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SnowWa · 01-11-2006, 12:56 PM

I have, in the past done a lot of research, on hypo-allergenic breeds. I have read dozens of articles - all of which state that it is the "dander" from our pets that cause our allergies (and, as we know, this is especially prevelant in cats).

People's allergies to cats and dogs vary tremendously. Some people are only mildly allergic and other people severe reactions.

Many breeds of dogs are more hypoallergenic than others and are less apt to cause allergic reactions.

What does "hypoallergenic" really mean?
To be hypoallergenic is to have a decreased tendency to cause allergies. Hypo means less, not none. Hypoallergenic dog breeds will still produce allergens, but because of their coat type, will typically produce less than others. People with severe allergies and asthma will still be affected by a hypoallergenic dog.

What coat-type makes the difference?
There are two coat types that produce a lesser amount of allergens: single-coated dogs, who do not have a thick undercoat, and hairless dogs. However even hairless dogs can produce enough dander to to affect a highly allergic person

There is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog.

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I have seen Yorkshire terriers on several lists of dogs for people with allergies.

I am not sure about my Yorkie yet. I have a friend who is allergic to dogs and cats. She experience itchy hands after she played with my Yorkie pup. But, following another visit with my pup, she had no reaction at all.

If your mother's allergies are severe - I think she needs to visit the very pup you want to get and handle it and be around it for a while. But there is still the possibility that this pup's being around other puppies may cause her to have a reaction that is not coming directly from this one pup.

Also there are a lot of people who can handle being around a dog very well as long as they don't handle it a lot and then touch their face and eyes afterwards.

Even being allergic to dogs - doesn't always mean you can't tolerate some breeds...bathing a dog more often and handling it with care can often solve many problems.

**** - You will find a lot more information on the Internet regarding this problem than you will here on YT. There is so much good information on the Internet -- I can't even begin to share it with you here. Put "hypoallergenic dogs" in search - and start reading! Read a lot of articles.

Carol Jean

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01-11-2006, 12:56 PM	#12
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	I have, in the past done a lot of research, on hypo-allergenic breeds. I have read dozens of articles - all of which state that it is the "dander" from our pets that cause our allergies (and, as we know, this is especially prevelant in cats). People's allergies to cats and dogs vary tremendously. Some people are only mildly allergic and other people severe reactions. Many breeds of dogs are more hypoallergenic than others and are less apt to cause allergic reactions. What does "hypoallergenic" really mean? To be hypoallergenic is to have a decreased tendency to cause allergies. Hypo means less, not none. Hypoallergenic dog breeds will still produce allergens, but because of their coat type, will typically produce less than others. People with severe allergies and asthma will still be affected by a hypoallergenic dog. What coat-type makes the difference? There are two coat types that produce a lesser amount of allergens: single-coated dogs, who do not have a thick undercoat, and hairless dogs. However even hairless dogs can produce enough dander to to affect a highly allergic person There is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog. ------ I have seen Yorkshire terriers on several lists of dogs for people with allergies. I am not sure about my Yorkie yet. I have a friend who is allergic to dogs and cats. She experience itchy hands after she played with my Yorkie pup. But, following another visit with my pup, she had no reaction at all. If your mother's allergies are severe - I think she needs to visit the very pup you want to get and handle it and be around it for a while. But there is still the possibility that this pup's being around other puppies may cause her to have a reaction that is not coming directly from this one pup. Also there are a lot of people who can handle being around a dog very well as long as they don't handle it a lot and then touch their face and eyes afterwards. Even being allergic to dogs - doesn't always mean you can't tolerate some breeds...bathing a dog more often and handling it with care can often solve many problems. **** - You will find a lot more information on the Internet regarding this problem than you will here on YT. There is so much good information on the Internet -- I can't even begin to share it with you here. Put "hypoallergenic dogs" in search - and start reading! Read a lot of articles. Carol Jean . __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.