HYPOALLERGENIC DOGS

HYPOALLERGENIC DOGS

The word hypoallergenic means less allergic. In 1953 the term was used to describe cosmetics that cause very few allergic reactions. Now hypoallergenic dogs are those that create very few allergic reactions to a person who is allergic to dogs. If a dog lover wants to keep a pet but is very much susceptible to allergies can feel the presence of a dog or be the owner of it by buying a hypoallergenic dog. An allergic cynophilist or a dog lover can keep such dogs.

HYPOALLERGENIC DOGS MEANING

They are dogs that are less probable to activate allergic reactions in people who are generally allergic to dogs. You know that most cats, dogs or rabbits who are furry causes allergies. The allergy producing agent is present in the dog’s fur but also available in their saliva, mucous, urine and in the dander that is shed from the dog’s skin. These type of dogs are more comfortable with most people. Now if you are a dog lover but can’t cherish the pleasure of a pet parent then choose the dog from the hypoallergenic group of dogs. Dogs that shed less are said to be hypoallergenic. The amount of allergen present in the dander of a dog varies from species to species. The word hypoallergenic was first used about cosmetics in 1953. It is used for those cosmetics who declare themselves to cause less allergic reactions. Allergic people are more susceptible to be attacked by allergens causing sneezing, cough and asthma. Researchers have found that repeated bathing processes of dogs may lower the allergen related to fur. Cleaning of the home, using vacuum cleaners and air filters may reduce the allergens of home.

SMALL HYPOALLERGENIC DOGS

The allergens that a dog is responsible for does not come from their hair but a certain protein that is present on the dander and in the saliva. Some small hypoallergenic dogs are as follows.

Affenpinscher

They are also called monkey dogs because of their great similarity with the monkey’s face. They are very much friendly with children. They may be black, grey, silver or mixed colours. Their weight varies from 2 to 6 kgs. Their height varies from 9 to 12 inches. It has a special monkey like expression. ‘Affe’ in German means monkey. They are lovable and friendly. Frequent cleaning them reduces their allergens.

Bichon Frise

It is a small dog with soft fur. They are cream grey or white in colour. They are energetic and can learn tricks very easily. Their weight ranges between 5 to 10 kgs and its height varies from 9 to 12 inches. Its hair consists of dense coat. Standard colour is white. Some shades of other colours are also seen. It is a lively and descent mannered dog. They are affectionate and goes well with children. They can be easily trained. Occasional cleaning and brushing is needed. They have an average life span of 12 to 13 years but record of 19 year survival is also found.

Maltese

The name indicates that their origin is from the Mediterranean island of Malta. The small cute dog is very lively and intelligent also. Their weight varies from 3 to 4 kgs. The height of the male breed ranges between 21 to 25 cm and the female one is from 20 to 23 cm. Their coat is white in colour and has ivory colour on the ears. Their life span varies from 12 to 15 years. Their coat is silky . One common cut for these dogs is the puppy cut where the entire body is trimmed to a short length. They are playful and energetic. Regular cleaning and brushing is needed for them.

Bolognese

It is a cute looking dog. Their origin is in Italy. The name comes from Bologna in north Italy. It has pure white coat. These dogs have many similarities with the Bichon Frise type of dogs. They are friendly, serious, manageable and goes well with everyone. They weigh around 2 to 4 kgs. The female dog’s height varies from 25 to 28 cm and the male’s height ranges between 27 to 30 cm. They are good home pets and love socializing also. They shed very less. They are easy to train. Their life span is around 14 years. They are healthy and do not face major health issues. They are active even when they are aging.

Poodle

Poodles are found in different colours. Their origin is from France and Germany. They are lovable, amiable and intelligent. They are very easy to train and they enjoy playing. They suits well with families having older children. They shed very little hair. They have a single layer coat. One of the amazing fact about them is that they have wonderful clips of the coat. They need a regular bath. Their life span varies from 12 to 15 years. They are found in 3 different types. They are as standard, miniature and toy poodles. They are efficient in many dog sports such as circus activities. Standard poodle was used for bird hunting. It is a good swimmer. Miniature poodles are also good hunters. Poodles were used in military services . They have different colour types including black, brown, grey, silver and cream. They are beautiful show dogs. The toy poodle’s height varies from 24 to 28 cm, the standard one is 45 to 60 cm whereas the miniature poodle is of height ranging from 28 to 35 cm.

