About hypoallergenic dogs

What does "hypoallergenic" really mean?

The meaning of hypoallergenic means a dog would have to have a decreased tendency to cause allergies. Hypo means less, it does NOT mean none. While some people believe there are Hypoallergenic dog breeds, there is no known test that can support such claims and the supposed Hypoallergenic dog will still produce allergens. Because of their coat type, supposed hypoallergenic dogs will typically produce less allergens than others. People with severe allergies and asthma will still be affected by a supposed hypoallergenic dog and there isn't a single breeder on the face of this planet that can guarantee any allergy sufferer will do well with one of their supposed "hypoallergenic" dogs. There is no such thing as a "sneeze free" dog. There is not a single dog available that will NEVER shed. Many dogs have dander. Even hairless dogs can have dander. Some have less of it than others. In order to combat dander, lets' review what exactly dander is. The word "Dander" is a noun. The encyclopedia's definition of dander is below:

1. dander - small scales from animal skins or hair or bird feathers that can cause allergic reactions in some people

exfoliation, scurf, scale - a thin flake of dead epidermis shed from the surface of the skin

Dogs who swim alot or who are bathed too often can also have drying of the skin and have issues with dander.

The pet allergy problem in the U.S. is considerable; about 10 percent of the U.S. population is allergic to animals, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. For those persons afflicted with asthma, the rate is even higher - approximately 25%. Allergic reactions to pets can range from bothersome (itchy or watery eyes) to downright dangerous, such as asthma attacks that constrict breathing. Many people don't even realize that dogs themselves can have allergies, just like people. While some claim there are hypoallergenic dogs as well as dogs who produce less dander than others, I completely disagree. I myself suffer from asthma and Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive disorder which is more severe than common asthma. While I can be around any type of dog, I do have "triggers" that causes my lungs to have issues with certain dogs who have high shedding issues. One being the Golden Retriever...my favorite breed.

While I am NOT allergic to the Golden Retriever,.....I do have issues with all the fly-away hair. Many claim that Poodles themselves are hypoallergenic, non-shedding dogs. While they do shed less than any other purebred dog...they DO shed and they are NOT hypoallergenic dogs. Neither are Bichon Frise or other so called hypoallergenic dogs. I can sneeze, wheeze and have watery eyes with Bichon Frise more than even my Golden Retrievers! I use to own a Bichon Frise and I had to find it a new home many years ago because I could NOT deal with the hair of that breed. Since working more with the Poodle hybrids, I myself have had fewer issues with allergies but I can't guarantee this with anyone else. Those who have allergies or asthma, may have different triggers. My triggers are fly away hair in dogs or dog hairs near or on my face and hands that may go to my face. I do not have a single issue with any Poodle hybrid, regardless of what type of Poodle hybrid it may be. All shed very little. It is not surprising that the term "Hypoallergenic dogs" is the highest searched term on the internet. But for those who seek the elusive hypoallergenic dog, beware of this! Many breeders claim they breed such a dog. But they don't have any supporting evidence to back up their claim. Non-allergic breeds simply do not exist, no matter how much we desire them to be. Dog fur/hair can collect allergens such as pollen, dust, and mold and spread these allergens throughout your home. Some people are allergic to a dogs' saliva; some are allergic to the dander. Some are allergic to the fur or hair. Some have allergies due to the excessive shedding. Some are simply allergic to dust and pollen of which can collect on the hairs and fur of a dog or cat. So, in essence, one would never be free from an allergy issue where animals are concerned, regardless of the type of animal.

So what can be done to help those who suffer from MILD allergies???

For one thing, people can select a dog that sheds less and one that may have a lower dander issue. I personally know that I do not have reactions to my Miniature Schnauzers; Schnoodles; Lhasa Poo; Schnapso; Poodles (all sizes); Bedlington Doodles; Bedlington Terrier and I do very well with my Goldendoodles. All of the above shed very little and they have very little dander. Many dogs seem to have a dander issue in the winter vs. the summer. As with humans, the skin can become dry in the winter time. Some websites claim that bathing a dog often will help relieve the dander issue. I disagree. I think over-bathing a dog actually increases the dander issue because it can dry out the skin. A few years ago, the American Kennel Club had listed some dog breeds which they considered to be the most suitable for those with allergies. That page has since been removed and I am sure the reason for its removal is because there was no supporting evidence that the dogs listed were actually hypoallergenic, non-shedding dogs that worked out well for those with allergies! Kennel clubs as well as dog breeders can NOT guarantee anyone the ability to own a dog and do well with it, should they suffer from severe allergies. If you suffer from allergies and you desire to know whether or not you will have issues with the fur or hair of a particular dog you are interested in, perhaps you would like to order some hair samples from us to find out? We can send out hair snippets for $19.95 to anyone who wants to see if they will be "sneeze free". I personally do not believe there is such a dog in existence....but many do...and to those who do, we don't have a problem sending out some snippets of dog hair.

