Non Shedding Dogs Provoke Fewer Allergies

Stop being mislead
Most of the people refuse to believe that dogs are just not allergy free. Die-hard fans commit everything to cover the truth and keep on buying puppies. What they don’t know is that both parties have to suffer because of a false belief. We recommend you to open your mind and accept things as they are.

There is no reason on this world why you should be restricted to love a dog and care for it. The bottom point is that individuals should conduct a thorough research before deciding to buy a dog, especially if they know to have allergies. Low shedding dogs are the best alternative to continuous sneezing and watery eyes. Finding non shedding dogs is as easy as pie, courtesy of the internet. Spotting a friendly dog breed that is known to block allergens from penetrating into your system will eventually allow you to enjoy a gorgeous life. Less dander and fewer strands means you have finally found a hypoallergenic dog!

More on allergies
The variables are endless, given the fact that we all have a unique immune system and the world knows thousands of breeds. This is reason enough to have your allergy sensitivity tested well before you open your pockets. Certain breeds fit in your lifestyle, while others serve to have the most colorful list of allergies. The ones who omit doing their homework have all the chances of facing symptoms such as itchy eyes, red itchy skin and the crowning of all negligence: asthma. Dog shedding is a serious issue and must be treated accordingly. Nobody deserves to be exposed to allergies and neither do dogs have to suffer. This should be a friendly communion that rejects allergies from the very start. No matter what low shedding dogs you prefer you first have to know how to handle allergies!

Non Shedding Dogs: Part I

The truth is that non-shedding dogs are a myth. All dogs shed some amount of hair periodically. The fact is that shedding their fur is the only way dogs get rid of their dead skin cells. Whereas human shed dead skin cells through nails and hair on their head that keeps growing in length as more dead cells accumulate, dogs unfortunately don’t have that option. The length of the dog’s fur is restricted by its breed and by the climatic conditions of the regions they belong to.

For instance, dogs in colder regions of the world are likely to have thick heavy fur as they need protection from cold and snow, whereas dogs from temperate regions do not need such heavy protection in warmer climates. However, irrespective of the length of the dog’s fur, dead skin that is accumulated has to be shed and this is true of every dog breed.

While dogs with heavy coats are prone to very heavy shedding, the shedding of some breeds of dog is so negligible, they are considered to be non-shedding dogs. This is mostly because they have very little or almost no hair to begin with. Some such breeds of dogs that are considered non-shedding include:

A number of terriers are amongst the lowest shedding dogs amongst all other breeds of dogs. Some of the terrier breeds that pose the least shedding problems include:

Airedale Terrier
Largest of all terrier breeds, the Airedale terrier has a hard, dense and a rather wiry coat. What is impressive is that it is water resistant. This wiry coat is generally bright tan-colored in color while the grizzle body saddle and top of neck and tail is black or dark.

This wiry top coat has a soft under coat under it, although the double coat usually has very short hair. This breed of dog needs to be brushed at least thrice a week, if not everyday. Also, dead and lose hair should be finger plucked from the coat or hand stripped at least a few times a year, usually at the time of season change. As long as these basic grooming measures are taken care of, the Airedale terrier is a very light shedding dog.

Boston Terrier
Considered the perfect ‘indoor dog,’ the Boston terrier is not actually a terrier despite its name. It is actually a mix between the English Bulldog and the white Bull Terries, later further modified by crossing with the French dog. The Boston terrier’s coat comprises of short and fine hair, and it is shiny to look at. The color of the Boston terrier’s coat is usually brindle with white markings, but it may also be black with white markings.

Boston terriers require very little grooming. This breed of dogs is usually very clean and does not even require regular bathing. Cleaning it with a damp cloth on a regular basis is sufficient cleaning for Boston terriers. They shed very little hair throughout the year and are generally considered ‘hypoallergenic’ dogs.

Non Shedding Dogs: Part II

All dogs shed hair periodically. But, depending on their breed, some dogs shed less hair than the others. Shedding is essential for every dog breed as it allows them to shed excess dead skin cells. But, when a dog has little or no fur on its body, the shedding is so negligible that it is hardly noticeable.

Such breeds of dogs are commonly considered to be non-shedding breeds. In some cases, even if the dog has a long haired coat of fur, proper and regular grooming technique can ensure that they hardly shed at all. So, despite having a full coat of fur, some dogs fall under the classification of non-shedding dogs. Dogs that are included in this category include:

Basenji
Basenji, also called the Congo dog, is a very unusual breed of dog. It trots like a horse and cleans itself by licking like a cat. This breed is usually small in size, and has a smooth shine coat of very small hair. The coat is usually all black, all red or all copper in color, but it may also be a combination of black and tan, or tan and white.