CUTE HYPOALLERGENIC DOGS

Allergic people are pet lover also. So thankfully there are some cute hypoallergenic dogs and they can own them.

Shi Tzu

They are very cute and lovable one. Their weight varies from 4 to 8 kgs and height ranges between 20 to 28 cm. Their life span varies from 12 to 15 years. They belong to toy breed. They originated in the Tibetan plateau. They are lovely, outgoing and courageous. They have a soft double coat and furred tail. They are found in white, black, gold, brown, blue and many shades. The coat is needed to be cleaned and brushed every day. The coat is clipped short and this cut is called the ‘puppy cut’. The coat can be coarse also. Recently they are introduced in sports . Sometimes they can be stubborn also.

Yorkshire Terrier

This is a very popular breed for pet lovers. It is a cutie dog. It is a dog breed developed in Yorkshire in 19^th century. The main purpose of them was to catch mice in cloth mills. Their life span varies from 12 to 16 years. Their weight is around 3 kg and height is around 17 cm. Their coat vary in colour. The coat is grown very long. The woolly or cottony textured coats require more care. Since the coat is very long it needs careful and frequent brushing. They do not shed much but lose some during bathing and brushing time. The final colour of the coat takes more than three years to develop. The colour is black or grey. The coat needs proper maintenance otherwise becomes tangly. The coat need to be greased with oil and regular cleaning of the feet is also recommended. Use of stockings is required to protect their small feet. They are smart, curious, energetic and manageable. If they are socialized well they become an all-rounder dog. They are so cute and is attracted by their beauty. They are fussy eaters. They enjoy playing with toys and ball and also loves toys. They bark a lot so they are fantastic watch dogs. Overall it is an amazing dog.

Chinese Crested

They are funny to look and have very small hair. Since they have less hair they are popular with people who hate shedding. They lack fur so special protection is needed is needed from sun and other weather conditions. They come in two varieties the powderpuff and the hairless. They originated in China. Their lifespan varies from 13 to 15 years. Their weight ranges between 2 to 6 kg. The hair less category has a single coat and the powderpuff has double coat. The powderpuff is a gracious dog. Their feet is elongated in nature. They come in a variety of colours.

Labradoodle

It is a cross breed of Labrador retriever and poodle. It is originated in Australia. Their life span varies from 12 to 14 years. Their hair can be soft, straight and curly. They are smart, amiable and active. Their coats are of 3 types wool, fleece and hair. Wool and hair categories were found in earlier generations. Their coat colours are as red, black, silver, cream, blue and others also. Their coat needs to be cleaned and brushed. Their size is classified as toy, miniature and standard. They shed very less. They are friendly dogs and are compatible with children. Since they are intelligent they can be trained. They are fine therapy dogs for people with depression and other disabilities. They are good swimmers also.

LARGE HYPOALLERGENIC DOGS

If you are looking for a large hypoallergenic dog here are some suggestions.

The Giant Schnauzer

Its origin is Germany. The Giant Schnauzer is the largest of the three types of these dogs. Their weight varies from 35 to 47 kg. Their life span is around 10 to 12 years. The male dog’s height varies from 65 to 70 cm and the female dog has height between 60 to 65 cm. Mainly their colour is black. Another colour called pepper and salt is also found among them. Their coat is very dense. Their tail is long and the ear is short. They are quiet, intelligent and energetic. It takes part in sport activities and it is used by police also.

Afgan Hound

It is originated in Afganistan, Pakistan and Iran. Their weight varies from 25 to 35 kg. The height of the male dog ranges between 65 to 75 cm and that of the female one is between 60 to 70 cm. It has human like hair in the body. It has thick silky coat and a curly tail. It has special appearance so it is seen in films and television shows. It is affectionate with a family.

