Hypoallergenic Dogs: Can you own a dog if you are allergic to them?

President-elect Barack Obama will be looking hard for a dog before he enters the White House in January, but it won’t be any usual dog. The 45th president will be in need of a hypoallergenic companion. These are dogs that provide a reduced chance for an allergic reaction among individuals who would be prone to such. This is mostly because there is some quality in their coat that makes them less likely to shed, but there are other reasons as well. Here are some of the most popular hypoallergenic dogs that Barack Obama might be choosing from.

Bichon Friese -  This is one of the few dogs that have been recommended by the American Kennel Club for people with allergy problems. The reason is that its undercoat does not hold lots of hair and it is especially intolerant of dander. This means that the chance for an allergic reaction is relatively small.

Goldendoodle – From the “who would have expected this?” file comes the Goldendoodle. At first sight, this looks like the kind of dog that would make a person’s allergies go haywire, but it’s not. Despite its curly coat this dog is popular because it doesn’t shed. It is obviously a hybrid between a golden retriever and a poodle, so it is not the most common dog, but allergy sufferers are making this a popular choice.

Fox Terrier – For those folks who would like a more rugged, outdoors dog, the fox terrier is a good hypoallergenic choice. The reason is that this is one of the only dogs in world that does absolutely no shedding. With no hair around the house to enrage the senses, allergy sufferers in the Obama household would be protected.

Greyhound – The people who like to rescue greyhounds are doing a good deed, but they are also saving themselves the trouble of cleaning up dog hair. This is one of the most popular hypoallergenic dogs in the world. They are small enough to live in the house, but they have the make up and instincts to survive outside, as well. All in all, this is an excellent choice because their hair is so short that they rarely shed.

People looking for hypoallergenic dogs should know that there are quite a few options out there. In the end, it comes down to finding a dog that has a manageable coat because it is the dog hair that causes the most trouble for people with allergies.

There are certain dog breeds that you can picture alone, and others that you just have to see together. Scottish Terrier puppies, or “Scotties” as they are affectionately referred to, are dogs that you often see in pairs. These animals love to be together and they seem to relish the role of being a pet. Because of that and the fact that they seem to almost live forever, they are great house pets for the entire family. Most owners feel that the Scottish Terrier breed becomes a part of the family after a little while.
Scottish Terrier puppies are small, but they are extremely sturdy. They have a long, flowing coat of hair that usually requires grooming. In order for the breed to have its characteristic look, they have to be well groomed. For most owners, this type of care is required about once per month. As far as colors go, Scottish Terrier puppies normally come in dark colors. Dark grey and black are the two most common hues for these dogs.
Though these dogs have a nice look to them, people don’t generally buy them because of the appearance. What makes the Scottish Terrier breed so enviable is the fact that the dogs have personalities much like people. They are described by many owners as being dogs of high intelligence and high character. They are always full of energy and the scoot around the house so quickly that you can sometimes miss them. When it comes to protecting you, they don’t play around either. The Scottish Terrier breed is very loyal and extremely protective. They have a long standing tradition of serving as excellent watch dogs.
Like with most dogs, Scottish Terrier puppies must be effectively trained from a very early age if you want to have a good relationship with them. They need a strong owner who knows how to handle them with both care and with stern enforcement. Obedience training is not difficult, because they are extremely intelligent, but it must be enforced by both positive enforcement and negative consequences. They can learn both basic commands and tricks, as long as the owner knows a little bit about dog training.
Scottish Terrier puppies must be cared for a great deal, as they are prone to certain health issues. They have one specific issue that is so common that it was actually named for them. “Scottie Cramp” is a condition that is very painful and can sometimes restrict the movement of these dogs. It normally occurs in older animals, though.
Overall, this is a breed that relies on both its personality and its intelligence to get the job done. If you own one, you will want to own two. They can become a part of your family, given the appropriate amount of care and love.

