712-395-3195

NEWSLETTER

What Makes Some Dog Breeds Hypoallergenic?

by | Apr 7, 2022 | Blog Post | 0 comments

Here at Poodles 2 Doodles, we have met many adults that say they have wanted to care for a dog their entire lives. Some have even shared regrets saying how they missed irreplaceable moments simply because they did not grow up with a pet in their home. Sadly, the most common reason they never did is because they or someone living with them had extreme allergies to dogs.

Even if you do suffer from pet-related allergies, some of the most popular dog breeds we work with are considered hypoallergenic. Here’s how our poodles can make all the difference.

How Do Dogs Cause Allergies?

There are several ways a dog can trigger an allergic response. The most common trigger is due to pet dander. Just like us, dogs shed dead skin cells. Humans aren’t generally allergic to other humans, though, so what’s the difference?

The problem lies with the combination of proteins inherent in a dog’s biology. This leads to the second reason people suffer from pet allergies: saliva. Simply put, the human body is “programmed” to recognize many different protein combinations that will naturally trigger an immune response to protect itself from harm. Sadly, our bodies have trouble identifying an affectionate puppy from a viral or bacterial invader.

What Does It Mean When a Puppy Is Hypoallergenic?

In truth, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. Again, this is due to the simple rules of biology. Just like people, no two dogs are the same, and the reaction that one person can experience from a specific breed (or even an individual puppy) will be different from someone else’s.

This doesn’t mean that the search for wonderful hypoallergenic dog breeds has not been successful! The term hypoallergenic contains the clue: the prefix “hypo” means “less than”, and there are many ways a dog breed can limit any allergic reactions that would occur.

Some of these include:

  • Short hair dog breeds tend to shed less, which means a decreased chance of allergies from fallen fur in your carpet and your furniture.
  • Dog breeds such as sheepadoodles and cavapoos will also shed less pet dander when groomed properly.
  • Although loving puppies can’t resist licking our faces when they get excited, some breeds will cause a lesser allergic response with good hygiene.

What Are the Best Hypoallergenic Dogs Out There?

While we adore working with poodle breeds for many reasons, we love connecting our puppies with individuals and families that would normally hesitate because of respiratory health. Here are some of the fantastic breeds we feature that might be perfect for you.

1. Sheepadoodles

A combination of the poodle and Old English sheepdog breeds, sheepadoodles share the best traits of their parents. They often have shorter hair than their original breeds and often require less maintenance. As long as they are groomed regularly and brushed two or three times a week, we’ve found sheepadoodle owners rarely have allergy issues.

2. Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles are a mix between the golden retriever and the poodle, and often have longer hair than our other mixes (depending on how their genes are expressed). They may require a bit more grooming than other poodle breeds, but they are also an excellent choice compared to breeds with similar coats.

3. Irish Doodles

If you want an energetic canine friend, puppies with Irish setter and poodle parentage are a wonderful choice. According to the American Kennel Club (or AKC), Irish doodles are one of 19 dog breeds that are considered hypoallergenic. Combined with their high intelligence, they can be easily trained to avoid sitting on furniture or bedding that would worsen a reaction.

4. Cavapoos

With its origins in Australia, the cavapoo is a mix between a poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. With a regal lineage like that, there’s no wonder they became so popular! With a single-layer coat and short hair, cavapoos are an excellent hypoallergenic breed for families of all sizes. They also love playing with children, which is always a plus.

Discover Your New Best Friend At Poodles 2 Doodles

If you are searching for a hypoallergenic puppy that will love you through their lives, give Poodles 2 Doodles a call today. We safely ship our puppies to all of the states in the US, we can help you create the connection of a lifetime.

well-behaved bernedoodle

Cut the Face

Now that your goldendoodle’s coat is clean and tangle-free, it’s time to trim the facial fur. Use grooming scissors or shears to carefully trim around the eyes, ensuring your dog has clear visibility. You can also give your goldendoodle a cute “teddy bear” look by trimming the hair around their muzzle and cheeks to create a rounded appearance.

Clip and Trim the Ears

Next, let’s tackle those adorable floppy ears! Gently hold your goldendoodle’s ear and use the thinning shears to remove excess hair, being cautious not to nick the skin. Trim any long hairs around the edges of the ears with grooming scissors for a neat appearance. Finish by cleaning the ears with a dog-safe ear cleaning solution and cotton balls.

Cut the Back

For the back, use electric clippers with a blade size appropriate for your goldendoodle’s coat length. Start at the neck and work your way down the back and sides, moving in the direction of hair growth. Be sure to hold the skin taut to avoid any nicks or uneven cuts.

Trim the Legs, Feet, and Paws

Now, let’s move on to the legs, feet, and paws. Use grooming scissors to trim the hair on the legs, following the natural contours of the limbs. Be cautious around the joints, as these areas can be sensitive. Use thinning shears to blend any harsh lines, creating a more natural look.

For the feet, trim the hair between the paw pads using a small pair of grooming scissors or clippers. Make sure to remove any debris or matted fur that might have accumulated there. Then, shape the hair around the paws for a neat, rounded appearance.

While you’re working on the paws, don’t forget to trim your goldendoodle’s nails. Use a nail clipper or grinder to trim the nails, taking care not to cut the quick (the pink part inside the nail that contains blood vessels). If you accidentally nick the quick, use styptic powder or gel to stop the bleeding.

Clip the Belly, Bum, and Tail

To groom the belly and bum area, carefully use electric clippers or grooming scissors to trim the hair. Make sure to keep the skin taut and be extra cautious around sensitive areas, like the genitals and anus.

When it comes to the tail, you can choose a style that suits your goldendoodle’s personality. Some owners prefer a fluffy, plume-like tail, while others opt for a more streamlined look. Trim the hair with grooming scissors or clippers, and use thinning shears to blend any harsh lines for a smooth, natural appearance.

One More Brush and You’re Finished!

After all that trimming and clipping, give your goldendoodle one final brush to remove any loose hairs and ensure their coat looks sleek and smooth. Stand back and admire your handiwork – you’ve just given your goldendoodle a fabulous at-home grooming!

By following these steps, you’ll keep your goldendoodle looking and feeling great between professional grooming appointments. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. Happy grooming, doodle lovers!