Bergamasco

It is originated in the Italian Alps. They are good friend of younger children. They are playful, gentle and remarkably intelligent and patient. Their life span is from 13 to 15 years. The male dog’s weight varies from 30 to 38 kg and the female dog is from 25 to 32 kg. The height of the male dog ranges between 55 to 62 cm and that of the female is 54 to 58 cm. The dog is covered with coat that form mats. Its coat is made up of 3 types of hair. The hair from the head hangs on to the eyes. Its colour is grey or variations of grey . It is suitable as a guard dog.

Puli

It is one of the funniest large less allergy triggering

dog. It is originated from Hungary. Their life span varies from 12 to 16 years. The weight of the male breed varies from 12 to 15 kg and that of the female is between 10 to 13 kg. The common coat colours are white, off-white and grey. The coat needs cleaning and brushing to keep it neat and clean. They shed in low amount. They are friendly to children and active. They were used as livestock guard. Some are used by police. It is a type of shepherd dog.

BEST HYPOALLERGENIC DOGS

What are the best hypoallergenic dogs a dog lover can acquire? Let’s have a look at it.

Maltese

This is a very adorable toy dog. This needs regular grooming. Their coat is of white colour. They do not shed so it is a good choice for allergic pet owners. They love people and prefer to stay near them.

Portuguese Water Dog

They are originally from Portuguese region. The weight of the female dog varies from 16 to 23 kg and the male dog weighs between 19 to 27 kg. Their life span varies from 12 to 15 years. The height of the male breed ranges between 50 to 57 cm and the female height varies from 43 to 52 cm. It sheds very little. It is a good swimmer so its name is connected with water. Its coat is water resistant. It is happy-go-like type dog and gets well with kids. They have single layered coat. They are mostly white in colour with some having black and white mixed. Their hair grows rapidly and every 2 months they need a cut to save themselves from visionary obstruction. Their coat needs to be brushed properly. They work as helping dogs for deaf people and also as a therapy dog for the diseased. They need both mental and physical exercise for satisfaction.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

They originated in Ireland. Their life span ranges between 10 to 13 years. Their weight varies from 14 to 20 kg and height ranges between 45 to 50 cm. They are friendly, vigorous and of pleasant nature. Their short and silky hair sheds little and as it grows it needs to be trimmed. The puppies have dark coloured coats of brown, white and red. As it grow it changes to black, brown and wheaten colour. They are lovable type and sometimes they greet someone by licking their face. They become aggressive very occasionally. They are amazing watch dogs. The silky coat brings elegance in them.

Brussels Griffon

They originated in Brussels in Belgium. They are friendly and alert dogs. They Are great watch dogs. Their life span varies from 10 to 15 years. Their weight varies from 4 to 5 kg. and height ranges between 9 to 11 inches. They hardly shed their hair. They have human like facial characteristics. Their coat can be both rough or smooth. The dogs with smooth coat requires less cleaning. The dogs with rough coat needs clipping and trimming every month. They are found in different shape and sizes. They are very much loyal and loves the companionship of their owner.

Lhasa Apso

It originated in Tibet and is very cute. It sheds very little and the hair needs constant cleaning and brushing. Its coat is long and dense. The female dog weighs between 5 to 7 kg and the male one is between 6 to 8 kg. They are of black, brown and golden. Its life span varies from 12 to 15 years. They were needed in Buddhist monasteries for alerting the monks from intruders. Allergic people are very much comfortable with these dogs. It has two types of coat. The undercoat provides warmth and the outercoat gives protection. It is a well mannered dog and does not need much exercise. It is a cuddly dog. It is very much prone to health problems. It is not a fearful dog but very much alert in nature. Its coat needs laborious grooming. Anyway it is a wonderful dog.

You are a dog lover, and want to be a dog owner but you are allergic you can make a choice from the numerous hypoallergenic dogs available.