This breed of dogs requires very little grooming. It is usually very clean and does not need frequent bathing. Cleaning it with a damp cloth is sufficient to wipe out all the dust and dirt that may have attached itself to his body. They have very little hair to begin with, and they hardly ever shed at all.

Havanese
Considered to be amongst the sturdiest of dogs, the Havanese has a very high spirited disposition. It belongs to the Bichon family of dogs which includes other low shedding breeds like the Maltese and the Bichon Frise. The Havanese have a soft long-haired coat. It may be curly, wavy or straight. The coat is usually white, brown, gold, champagne or grey in color.

In the case of this breed, regular grooming of the coat is required. It has be be brushed and combed at least three times a week. However, if proper grooming can be ensured, the Havanese hardly shed at all, despite their long haired coat of fur.

Maltese
This is a toy dog breed that is considered to be amongst the most gentle and most intelligent amongst its peers. The Maltese have a long-haired coat, but no undercoat. This single coat, however, is straight and silky, does not have any curls and is pure white in color.
This breed of dogs requires a lot of grooming and caring.

They need to be bathed daily. After every bath, they need to be brushed and combed efficiently to remove any dead hair and also to untangle hair that may have gotten tangled or matted together. All the dead hair on their body requires to be plucked by finger brushing them. However, despite having a gorgeous coat of shine long hair and requiring daily grooming, the Maltese do not shed hair and are considered to be a non-shedding breed of dogs.

Non Shedding Dogs: Part III

Dogs, like a number of other animals have fur on their body to protect them from the harsh elements of the region they belong to. Animals from cold regions of the world are likely to have more fur on their bodies than those from temperate warm regions. This is true of dogs as well. However, the temperature change in colder regions during summer and winter causes dogs to shed their fur or grow a new coat to allow them to adapt to their present climatic conditions.

However, even if a dog comes from temperate climates, it will shed some of its fur periodically to shed dead skin cells. Shedding is a process of rejuvenation that allows dead skin cells to be discarded, so that fresh new ones can take their place.

This means that there really are no dogs that are non-shedding. However, mostly in the case of dogs found in warm climate, the fur is so minimal to begin with, that shedding is negligible. Some dogs despite having a coat of fur tend not to shed very much and are also commonly referred to as non-shedding dogs. Some breeds of dogs that fall in this category are:

Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is another one of the toy dog breeds that has a very cheerful disposition. The Bichon has a double coat of fur. The inner coat is soft and dense, while the outer coat is made of fine and silky hair which tends to curl when not brushed out. It has to be brushed after every bath, but when it has been bathed and brushed, its coat looks fluffy and gives the dog the appearance of a puff-ball.

The grooming of the Bichon Frise is best left to professionals. It needs to be bathed and brushed at least once a month. With soft, fine curls that are prone to curling, it requires professional care to maintain its often recognizable shape.

Chinese Crested
The Chinese crested are another variety of non shedding toy dogs. Hairless and Powder Puff are the two varieties of the Chinese crested dog. The Hairless Chinese Crested is characterized by a fine grained smooth skin which is warm and soft to the touch. Although their bodies are completely hairless, they do have a crest of hair on some parts of the body including their heads, their tufted feet and their plumed tails.

The Powder Puff Chinese Crested is characterized by a coat that is soft, silky and abundant. The Chinese Crested dog comes in all color combinations.
The Chinese Hairless needs a lot of grooming and care. It requires baths at regular intervals, and even the application of moisturizers and sometimes even sun block. It is important to keep the skin of this breed of dogs soft and supple to avoid its drying out.

On the other hand, the Chinese Powder Puff also requires regular bathing. Its coat needs to be brushed and combed after every bath. If proper care is taken, this breed of dogs hardly shed ant hair at all.

Non Shedding Dogs

A large percentage of non shedding dogs are hypo-allergenic; meaning they are more ‘compatible’ with those of you which have an allergy to dogs or animals. But don’t worry! Hundreds of thousands worldwide share the same annoying, disheartening allergy that you experience, there are ways around it. No, I’m not going to recommend you pickup a dog and face the never-ending sneezing and watery eyes associated; however non shedding dogs may well be the cure in your case.

Non shedding dogs, as the name suggest are those dogs who lose very little, to no hair; releasing very little dander (the skin flakes under their fur). Of course there are ways of further reducing the risk of an allergic reaction; this includes regular (daily is recommended) grooming, which will remove and loose fur. Various breeds labeled as non shedding dogs include, Affenpinscher, American Hairless Terrier, Bichon Frise, Brussels Griffon, Chinese Crested, Havanese, Italian Greyhound, Yorkshire and Scottish Terriers.

While you’re at it, save a dog today! There are thousands of dogs in shelters around the country, many of which are non shedding dogs. Show a homeless dog a good home, make dog adoption your first option and save a life today!