Tuesday, 20 January 2009

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds Are They for You

Stop Those Sniffles with a Hypoallergenic


Hypoallergenic dog breeds are ones that shed less, have less dander, and possibly have less of a chance to bother people with mild allergies. However, it is impossible to generalize as each person is different, so their reactions to dog breeds are different.



If you decide to buy a hypoallergenic dog, there are ways to care for them which you will need to observe that may require a little more work than for non-hypoallergenic breeds. Hypoallergenic dogs are sold mostly by breeders, but you can also find them in pet stores and sometimes in animal shelters.



the Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds are Shown in this Video with a Series of Slides







Hypoallergenic dogs are out there in a number of guises and different breeds, and they do make the best of pets. Hypoallergenic dogs are a great solution for would-be dog owners that have allergies. Many dog lovers that thought they would never be able to own a dog because of the uncontrollable symptoms to pet dander, may not have considered a hypoallergenic dog. However, with careful selection there is a dog for many people that suffer this allergy type.



These dogs are specific breeds that shed less hair and dander than other dogs, and produce fewer allergens in their saliva and urine. You should keep in mind, however, the fact that all breeds carry a certain amount of allergen burden. So called hypoallergenic dogs just carry less.



Hypoallergenic dogs are usually the smaller breeds, even though greyhounds come in a variety of sizes. Deciding on the breed of dog will depend on your lifestyle and what you expect from a pet.



While reading up on this subject while researching this article I did find a web page which said that hypoallergenic dogs are a myth. They said that hypoallergenic dogs are not allergen-free. They just produce less irritating allergens than other dogs. I think to say they are a myth is I think a little extreme, however, all readers must please note that we cannot guarantee for one minute that a dog which apparently does not trigger an allergy in one sufferer may cause it in another.



Allergic people react to different breeds of dogs differently. Each person has a unique allergic threshold. Allergies can be triggered by multiple factors, not just hair, so there's just no guarantee that any particular breed can be "safe". You can also have varying degrees of reaction to individual animals, regardless of breed, and your body can also develop some immunity after you're exposed for a certain amount of time too.



Allergy tests can be used however like any other thing they are susceptible to human error. Here is a story out of New Zealand where a parent took their child to two different allergy tests and received two different results, so the allergy sufferer will be unable to gain a 100% guarantee that they will not suffer even after a positive test suggests so.



Breeds such as the Poodle, Labradoodle and Bishon Frise are the best known smaller hypoallergenic dogs. They only need to be bathed about once a month.



Breeders do not usually offer a return policy, so choose the dog that meets your needs best, and choose carefully.



We have referred to Dander earlier, but what is it? Dander is a collection of skin cells, dust, and other particles found in the air. As a dog sheds, these particles float around in the air and cause people to have allergy attacks. Dander includes shed fur, but also flakes of dried skin. It is similar to dandruff in people.



Portuguese Water Dogs are said to be low allergenic and need to be groomed every two months or so. There are two patterns that most groomers follow, the retriever cut and the lion cut. Portuguese Water Dogs are also intelligent dogs which love to spend time with their owners (they might even just follow you around the house!). Of course, you will want to spend time with a dog to figure out its individual personality, but on the whole, there are many hypoallergenic dog breeds that have affectionate, good temperaments.



Grooming is an essential part of your dog’s general health care and hygiene routine. It includes brushing, combing, nail-clipping, ear and dental care, bathing and scissoring, stripping or clipping of hair coats. Grooming does not take much work, and is SO important to those that might otherwise suffer an allergy. The lowest allergenic reaction will be confirmed by the tests which will be done. West Highland Terriers are reportedly a great idea for allergy sufferers. The hair on their coat is extremely short and it rarely gets that musty doggy smell most dogs get.



Pets can get allergies themselves, but they rarely sneeze and cough; their allergy symptoms usually appear as skin problems. Quick writes, "When I am told that a dog is constantly chewing at their feet, often to the point of damaging the skin, the allergy flag begins to wave.



