Bark N Bubbles

Most pet owners know that there's no such thing as a non-shedding dog. Even hairless dogs shed flakes or scales of dead skin and dog hair, called dander, that settles like dust on flooring and furniture. Some experts believe that dander is a bigger problem than loose dog hair for allergy sufferers. But people who must keep their dog indoors or who are allergic to dog hair and dander do have answers. There are ways to minimize the problem.

If you're thinking of bringing a new furry friend into your home, you may want to consider a "non-shedding" dog. Though you'll still have to cope with dander, non- and low-shedding dogs, also known as hypoallergenic dogs, don't produce as many allergens as other breeds and are better companions for people with allergies.

No matter what kind of dog you have, the first and most important strategy to reduce shedding dog hair and dander is to follow a regular grooming routine. Daily brushing or combing catches dog hair before it hits your furniture or carpet. It's much easier to remove dog hair and dander from a brush or comb. And regular shampoos and trims will not only reduce shedding, they'll keep your dog's hair healthy and shiny. Regular baths and trims keep both you and your dog more comfortable.

Ready to Go Hairless?

When selecting your non-shedding dog, consider first one of the hairless breeds. They may not be as cute as their furry counterparts, but they have the great temperaments of all dogs. Hairless breeds do shed dander, but the ongoing problem of dog hair and dander is much easier to live with. These breeds may have more skin-related problems, and you may need to use sunscreen if you take them outdoors for long periods. Hairless breeds include the Hairless Khala, Chinese Crested, American Hairless Terrier, Peruvian Inca Orchid (or PIO), and the Xoloitzcuintie (or Mexican Hairless).

Low- and Non-Shedding Breeds

If hairless dogs don't suit your taste, you can choose from the so-called non-shedding breeds that lose less dog hair and dander than most. They come in all sizes and temperaments and make great companions. Some of them have a single layer of dog hair, better for low shedding, or dog hair that is more like human hair.

Single-coated breeds don't have the thick undercoat that other dogs shed in spring. Single-coat dogs include the Power Puff Chinese Crested (Powder Puff), Poodles, Schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dog, Bichon Frise, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Coton de Tulear, Kerry Blue Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Bedlington Terrier

Smaller low- and non-sheding breeds not among the single-coated variety include many different terriers. In addition to the single-coated West Highland Terrier (Westie) that may be a better choice for allergy sufferers are the Yorkshire, Border, Cairn, Norfolk, Silky, Welsh, Boston, Scottish, and Australian Terrier. Other small non-shedding breeds include the Shih Tzu, Maltese (a close relative of the Bichon Frise), short-haired Dachshund, Bichon Frise, Miniature Poodle, Italian Greyhound, Havanese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Powder Puff Chinese Crested.

You can also choose from a number of medium- to large-sized non-shedding breeds: Basenji, Poodles, Schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dog, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Coton de Tulear, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Bedlington Terrier.

Facts to Remember

If you want a non-shedding breed, you will probably want to shop with breeders. For humanitarian reasons, rescuing dogs from the shelter is a compassionate way to get a great furry companion. But shelters have little information about the purity of breeds they house. Even if it looks like a non-shedding dog, it may not be that genetically. If dog hair and dander is a significant problem for you, work with professional dog breeders.

Having discussed the breeds of non-shedding dogs available today, it's important to keep in mind a few basic facts:

* All dogs shed dander, and dander is the most likely culprit when it comes to allergies.
* All dogs shed some dog hair, even the hairless varieties.
* All dogs, even non-shedding varieties, require time, effort, and loving care.
* The best way to reduce shedding, even in non-shedding breeds, is to stick to a regular grooming routine.
* Pure-bred non-shedding breeds may be genetically predisposed to specific, sometimes serious health problems.
* Be sure that the non-shedding breed you select has the temperament appropriate for your lifestyle and personality.
* Unless you've done careful homework about your breeder, you may not get what you think you're getting.

About the Author:

Abhishek is an avid dog lover and he has got some great Dog Health Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 80 Pages Ebook, "How To Take Care Of Your Dog's Health" from his website http://www.Dog-Tale.com/192/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Gog Hair & Dander Spills - Have A Look at This..You Will Win The War!

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