Choosing A Hypoallergenic Dog
People who suffer from dog allergies tend to have a very tough time being around dogs in general making it miserable for them to have a pet dog. Their allergies flair up and bring about terrible sneezing, stuffy noses, skin rashes and watery/itchy eyes that they develop while in the proximity of dogs. Luckily, there are special types of dog which are considered hypoallergenic dogs that can allow someone with dog allergies to still have a canine pet.
Generally dog allergy symptoms develop because of allergen particles which are given off in the air from dog skin and hair. The allergens mostly come from things the dog hair has come into contact with such as dust and pollen, which trigger allergies. People who have dog allergies have immune systems which tend to be weaker when they are in contact with the various allergens, triggering the various symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing and skin rashes or hives. To further illustrate why dogs can cause allergies for some people, dogs which have more hair tend to pick up more of the allergen particles. Therefore someone who suffers from dog allergies would want to avoid dogs like the German Shepherd, Irish Setter or Afghan Hound.
The alternative to having no dog whatsoever is to choose a dog which will cause less or minimal allergies. Hypoallergenic dogs are dogs that create less allergens in the air due to their physical size and fur lengths. Some of these dogs have very minimal shedding of their hair which helps to reduce the chance for any allergen particles being sent into the air. It’s important to note that no dog is considered truly hypoallergenic, because all dogs give off some degree of allergens, and dog allergies can be different from person to person.
There’s several potential pets that a person with dog allergies can consider. Breeds of dog such as the Pomeranian, Irish Terrier, Samoyed, Portuguese Water Dog and Miniature Schnauzers are considered great pets for those with dog allergies due to minimal shedding or dander. The Incha Orchid, Chinese Crested, American Hairless Terrier or the Mexican Hairless are also great choices as these dogs are almost all hairless. Also consider the environment or living arrangement when choosing the dog. Dogs such as Irish Terriers and Poodles tend to do better with families while Portuguese Water Dogs and Chihuahuas are better with one person.
When selecting a prospective pet dog, one of the best pieces of advice for the prospective dog owner who has dog allergies is for that person to spend at least 30 minutes around the potential pet dog. This can help the individual gauge whether or not that dog will be right for them, or cause them to suffer from dog allergies. If the dog being considered lives at a breeder far away, sending a piece of clothing is an alternate way to test things. Once the clothing item has been placed near the dog for a day or so it can be sent back for the individual to test by wearing or smelling to see if it causes any allergy problems.
People who enjoy the companionship of having a pet dog yet have allergy complications don’t have to be pet-less. A hypoallergenic dog can provide the perfect solution to allow a dog allergy sufferer to have a pet dog while cutting down on the coughing, sneezing and irritations that come with allergies.
Pet Dog Nation provides dog owners and animal lovers information about dog allergies, dog grooming, care and presents various dog breeds including hypoallergenic dogs.
Hairless Hypoallergenic Dogs – A Unique Alternative For Dog-Loving Allergy Sufferers
Called non-shedding dogs, there are many dog breeds that slough off less dog hair and dander and present less risk to people who have allergies. Many of them have long, silky coats appropriate for the show world. But if you want a dog that is both non-shedding AND unique, you might consider shopping for a hairless hypoallergenic dog.
While it’s common to assume that these dogs are all tiny, barking pests, you’ll find a range of sizes and temperaments in the hairless hypoallergenic dog category. True, there are more small hairless hypoallergenic dogs than larger sizes. But you can find a great medium-sized hairless hypoallergenic dog without too much work.
Four medium-sized hairless hypoallergenic dogs include the Mexican Hairless (also Xoloitzcuintie or Xolo), the American Hairless Terrier, the hairless Chinese Crested, and the Peruvian Inca Orchid (called the PIO). You may find it necessary to do your search for breeders online, as these hairless hypoallergenic dogs are relatively rare.
You may have a harder time finding a Mexican Hairless because there are few breeders worldwide. The Xolo has a short coat that doesn’t need a lot of brushing or combing because its hair is so short. You won’t have to worry about matting either since there’s nothing to matt or tangle. You can find a range of sizes in the Mexican Hairless breed.
The popular American Hairless Terrier is not a true hairless dog, although it does have a short coat requiring little grooming. The first of this breed was an accident! Appearing in 1972 from nowhere in a litter of Rat Terriers, its Louisiana owners were able to reproduce the new hairless variety and have been doing so since the early 1980s. Like its Terrier cousins, the American Hairless is a friendly, outgoing, small husky dog who lives happily in a small apartment or townhome.
The Chinese Crested is available in two distinct varieties: the truly hairless and the Powder Puff. The hairless Chinese Crested still has shocks of hair on its head, tail, and feet that need regular grooming. The Powder Puff variety and has long fine hair resembling human hair. Both classified as hypoallergenic dogs due to their limited shedding.
The Peruvian Hairless, or PIO, is a hairless dog. It is medium-sized, intelligent, and friendly. Being a bit more self-willed than other dogs, the PIO is not for people without experience in training and disciplining dogs. They need to be socialized early and should be trained in obedience.
Hairless hypoallergenic dogs generally need regular exercise, generous attention, and close companionship with their owners and family. Because they don’t have the dog hair that normally protects the skin, they need extra protection outdoors to prevent sunburn and dry skin problems. They are more susceptible to dry skin rashes and acne, so you may find yourself using special skin creams to treat pain and itches associated with skin irritations and diseases.
Due to the limited number of hairless hypoallergenic dog breeders, you’ll probably want to start your search on the internet. Be sure to check your breeder’s credentials and references. Not all breeders of hairless hypoallergenic dogs are created equal. Be sure the breeder you choose has a passion for the dogs, rather than the money he gets.
It’s a good idea to visit the breeder before selecting a dog from them. Inspect their facilities and spend some time with them to learn about their views and attitudes towards their dogs. If you know someone who already has a hairless hypoallergenic dog, you might want to spend some time with their pet to get a feel for what life will be like with this type of pet.
Owning a dog is a commitment of time and energy that repays you with tons of love and companionship. If you have problems with allergies to dog hair, choosing a hairless hypoallergenic dog may be the perfect solution. Take time to do the research to identify the breed that will make a perfect companion for you and your family. Accept the fact that you’ll be grooming and bathing your new hairless hypoallergenic dog, and enjoy your new companion for years to come!
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