Best Dog Breeds for Children with Mild Allergies
Read more at Suite101: Best Dog Breeds for Children with Mild Allergies: 4 Canine Choices for Kids with Aversions to Pet Dander
Although there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, animals that do very little shedding significantly reduces the amount of allergy inducing pet dander that's spread in a child’s living environment. Listed below are four canine choices for kids with aversions to pet dander. Miniature Poodles
Miniature Poodles make excellent canine choices for kids who are sensitive to pet dander because they don’t shed much. They have no problem matching the enthusiasm and energy level of a young child. Poodles are well-liked; they rank number eight on the American Kennel Clubs list of most popular dogs in America.
Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent and easy to train. They don’t need a lot of living space as their adult weight only reaches between 15 and 17 pounds. To keep the thick woolly coat of a Miniature Poodle from becoming matted, tangled and unruly, professional grooming is recommended every six to eight weeks. If Poodles are healthy and cared for properly, they can provide kids with up to 14 years of loyal companionship. Mexican Hairless, Xolo, or Xoloitzcuintli
The Mexican Hairless, also referred to as Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee) or Xolos are not popular; they do however, make wonderful pets for kids with allergies. "Xolos require a lot of training, exercise, and consistency. They are not a breed for the faint of heart, but in a responsible active family they would certainly thrive," says Stacy Hensley, president of Hope’s Haven Chinese Crested and Hairless Dog Rescue.
Since Mexican Hairless dogs don’t have protective fur, care should be taken to shield them from sunburn, drying irritations, cold weather, and injuries to the skin. If cared for properly, a Mexican Hairless can give a child 12 to 15 years of friendship.
Bichon Frise
A Bichon Frise sheds very little fur, so a kid with mild allergies should do well having one as a pet. Bichons are vibrant, self-assured, and excellent with kids. According to the American Kennel Club "The breed is often compared to a cotton ball due to its curled double coat, which consists of a textured outer coat and a silky undercoat.” Bichons require professional grooming sessions every four to six weeks to maintain their fluffy white coat.
The adult weight of a Bichon Frise can range from seven to 12 pounds -- so they're great for small living spaces. Bichons are however, spunky little dogs and require daily walks to minimize behavior problems. If they're cared for properly Bichons can provide kids with a whopping 15 year of companionship. Shih Tzu
According to the American Kennel Club Registration Statistics, the Shih Tzu ranks number nine on their list of most popular dogs in the United States. This sturdy canine is happy, affectionate and thrives in the company of children.
Shih Tzus don’t need a lot of living space, but they do need to be exercised daily as they are extremely energetic. Shih Tzus weigh between nine and 16 pounds at adulthood and can have a life span of up to 15 years -- sometimes more.
Although the Miniature Poodle, Mexican Hairless, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu are less likely to cause reactions in children with mild allergies, parents should always consult with a doctor before bringing one of these animals into the home.
References:
American Kennel Club’s Dog Registration Statistics. Accessed 11-04-08
E-mail interview with Stacy Hensley, president of Hope’s Haven Chinese Crested and Hairless Dog Rescue. 11-04-08
Read more at Suite101: Best Dog Breeds for Children with Mild Allergies: 4 Canine Choices for Kids with Aversions to Pet Dander http://earlychildhood.suite101.com/article.cfm/best_dog_breeds_for_children_with_mild_allergies#ixzz0mYNkcScq
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