While some breeders claim the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle is a hypoallergenic, non shedding dog....I disagree. Yes, they shed. However, the Goldendoodle (regardless of how much poodle exists within its lineage) sheds very little. Yes, they can produce some dander particularly if they have dry skin. Over bathing can cause an increase in dry skin; too much swimming or water contact can increase dry skin and certain foods can cause a dog to have more issues with scratching and dry skin. We have seen that the Goldendoodle does, however, work out very well for those who do NOT want a dog with a high shedding coat and our Goldendoodles have worked out very well for those with mild allergies. We do NOT permit anyone to handle our Goldendoodles just to see if they will have an allergic reaction. Some sites suggest this. We are NOT an open kennel. So, please do not ask to come and browse. Such a request will be denied.

Did you know that humans shed? A Human being will shed about an ounce of skin scales every month, and dust mites love it. Since our bodies provide excellent sustenance for the mites, you can find them in places in which we spend alot of time, Dust mites can be found in upholstered furniture, carpeting, inside mattresses, bed sheets, blankets, pillows and on soft toys. Dust mites can also be located inside of your dogs' bedding.

Many people do not take into consideration the Dust mite. These mites can wreak havoc with humans who have allergies. Dusting and keeping your home as clean as possible can help reduce the amount of Dust mites. Because the Dust Mite can live inside of your pillow and inside of your mattress and box spring, we highly suggest placing your pillow inside of an allergy protective cover that zips. Such covers are also available for mattresses of all sizes. Carpet is the worst to have inside of your home if you have allergies! The dust and amount of dirt that collects under the carpet and padding is enormous!!! We recommend hard wood, tiled or flooring other than carpeting if you are trying to reduce your allergy symptoms. Keeping your hands clean after handling a pet and changing clothes after handling a pet will also reduce your symptoms. The dust mite enjoys living in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the precise range of temperature in most homes. If you enjoy the cold weather, keeping your temperatures at 63-64 degrees will also help reduce this nagging little creature! I am sure that the dust mite does NOT enjoy MY home! We have removed our carpet and exchanged it for hardwood flooring; We have zippered covers for the mattresses and pillows; We have leather furniture and our household temps are always at 63-64 degrees. This also helps keep our electric bill down in the winter since we do not use alot of heat. I would rather bundle up under my covers when sleeping and keep the temperatures colder than to suffer from mite issues.

So there are many things one can do if they suffer from allergies like myself. There are many products on the market today for dogs, to help them with their own allergies or to help reduce the dry skin issues that produces dander. Shedding? Well, if they have a double coat or if they are a highly shedding dog...they can't help it. You'll either have to purchase a Poodle hybrid that sheds very little or purchase a dog such as the Bedlington Terrier who sheds very little or put up with shedding hairs everywhere. Recently I contacted VETGEN to ask them if there was such a test in existence that could tell me whether or not my Poodle hybrids were Hypoallergenic, non shedding dogs. Their answer? NO.

There are no known labs conducting this research or have such testing in existence. So, the answer is this:

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A HYPOALLERGENIC, NON SHEDDING DOG. NON ALLERGENIC DOGS DO NOT EXIST.

There are many unscrupulous breeders who will tell you exactly what you want to hear if you are an allergy sufferer and you desperately want to buy a dog who is supposedly "hypoallergenic" and non-shedding. If I were such a breeder, I am sure I could sell ICE to an Eskimo! I'm not that kind of breeder. I am NOT going to tell you what YOU desperately want to hear. I am only going to tell you what I believe is true and what I believe the facts are and the facts regarding a Hypoallergenic dog is what I just said up above.

THEY DON'T EXIST.

When a laboratory can tell me that my Goldendoodles' hair shows evidence of being hypoallergenic and non-shedding and they can produce this evidence in writing to me from their analysis of submitted hair strands from my Poodles and Doodles.....I'll then change my tune. Until then.................