We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful Australian Shepherd called Callie.
My family says I am smart, quirky, and a loving dog. I love to snuggle with my parents and “ask for pets”. I am now 43 lbs, however my favourite spot to cuddle is 100% on top of mom’s lap. My mom says I have the most intensely cute “puppy dog eyes” you’ll ever see. I also love being chased.
A few months ago, my parents said I was extremely reactive at the door or when people came over. After one session with Paul, my mom and dad implemented some tips he suggested, and I have done a 180. YEAH!!! Now when someone comes to the door I goes straight to my bed and wait until I am released to greet any guests that come over, instead of jumping all over them uncontrollably. My family says, I am such a smart dog, and that they are so lucky to be my parents. Really, I am the lucky one to have THEM!!!!
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue
I know many people search for a hypoallergenic dog breed, especially if they themselves, or someone in the family suffers from asthma or allergies. The truth is no breed is 100% hypoallergenic. It is possible to find a “less-allergenic” breed, or a breed that is non-shedding which helps lower the “dander”.
The “dander” is microscopic dead skin cells which are on your pets, both cat and dog, this is what will trigger most people’s allergies. The dander is lightweight and will remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and tends to stick to fabrics, bedding, and furniture. K9 breeds that drool a lot can cause allergies as well, due to the salvia. A dog’s salvia has more protein types than their skin, which can create an allergic reaction in some people.
There are different dog breeds out there that offer lower “dander”, have different types of dog coats/fur, and there is even hairless K9’s which will help all dog owners with their allergies.
These breeds are the following:
1. The Xoloitzcuintli is a hairless breed which has a smooth, but tough protective coat. This breed is calm, attentive, but does need exercise and moderate amount of grooming. This breed is also available with fur, or which is often referred to as “coated”.
2. Peruvian Inca Orchid K9 can be hairless or “coated” as well. This breed has loads of energy and needs regular activity. The hairless variety does well with any allergy sufferers.
3. The Chinese Crested K9, comes in three varieties, without hair, “coated” or a combination of the two. This dog is a small breed, sheds very little, and is great with families that have small children.
4. The Bedlington Terrier is popular breed with people with allergies, due to their hypoallergenic qualities. This breed hardly sheds or drools. This breed has a unique coat which is curly and woolly, almost resembling a lamb.
Other mentionable breeds for allergy sufferers are the West Highland White Terrier, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, and Portuguese Water Dog.
To help prepare your home for the allergens, when owning a dog, we recommend washing your dog bedding often, you can also invest in a pet air purifier, or a vacuum that picks up dog hair.
Lastly, if you can DO it, LOL—don’t let your dog sleep with you!!!