Are there really "Non-Shedding" and "Hypoallergenic" Dogs?

These are two of what I find to be the most annoying of all buzz-words out there today in the dog-related pet trade.  Flashy words coined by backyard breeders and brokers for puppy mills. Designed to make dog ownership more attractive to those who truly shouldn't own a dog. Mainly, people who are allergic to dogs, and people obsessed about preventing pet hair from landing on their expensive furniture or rugs.




Is there such a thing as a "Non-Shedding" dog? 


No. There isn't. All mammals with hair shed it. Humans shed around fifty to a hundred hairs a DAY. Stands to reason that if you've got hair or fur, at some point it falls out in order for the follicle to be able to grow the replacement. People who swear up and down that Poodles or poodle hybrids (mixes) don't shed, are completely wrong. They drop hair less, because instead of falling on the floor like it would with a dog that has straight hair like a Husky or a Lab', the curled shafts intertwine and get caught within the coat. The hair creates mats and knots instead of dropping onto the floor or sofa. Therefore it LOOKS like the dog isn't shedding, or is shedding less. But in truth it's shedding just like all other dogs shed, the only difference is in the shape of the hair shaft and the mats it creates, instead of falling straight out. So any time you see some "Breeder" swearing up and down that their Yorkie, Westie, Poodle, Cotton de Tullier, etc puppies "don't shed, or are "non-shedding". They're preying on the ignorance of the general public, and lack of education of most new dog owners. There is no such thing as a dog that doesn't shed. In truth, breeds known for shedding less (such as poodles) require MORE grooming and care for their coats to remain healthy and to prevent medical problems, than dogs that are perceived to shed more (like Pugs). Even the rare Mexican Hairless, aka Xoloitzcuintli... has hair on certain parts of it's body. Not much, but it's there, and there fore it will shed.


Now, is there such a thing as "Hypoallergenic" dog?

Hypoallergenic is defined as; "Designed to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response, as by containing relatively few or no potentially irritating substances."

"The major dog allergen, called Can f 1, is primarily found in dog saliva. Unlike cat allergen, which is found in the dander from sebaceous glands in the skin, the skin of dogs does not appear to be a major source of Can f 1. Dog albumin, a protein found in the blood, is also an important allergen, and may cross-react with albumin from other mammals, including cats." 

Even if a dog is hairless (Like a Xolo', or Chinese Crested), it still produces allergens that can and DO cause allergic reactions in humans. Dogs lick themselves to groom, they drool, and they pant to regulate their body temperature. Therefore, they are perpetually spreading the allergens in their saliva over their bodies and their living environment. It's unavoidable. So no, there's no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic breed of dog. If a person has allergies to dogs, they should not own one unless they find a way to deal with the reactions, such as injections or medications that can be prescribed by a Doctor to minimize the effects. However, if the person's allergies are severe, ownership of any breed of dog should be avoided.