Hypoallergenic Hunting Dogs

Hunters, and others, with allergies may want a hypoallergenic dog.

Hunting dogs were traditionally used to capture small animals such as game birds, foxes and rabbits, but many breeds have become popular household pets. Hypoallergenic hunting dogs are recommended as pets for people who have problems with animal allergies.

Types

Popular breeds of hypoallergenic hunting dogs include the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Portuguese Water Dog, the Afghan Hound and the Basenji.

Features

Hypoallergenic breeds shed less hair and dander than other dogs and produce fewer allergens in their saliva. Hunting dogs assist humans in hunting, although this practice is less common today, and many breeds are no longer used for this purpose.

Misconceptions

No dog is completely non-allergenic; some are simply less likely to provoke an allergic reaction than others.

Warning

Hunting dogs can make excellent pets even though they are, by nature, predators. Without proper training, therefore, they pose a risk to other pets and small children.

Fun fact

President Barack Obama and his family own a Portuguese Water Dog called Bo Obama. Bo was given to the Obamas by the late Sen. Ted Kennedy.

References

• Portuguese Water Dog: Types of hypoallergenic hunting dog
• The Dog Guide: The best dog breeds for people with allergies
• Chicago Tribune: Meet Bo the Portuguese water dog
• GamebirdHunter.com: Hunting dogs