy the dog from them.
If you aren't sure about their license, you can call the breeder or the national breeding agencies about the licenses and the hypoallergenic dogs that they breed.
Once you have checked the breeder, you should pay the breeder a visit. This will enable you to look at many things
Look at the living conditions of the dogs
Look at the various hypoallergenic dogs that are kept by the breeder
Look at the coat and the eyes of the dogs to determine whether they are healthy or not. Ask about the dog's age.
You can base your decision to buy the dog based on these prelim examinations.
Depending on the breed, the value of the dog can be more or less. Pure bred dogs can cost several hundred dollars, but if you are happy with mixed breed, then you can get a dog for far less. Ask around for the price before you decide to buy the dog. Ask other breeders in the area about the cost of the specific breed. Don't do business with a breeder if you think he takes advantage of his customers.
It may not always be easy to find a hypoallergenic dog but then you have no options if you are allergic. It makes sense to take the dog to the vet for a complete check up. Check the antecedents of the dog and make a choice that will be a perfect match for its lifestyle or else the dog and you would be in trouble.