We hope that for those seeking a hypoallergenic dog they do consider the West Highland Terrier, which is an excellent guard dog and she doesn’t shed either! Finally, if there is anyone out there looking for a large dog breed that jives with their senses look at the Bouvier! (French).



Your author for this great article is fascinated by the dog world and the diversity of the top Dog Breeds Worldwide. He also runs the Dog Breeds Compendium. See his great page on non-shedding hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Dog Breeds for Hunting Rabbits and the Beagle Dog Breed

Hunting and the Beagle


The best dog breeds for hunting rabbits are any member of the hunting dog group with a good nose for scenting game and a willingness and ability to follow a scent trail without becoming distracted. If you are not sure which dog breeds are classified as gun dogs, we recommend that you go to one of the Kennel Club web sites such as the American Kennel Club, the United Kingdom Kennel Club or the Canadian Kennel Club. On each of these sites they hold lists of the breeds recognized within the category for your information.



Before we start to talk on this subject we would like to remind all US hunters that when using shotguns are only federally approved nontoxic shot is allowed. Always obtain appropriate landowner and/or tenant permission to shoot, and the always observe the shooting season which may apply within the region.



A Patterdale Terrier Goes Down a Rabbit Hole for the First Time







Rabbit hunting can be enjoyable and becomes an essential duty when rabbit numbers on any land holding exceed sensible numbers, plus it isn't a complicated sport. It can really be as simple as a quiet walk with any of the dog breeds for hunting rabbits, your old single-shot and a pocketful of shells. With rabbit hunting is also going to have to be a bit of luck if you are in the right place and the bunny will run by you. Assuming you know what you are doing there will be rabbits around you, and it is the dog that should be able to sniff them out where, hopefully they are lying low away from their burrows.



By the way, apart from potentially bagging some rabbit for the pot, rabbit hunting is also a good way to introduce new hunters or youngsters to the outdoors. Rabbit hunting is a fairly safe sport. However, it is imperative that to remain a safe sport that certain safety rules be adhered to without exception. Make sure you know those rules before you start.



Now here is a tip. Dog breeds for hunting rabbits and humans both miss rabbits which are holding tight (playing dead) in their hidden position even when in close proximity. Moving more slowly and performing a more thorough search of the area is the best tactic and in the end is likely to flush a rabbit and provide a shot. Dogs are helpful if you have them, but not entirely necessary. You'll probably see more rabbits with them, than without, but depending on the dog, you may not be able to take shots if the dog is too close. Hunting accident statistics clearly indicate that most accidents occur as a result of mistaking another hunter for game.



When did rabbit hunting with selected dog breeds for hunting rabbits first start? Dogs of this type were taken to Rome and may have been imported to Roman Britain. Small hounds are mentioned in the Forest Laws of Canute which exempted them from the ordinance which commanded that all dogs capable of running down a stag should have one foot mutilated.



Where are the rabbits most likely to be found? The best advice is to seek out either evergreen bushes or other vegetation that forms thick enough tangles to provide significant cover, even without its foliage.



The rabbit hunting seasons open in some countries on the first of September and runs through to the end of March allowing seven months of rabbit hunting.



Of all the dog breeds for hunting rabbits Beagles are specially trained hounds that rely exclusively on their smell to chase and kill rabbits, and bringing a pack along with you on your hunting sessions will surely make a difference. However, no pack of beagles, no matter how well trained and experienced, will do the whole hunt because you, as hunter, have to play your essential role in the final success.



The Beagle is a popular family pet as they are known for their affection and loyalty. They can be good playmates for children and get along well with other pets and younger puppies Bred for their independence, the Beagle should not be allowed off-leash because they have a tendency to wander.



The Beagle is a small scent hound, bred to track rabbit and hare while the hunter follows on foot. They are short coated and usually a sturdy little hound. The Beagle is considered one of the oldest breeds in history and perhaps one of the closest original breeds of hound. The breed's popularity further increased during the reign of his daughter, Elizabeth I.



Steve Evans is constantly amused and delighted by what he reads and hears about the joy so many Hunting Dog Breeds bring to people, which moves him to write great articles for his web site the Dog Breeds Blog.