For those people who need a distinctive looking pet, the Pekingese breed is a perfect fit. You will never have to worry about Pekingese puppies being confused for other types of dogs, and they provide a nice bit of companionship to go along with their distinctive look.
As you might have guessed, the Pekingese breed is known for its beautiful, flowing coat that is the one distinctive part of its appearance. While some dogs are a set color, Pekingese puppies come in a number of different shades, so there is a good bit of variance in this breed. Nothing about these dogs is large, meaning that both their features and their body are quite petite.
Even though they might not be the biggest dogs on the block, Pekingese puppies are not scared of anyone. In fact, they are sometimes foolishly brave. They have lots of courage and lots of energy to expend and they are not shy about protecting your home. While not the most effective guard dogs on the market, Pekingese puppies are enough of a nuisance to serve as excellent watch dogs. Owners will learn from the beginning that Pekingese puppies do what they want to do when they want to do it. They have a strong will about them that is hard to break, but they will be very submissive to their master. Don’t expect strangers to have similar success controlling their actions, though.
Though the Pekingese breed does not have too many health problems to note, they do have a few things that owners must keep an eye out for if they want a healthy pet. Since they mostly live inside and don’t mind being lazy for quite a while, these dogs have a tendency to let their weight become an issue. They are canine couch potatoes, so owners have to make sure that new Pekingese puppies get plenty of exercise and don’t eat too much. In addition, these dogs are unique in the fact that they pick up colds very easily. Owners will want to keep an eye out for that.
While many dogs need a large, open space to survive, the Pekingese breed does just fine in whatever sort of atmosphere you prefer. They are perfect dogs for smaller apartments, because they can make themselves at home without having to have a large yard to move around in. Still, they do like to be outside, but can get by with only a couple of trips to the park or the occasional walk. This is why Pekingese puppies are a favorite for college students across the country.

Some folks might like their lazy dogs, and that is fine. If you are looking for an active, smart, energetic, and eager animal, then the English Shepherd breed is right up your alley. This dog is all of those things and more, which is why it is rapidly becoming one of the most popular breeds on the planet. They are beautiful animals who come equipped with smooth coats, which are easy to groom. These dogs were built for work and for play, so with the right type of training, they can be effective in a number of different ways.
English Shepherd puppies are bred to be working dogs, which makes them extremely capable of learning commands and following them with regularity. While it seems like work to train some breeds, the English Shepherd breed actually enjoys learning these new things and taking on new challenges. When they aren’t working, they want to be playing. By that, I mean that they want to spend their time in direct contact with their master. They always want to please, no matter what that means. These dogs crave attention, but they are fine simply being around their owner.
Because of the characteristics mentioned above, these dogs are extremely effective house animals and can be pets that the whole family loves. They are good around children, though their somewhat clumsy nature can be a concern at times. Though they are able to function at a high level in a home setting, they do need some room to exercise. Since English Shepherd puppies were originally bred as farm dogs, they like to be on the outside, running around and exploring things. As a general rule, they struggle somewhat in an apartment type of setting.
As mentioned before, they adapt to new commands better than almost any other breed of dog. They respond to positive re-enforcement, even if that reward is just attention from the owner. After putting in a very limited amount of time training English Shepherd puppies, you should notice some progress in regards to their behavior and their intelligence. They will work on new things for as long as you are willing, so be prepared for this when you begin a training session.
As far as health and care is concerned, these dogs are prone to things like ear infections, which is a common canine ailment. They do have some hip and bone problems on occasion, as well. Regularly trips to the veterinarian are the best policy when it comes to keeping the English Shepherd breed safe and happy.

The English Bulldog breed is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world, for a number of reasons. They are expensive, but these dogs can make wonderful companions and can literally become a part of the family. Breeding for the English Bulldog has been done well, so the breed has maintained its original characteristics that have always made it popular. Among those are the wrinkles and the droopy face that have become the breed’s trademark.

The English Bulldog breed has become extremely popular because of the fact that it is a very gentle breed. The look of this breed oozes intimidation, but that should not scare away prospective owners. Over the years, English Bulldog puppies has become known as some of the easiest to take care of in the world.

There are plenty of other aspects of the English Bulldog breed that must be taken into account before you decide that they are for you. The dog not only loves attention from the people in your household, but many times, it will demand that attention. You must be prepared to dispense this attention if you want to have a good relationship with your pet. Another nice aspect of this breed is the fact that it works well around children and other dogs. It can even put up with a cat or two if you have those in your home.

If English Bulldog puppies are left untrained, they can become a big of a challenge. If you are going to adequately train them, you have to be prepared to be firm. They have a strong will, but in that will they are always looking to please their owner as much as possible. Simple training tasks like house training can be a challenge if you do not take the right approach with this pet. Given the right attitude, they are known to respond well to training, though.

This dog breed can work well in many different environments, and can be an especially good choice for those people who do not have a lot of space. Because English Bulldog puppies do not grow to be too large and they don’t need a huge amount of space to operate, they can work well in environment settings, while many dogs could not.

