Non Shedding Dogs
Posted by admin on June 27th, 2009In these modern times of growing allergy problems, people often talk about “hypoallergenic dogs” and “non-shedding dogs”. But what do these terms actually mean? What is a hypoallergenic dog? Do some breeds of dog really not shed hair?
It’s important to remember that something hypoallergenic will NOT cause an allergic reaction.
The scientific fact of the matter is that:
1. No dog is totally hypoallergenic
2. No dog is totally non shedding.
The AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) estimate that as many as 10 million people suffer from some form of allergy in America. Small wonder there are so many people out there looking for a pet that won’t make them sneeze or wheeze all day long.
The good news for dog lovers is….
Firstly, although nothing is guaranteed, an allergy sufferer is far LESS likely to suffer a reaction with a hypoallergenic dog breed. They may well suffer no reaction at all.
Secondly, cats are far more likely to cause allergies than dogs!
We know that this to be true in our family. We chose our Miniature Schnauzer Max because of allergies and now – four years later – we can honestly say that we have virtually no allergic reaction to him . (There’s an occasional sneeze when he’s in need of a bath or a trip to the groomers for trimming, but that’s it!) Choosing a hypoallergenic dog breed was a smart move on our part.
Another bonus is that we don’t really find any dog hairs around the house, which is great when you’re as averse to housework as I am! When friends visit with their dogs – namely Ruby the Cairn Terrier and – even worse – Charlie the Labrador Retriever (lovely dog, but loads of fur which he’s not particularly attached to…..), I’m finding dog hair around the house for weeks afterwards.
By the way, a dog is hypoallergenic BECAUSE it is non-shedding. The coats of non shedding dogs do not trap dander like the heavy undercoated dogs do.
You probably think that allergy sufferers are allergic to animal fur, but that’s not the case. What they’re actually reacting to are proteins – or allergens. These are secreted by the animal’s oil glands and then shed with the dander, which are dead skin cells. (These proteins are also found in dog saliva and urine.)
All dogs – even the “hairless ” breeds have dander, saliva and urine. Non shedding dog breeds – such as all three types of Schnauzer – have a double coat. The outer coat is hard and wiry, the undercoat softer and close to the skin.
This type of coat sheds only if you leave the dog ungroomed for months on end. Hypoallergenic dogs hardly molt. (You might find the occasional dog hair around the house). Therefore, non shedding puppies are a popular choice for pet allergy sufferers.
If you’re thinking of getting one, try and spend some time alone with the pup at the breeder’s to see what – if any – reaction you have. Your allergic symptoms do not always happen immediately – sometimes there can be a couple of days’ delay. They can also vary from one breed to another – or even from one dog to another within the same breed.
Of course, there’s no guarantee with allergies. But one thing you CAN be sure of is that your chances of having an allergic reaction to a dog are far LESS if you choose a non shedding and hypoallergenic breed.
Surprisingly, there are over 40 hypoallergenic dog breeds. To find out which they are, follow this link for the List of Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds.
Good Luck!
Linda Whitwam is a UK-based freelance journalist and photographer. For the last 20 years she has globetrotted on commissions for major international publishers.
Despite the poor pay, she recently accepted a part-time position as Assistant to her miniature schnauzer Max, who has produced http://www.max-the-schnauzer.com
Max modestly describes it as “the sensational virtual village for fans of the world’s greatest dog – the Schnauzer”.
Tags: Hypoallergenic