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Dog Coats and Non-Shedding Dogs - The Actual Facts

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We choose our dogs mostly based on their character and their appearance. But for some of us, our preference also accounts for the dog's type of coat. Some people prefer fluffy dogs, while others prefer short-haired dogs.

But few take the time to properly research the question, "what difference does it all really make in terms of shedding?" Shedding can have a very material impact on the additional care and work required with owning a dog.

Dogs that shed significantly will require hours of brushing and grooming per week in order to prevent matting and to prevent your house from becoming lined from floor to ceiling with dog hair. In addition, people who suffer from dog allergies should pay particular attention to shedding when choosing a pet.

Hypoallergenic dog breeds

There are two types of fur that contribute to your dog's coat - the topcoat and the undercoat. The topcoat is usually the coarser and longer of the two coats, and it is made up of guard hairs. It is generally a weather-resistant coat that protects the finer undercoat from the elements like rain and snow. The undercoat consists of finer, fluffier fur that serves to keep the dog warm as it insulates by trapping the body heat generated by the dog. This works very much like "down" in comforters.

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Beth Ostrosky Stern is a spokesperson for the North Shore Animal League of America, the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. She is also involved with The Wildlife Rescue in The Hamptons and English Bulldog Rescue on Long Island.

Not the Breed but the Dog

If a person is allergic, they may be best able to tolerate a specific dog, possibly of one of the hypoallergenic breeds. Dr. Thomas A. Platts-Mills, head of the Asthma and Allergic Disease Center at the University of Virginia, explained that there are cases in which a specific dog (not breed) might be better tolerated by a specific person, for unknown reasons. "We think there really are differences in protein production between dogs that may help one patient and not another," Dr. Platts-Mills said.

All dogs shed, and all dogs produce dander and saliva in some degree. As noted above, the amount of the allergenic protein present on the dander and in saliva varies by breed. Also, the amount of the allergen can be reduced or eliminated in individual dogs by treatments such as bathing. But for most breeds, when not regularly bathed, even a dog who sheds very little or has little dander can trigger a reaction in a sensitive person.

Hypoallergenic dog breed

Too Cute

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Easy to Control Dander

Researchers have shown that frequently bathing dogs reduces the amount of allergen related protein on the fur or hair of the dog and the amount of airborne allergen. Bathing a dog at least twice a week will minimize or even eliminate the reaction of an allergic person to a dog.

Frequent cleaning and vacuuming of the home, using air filters, restricting the dog to certain rooms, and adopting a small dog that can easily be given frequent baths are all recommended by the Humane Society of the United States to control allergens.[23] Scientific research has repeatedly shown that good cleaning practices in the home remove allergens from the environment

Hypoallergenic dog breed

Topcoat and the Undercoat

A dog can be single or double-coated

There are two types of fur that contribute to your dog's coat - the topcoat and the undercoat. The topcoat is usually the coarser and longer of the two coats, and it is made up of guard hairs. It is generally a weather-resistant coat that protects the finer undercoat from the elements like rain and snow. The undercoat consists of finer, fluffier fur that serves to keep the dog warm as it insulates by trapping the body heat generated by the dog. This works very much like "down" in comforters.

A dog can be single or double-coated. Double-coated dogs are more resistant to the cold than single-coated dogs because of the added layer of fur. Single-coated dogs have only the topcoat layer while double-coated dogs have the top and bottom layers of fur. However, there are some breeds of dogs like the Chinese Crested that have very little or no fur. Depending on the breed of dog and climate that they are living in, dogs can shed their top or undercoat, or both, variably. There are some breeds of dog that shed once, twice, or throughout the year. Another noteworthy fact is that short-haired dogs may shed just as much as long-haired breeds. Shedding is very much breed-dependent.

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Dog Grooming : How to Clip a Dog's Coat

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Seasonal shedders

In general, seasonal shedders will shed their coat once or twice a year. Seasonal shedders shed their undercoat in the spring when the cold winter gives way to warmer temperatures. The heavier coat is shed so that the dog will not overheat in the warmer summer climate.

Then, as the cooler fall temperatures return, the dog's undercoat grows back to prepare for the upcoming winter. Dogs that shed twice a year will do so in the spring to get rid of the winter coat, and grow a lighter summer coat in its place. When the winter rolls around, the dogs shed a second time to remove the summer coat and grow their winter coat.

The Dog Breed Bible

Descriptions and Photos of Every Breed Recognized by the AKC

The Dog Breed Bible: Descriptions and Photos of Every Breed Recognized by the AKC

by: D. Caroline Coile Ph.D.

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Sturdy, spiral bound features one breed per page and covers basic information on origin, temperament, upkeep and health. Each breed is rated from 1 to 5 on energy level, exercise requirements, playfulness, affection level, friendliness toward other pets, friendliness toward strangers, ease of training and grooming requirements. A color photo of the head and side view of each breed is included.

No such thing as a dog that does not shed

Examples of such breeds are the

Although there is no such thing as a dog that does not shed (unless it is completely hairless), there are many dog breeds that are considered "light shedders". Examples of such breeds are the:

Airedale Terrier, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Cairn Terrier, Giant and Miniature Schnauzers, Havanese, Kerry Blue Terrier, Komondor, Maltese, Scottish Terrier, Shih-Tzu, Standard Poodle, West Highland White Terrier, and Yorkshire terriers.

Shih Tzu

A Shih Tzu has two coats of fur, with the bottom coat shedding into the top coat rather than off of the dog entirely; as a result, this breed sheds very little in the conventional sense.

With regular brushing and bathing, shedding can be reduced to almost nothing.

As they shed so lightly, Shih-Tzu are considered to be one of the breeds more suitable for people with allergies

Hypoallergenic dogs

These non shedding or low shedding dog breeds are said to be hypoallergenic if properly groomed and may be better for people with allergies. However an individual's allergic reactions will vary between dog breeds.

American Hairless Terriers

Do you love pets, but suffer from allergies? Maybe you should get a bald dog

Dog Coats and Non-Shedding Dogs - The Actual Facts

My Fav Dog Book

Oh My Dog: How to Choose, Train, Groom, Nurture, Feed, and Care for Your New Best Friend

Not the Breed but the Dog

Too Cute

Easy to Control Dander

Topcoat and the Undercoat

A dog can be single or double-coated

Everything Dog Grooming Book: All you need to help your pet look and feel great!

Dog Grooming : How to Clip a Dog's Coat

Seasonal shedders

The Dog Breed Bible

Descriptions and Photos of Every Breed Recognized by the AKC

No such thing as a dog that does not shed

Examples of such breeds are the

Shih Tzu

Hypoallergenic dogs

American Hairless Terriers

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Shed Happens

DOG HAIR AT OUR HOUSE

Funny Coffee black with Dog hair Mug

FURminator

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Shih Tzu For Dummies

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The Essential Shih Tzu

Bissell ShedAway Handheld Pet-Grooming Vacuum Attachment

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