Few dog breeds have gotten more attention in Hollywood over the years than the Saint Bernard. In both movies and on television, this is a breed that has become known for its loving nature and its somewhat different attitude on life. For those dog lovers looking for a very large addition to the home, the Saint Bernard breed is a perfect choice. Only certain families are equipped to handle such a commitment, however.

The Saint Bernard is one of the oldest breeds of dog, as it seems to have been around forever. Since as early as 980, people have been loving Saint Bernard puppies for their kind and calm nature. Though its facial expression might make this dog look like it is in a sad mood, Saint Bernards are actually very happy animals. They are patient dogs that can almost be like a third parent around the house. As such, they have a unique ability to look after children in a way that few other breeds can duplicate. The Saint Bernard breed needs your love and your constant attention, though, as they are not pleased with being left to their own devices.

One aspect of the breed that draws many dog owners is the fact that they are wonderful watch dogs. If you strive to get protection out of your pet, then this is a good choice. In addition to that, the Saint Bernard breed is one that has always had a great nose for danger and has always been used in search and rescue missions. Owning one of these gentle giants is like having another alarm system around the house.

When training Saint Bernard puppies, owners must be sure to use a gentle voice. Some dogs respond well to harsh training, but this is not one of them. These dogs will look to please, but they will not be happy if you give any indication of anger. This can cause them to stop listening and shut down. You must take great care to introduce the Saint Bernard breed to other dogs at a very young age, so it will get used to playing in a manner that is not too rough. Otherwise, they will never learn their own strength and can become dangerous when they are full grown.

Saint Bernard puppies have always been a great addition to the home. In addition to being stars on the silver screen, they have provided security and love to homes for centuries.

Though they scare many dog owners because of their wolf life appearance, Siberian Huskies are an excellent pet for most homes. The Siberian Husky breed may look mean and intimidating, but around the house, they are as loving and gentle a breed as anyone will find. In addition to that, this is a breed that has learned how to adapt to its surroundings, so just about anyone can own one happily.

Siberian Husky puppies are some of the cutest around, which is why many people initially choose to purchase them. They are soft, fluffy, and extremely loving. Over time, these dogs grow up, though. Depending upon how they live and how they are fed, the Siberian Husky breed can grow to be as heavy as 85 pounds. Most do not grow to be this large, however.

Even though they are large, intimidating dogs, Siberian Huskies are great house pets. Different owners will have different experiences with these dogs, but most find that their animal has adapted to living in a house environment. This is a breed that does not have to be entertained throughout the day, as it is just as happy lying around as it is playing with members of the family. Though these dogs can sometimes appear to be aloof, they are really happy to be a part of any family.

One thing that perspective owners must take into account is how they intend to house the Siberian Husky breed. These dogs need some time outside to exercise and explore, but they have a tendency to ramble. If you do not have a yard with a fence, then you will spend many hours tracking down and worrying about your dog. These dogs can become extremely creative in how they escape, as well. If there is a way out, they can usually find it.

Shedding is a major problem for the Siberian Husky breed. They have thick coats, as they are native to cold climates. In warm climates, they will shed this coat in order to remain cool, and this could cause some problems if you keep the dog in your house. Owners must be prepared to care for the Siberian Husky’s coat, as leaving it unattended could leave to significant matting. Other than that, there are not too many significant health problems associated with the breed.

Siberian Husky puppies can make a wonderful addition to any home, given the right situation. They are somewhat demanding, so owners must always be prepared to take on these challenges and provide a nice living situation for the dog.

Because of its strong affinity for the outdoors, the Pointer breed is perfect for an owner that loves to explore and stay active. Pointers have a strong desire to hunt, especially for birds, so they double as a nice addition to any bird hunter’s home. Depending upon the bloodlines associated with the pointer that you choose, this can be a dog that is very easy to train. In some ways, Pointer puppies are naturally good at a lot of the activities associated with hunting.

While many other hunting breeds are highly aggressive from birth, Pointer puppies are not that way necessarily. Though they can turn into social, energetic dogs, Pointers can also become very timid if they are not raised the right way. Because of this, only owners that have the time and energy to surround the Pointer breed with other dogs at an early age should consider brining one into their home.

