All kinds of dogs have been headlining the news in US election week, whether it is the arrival of the future first pooch or Barney, President Bush's beloved Scottish Terrier, who bit reporter, White House Correspondent Jon Decker.
In his first press conference at the Chicago Hilton on Friday November 8, president-elect Barack Obama, answered questions related to the acquisition of the new presidential puppy. He told journalists that his family needed a hypo-allergenic dog as his eldest daughter Malia is allergic. In this case, although there is no such thing as a true non-allergic dog, selecting a breed which can reduce the spread of allergens is essential. The Obama's have so far been officially offered a hypo-allergic Peruvian Hairless Dog, as as the new White House pooch, from the Peruvian government.
What is an Allergic Reaction?
The number of people allergic to dogs are far fewer than those who are allergic to cats. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, approximately 10% of Americans are allergic to animals.
An allergy to dogs usually manifests itself through rashes, or sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. This is brought about an allergic reaction to proteins in dog saliva and skin dander, or the spreading of allergens (such as pollen and dust) from dog hair. This irritation can prove fatal in a few cases, especially in asthma suffers.
Anyone who suspects he might be allergic to his pet needs to take notice of the reactions and obtain a diagnosis from his doctor, who will perform a skin test or blood test.
Minimizing an Allergic Reaction
For dog owners, minimizing their allergic reactions requires regular thorough cleaning of bed linen, furnishings, flooring, including the wiping-down of all surfaces on a daily basis and making sure air conditioning and heating vents are thoroughly cleaned. Pets should also be groomed regularly and bathed as often as veterinary advice permits.
What are the Hypo-allergenic Dog Breeds?
Although truly non-allergic dogs do not exist, there are some which reduce the spread of allergens.The term "hypo-allergenic breed" simply means that it is likely to cause fewer allergic reactions in humans.
For a potential dog owner, it is necessary to minimize allergic symptoms by selecting a pooch which has less chance of causing an allergic reaction. These are breeds which shed less than others.
The most well-known breed of hypo-allergenic dog is the Poodle. Variations of the breed such as the Labradoodle, is also considered hypoallergenic. The Chinese Crested and Mexican Hairless dog are two breeds which, because they have no (or minimal) hair will also minimize symptoms.
The article “The Hypoallergenic Dog,” on Allergyescape.com refers to a list posted on the American Kennel Club site, entitled "Dogs and Allergies", which outlined breeds of hypo-allergenic dogs. The Dog Breed Info Center also has an extensive list of dogs which are good for for allergy suffers, i.e. those breeds which are likely to reduce the spread of allergens.
15 Hypo-allergenic Dog Breeds
According to the aforementioned sources, dogs considered good for allergy sufferes include:
- Poodle
- Labradoodle
- Maltese Terrier
- Bichon Frise/ Bischon Havanaise
- Yorkshire Terrier
- West Highland White Terrier
- Shih-Tzu
- Chihuahua
- Whippet
- Italian Greyhound
- Basenji
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Schnauzer
- Chinese Crested /Mexican Hairless
This is by no means an exclusive list.
One person's allergies will vary from another in discomfort and intensity so the best advice is to expose the sufferer/potential dog owner to his preferred breed before actually commiting to ownership.
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