Are you looking for a dog who will not send your allergies through the roof every time you come home? Although no dog can 100% guarantee either this, a Poodle might be the best dog for you and your lifestyle. For those who are dog lovers, but also struggle with allergies and constantly vacuuming up dog hair, finding the right dog breed can be a challenge.
There are countless rumors about which dogs are hypoallergenic and which are not, which may lead you to ask, “Are Poodles hypoallergenic?” Although no dog can be completely hypoallergenic, the American Kennel Club lists Poodles as one of the few dog breeds considered hypoallergenic. The reason there is a debate about the hypoallergenic Poodle is because allergens impact everyone differently and come from a dog’s hair, skin, and saliva.
However, the American Kennel Club lists Poodles as hypoallergenic because they are one of the closest breeds you can get to a dog that will not ignite your allergies.
In addition to keeping your allergies under control, Poodles are known for being beautiful, intelligent, active dogs that fit into a variety of lifestyles.
With a long list of wonderful characteristics in addition to being hypoallergenic, you may want to think about Poodles when considering which dog breed to add to your fur family.
Poodle Shedding
Since Poodles are known for being hypoallergenic many people wonder, “Do Poodles shed?” This is a logical question to ask since most people know that the hair your dog sheds is what dander is attached to, which in turn triggers your allergies.
An individual might assume that because Poodles are known as hypoallergenic dogs that they do not shed; however, this is a myth. Just like any other dog or animal, Poodles lose hair and grow in new hair as part of their coat’s natural cycle. But, unlike most dog’s, Poodles are on the short list of dog breeds that shed the least.
One reason people believe Poodles do not shed is because their curly coats create this illusion. When Poodles shed, their hair primarily gets trapped within the other curls. For this reason, Poodle hair does not end up all over the furniture or on your clothes, but rather within the other layers of your dog’s hair. Although this convenient to keep allergies and cleaning to a minimum, it is very important to keep up with proper canine grooming so that excess hair, dirt, dander, burrs, and mites do not stay lodged in your Poodle’s fur for an extended period of time.
Another reason Poodles are known for having minimal shedding and being hypoallergenic is because Poodles shed less frequently than many other dog breeds. This is because Poodles have hair as opposed to fur, which means it consistently grows instead of falling out like fur. It is said that where most dogs shed an average of every three to four days, whereas a Poodle sheds once every few weeks. Due to this breed’s less frequent shedding and curly coats, it is much easier to manage your Poodle’s shedding while simultaneously keeping your allergies to a minimum.
Grooming Your Poodle
Poodles are known for their fluffy, curly coats, but these coats also required a great deal of maintenance in order to keep them healthy. The American Kennel Club recommends that Poodles receive daily grooming. Although all dogs need regular grooming, the length and curly nature of Poodles’ hair can lead to tangles and unwanted debris getting caught in your dog’s coat. If you do not brush your Poodle daily, not only will this lead to bigger problems in the long run, but it is unhealthy for your dog’s skin.
Since Poodle shedding is unique in that it gets caught within the curls, grooming is necessary to help remove the excess hair from your dog’s coat. If you allow your Poodle’s hair and dander to stay stuck in the coat, this can lead to a canine skin irritation. By brushing your Poodle regularly, both you and your Poodle will benefit from the routine.
Your dog’s coat will stay healthy and you will keep excess hair and dander in the brush as opposed to on your dog. If you are concerned about the amount of grooming Poodles require, you can look into the various hairstyles for Poodles.
Although it is not the traditional show dog look, shorter coats require less maintenance and do not get matted as often.
Whether you are looking for a dog that does not shed regularly due to cleaning reasons or if you have pet allergies, a Poodle might be the perfect dog for you.
If you are severely allergic to dogs you should spend time around the Poodle before committing to taking him home, but most people are not impacted by the dander. Regardless of your reasoning, with proper grooming and care, your Poodle’s shedding will stay under control, leading to a happy pup and a happy puppy parent.