As one might expect of a bird dog, the Pointer breed is not a breed that is suited well for a small environment. It can not reach its full potential in an apartment or a home that does not have a large yard. Pointer puppies demand time on the outside from an early age, in order to exercise their hunting instincts and get rid of their excess energy. Still, these dogs can function in a home setting if they are familiar with it. They can become extremely loyal and accommodating, especially around children.

Training can be a challenge for the Pointer breed, especially if the trainer does not have a lot of experience. Since they have a strong will and a short attention span, Pointer puppies do not have much patience for people that do not interest them. Still, they are highly intelligent, so successful training is possible. Given the right techniques and an adequate amount of time, a Pointer can be trained as well as any other dog breed.

The Pointer breed is one that is very healthy, so owners will not have to worry about many of the common medical problems that other dogs suffer from. One thing that all owners must look out for is the coat, though. These dogs have beautiful, flowing coats that must be brushed each and every day. Matting can be a problem if adequate coat care is not given.

All in all, this breed can offer companionship for the home, but must be taken into the correct situation. If Pointers aren’t given the right amount of space, they cannot fully thrive and realize their potential.

The most popular type of dog in America is the Labrador Retriever. Lab puppies are fun loving, energetic, and extremely personable. The only downside to this breed is the fact that, often times, they are a mixed bag. Owners cannot be sure what individual characteristics their Lab puppies will have when they bring them home.

One of the best characteristics of the Lab breed is loyalty. Labs are known to fully exemplify the old adage of “man’s best friend”. Lab owners will find that their pet is extremely reliable in a number of different ways. From retrieving to just simply being there with a warm attitude, the Lab breed is an extremely reliable.

Lab puppies come in three different types, which are known by their colors. The three lab colors are yellow, black, and chocolate. Depending upon which type you own, they will have different characteristics. Yellow Labs are known to be more fun loving than the other types, while chocolate Labs are known to be the most aggressive of the three.

As far as health is concerned, the Lab breed is a pretty safe bet to avoid most major health problems. The dogs can grow to be close to 100 pounds, depending upon bloodlines. As such, they are prone to some of the problems that often plague large dogs. These include hip dysplasia and other joint problems.

The Lab breed is one that requires a lot of attention and much exercise. Though they are completely content with being inside dogs in close quarters, most labs will truly let their colors show when they are able to explore the outdoors. Since they were bred as hunting dogs, most labs will have an untiring desire to fetch and retrieve, even in the most trying of circumstances. Beware of this, as once you get started playing with a Lab, he will not want to stop.

Lab puppies are perfect for people that have a family and have the time to put into caring for the dog. If cared for properly, Labs will reward their owners with a long life that is filled with many meaningful memories. For better of or worse, Labs are always full of excitement and unadulterated joy.

Dalmatian puppies have long been the subject of firefighter lore and many dog owners love them as a pet. The Dalmatian breed itself is a very aggressive one, so not every homeowner is well suited to own one. Their beauty and reputation have made them a popular pick over the years, though. For some, their temperament is a turn off, though.

Dalmatians have been around as long as time, or so it would seem. They are one of the most ancient breeds, as history cites them as strong guard dogs for some of the oldest English leaders. It is that part of their personality that makes them a popular pick for some dog owners. Dalmatian puppies are fiercely loyal from an early age. As soon as they discover who their master is, they will spare no expense to protect that person from harm or imminent danger.

The Dalmatian breed is one that will work and hunt relentlessly. They grow to be medium sized by dog standards, but are extremely strong and athletic in both appearance and build. This allows Dalmatian puppies to do things that many dogs could only dream of doing.

When you bring home a Dalmatian puppy, it expects to be your companion for life. This natural characteristic of the Dalmatian breed is something that has characterized them for eternity. They thrive off of the friendship that they develop with everyone in their household. Though many of their actions might make it seem like the Dalmatian breed is a strong, insensitive one, many owners find that their dogs have a soft side. If left alone or unattended for extended periods of time, Dalmatians can suffer from separation anxiety.

One negative of this breed is the fact that it has many health problems which can arise during its lengthy life. Like most large dog breeds, Dalmatian puppies are prone to hip dysplasia. The Dalmatian breed is also known to suffer from other, more serious things, though. These conditions include blindness, deafness, kidney problems, and quite a few more. Because of this, only owners who are prepared to take their Dalmatian to the vet routinely should consider owning this dog.

When put in the right situation, this dog can be a strong companion for the entire family. Though their health problems and occasional misguided aggression make them a risky choice, the love and protection that they provide can serve to mitigate those other characteristics.