Pet fur can be a problem for many people especially asthma sufferers. It is impossible for any animal to cease shedding any dander and fur, but there are some dogs which lose less fur than others. Most of these tend to be smaller dogs and there are only a few large dog breeds that dont shed.
Dogs are often referred to as non-shedding but that is really a misnomer as all dogs molt. If you do have problems with asthma it is worth checking that pet fur is not a trigger. To minimize the problem, you can vacuum regularly and damp dust to remove fur and dander. Try to keep your pet away from where you sleep and always wash your hands after you stroke them.
For those who can live with a pet which does not molt very much, the best known is the Standard Poodle. These intelligent dogs are loyal and loving and lose very little hair. This trait has been much prized and as result breeders have crossed Poodles with Labradors, Cocker Spaniels and other popular varieties to try to achieve a low shedding variant. Check the ancestry of any pup you are buying as the Poodle line needs to be dominant to retain this quality.
Coats that are water resistant are usually low shedders which is also true of dogs that are bred for water. Bo, the pet of the Obama family made Portuguese Water Dogs world famous when he appeared in photos of the White House and First Family. The Irish Water Spaniel also has a curly coat which sheds very little.
Looking like an over size terrier with bushy eyebrows and long beard, the Giant Schnauzer is another breed known to be fur friendly. Typically, they are clipped regularly to keep the main part of their coat short. The beard and hair around the feet is left long but tidy.
The Flanders Cattle Dog or Bouvier des Flandres was nearly wiped out during the First World War. Used for military purposes and in the trenches, they were as much casualties as the soldiers they served. Technically they do molt but the outer coat traps the lost hair preventing it from floating to the floor. This trapped fur needs to be removed to prevent matts occurring so they need brushing at least once a week.
There is no easy way to tell if any particular dog will produce more or less fur. At the puppy stage they all tend to have fuzzy coats that they will change as they reach adulthood. Regular grooming with a brush or comb that best suits your pets fur will greatly reduce any shedding and keep them looking in top condition. Regular bathing in a mild shampoo will also reduce dander which can cause an allergic reaction.
Choose your pet for its other traits not just whether it molts less. Energetic dogs need a lot of exercise and intelligent ones need to be busy. Many require professional grooming regularly which can be costly or brushing at home which is time consuming. If this does not suit your lifestyle consider a shorter coated breed and live with some shedding.
Dogs are often referred to as non-shedding but that is really a misnomer as all dogs molt. If you do have problems with asthma it is worth checking that pet fur is not a trigger. To minimize the problem, you can vacuum regularly and damp dust to remove fur and dander. Try to keep your pet away from where you sleep and always wash your hands after you stroke them.
For those who can live with a pet which does not molt very much, the best known is the Standard Poodle. These intelligent dogs are loyal and loving and lose very little hair. This trait has been much prized and as result breeders have crossed Poodles with Labradors, Cocker Spaniels and other popular varieties to try to achieve a low shedding variant. Check the ancestry of any pup you are buying as the Poodle line needs to be dominant to retain this quality.
Coats that are water resistant are usually low shedders which is also true of dogs that are bred for water. Bo, the pet of the Obama family made Portuguese Water Dogs world famous when he appeared in photos of the White House and First Family. The Irish Water Spaniel also has a curly coat which sheds very little.
Looking like an over size terrier with bushy eyebrows and long beard, the Giant Schnauzer is another breed known to be fur friendly. Typically, they are clipped regularly to keep the main part of their coat short. The beard and hair around the feet is left long but tidy.
The Flanders Cattle Dog or Bouvier des Flandres was nearly wiped out during the First World War. Used for military purposes and in the trenches, they were as much casualties as the soldiers they served. Technically they do molt but the outer coat traps the lost hair preventing it from floating to the floor. This trapped fur needs to be removed to prevent matts occurring so they need brushing at least once a week.
There is no easy way to tell if any particular dog will produce more or less fur. At the puppy stage they all tend to have fuzzy coats that they will change as they reach adulthood. Regular grooming with a brush or comb that best suits your pets fur will greatly reduce any shedding and keep them looking in top condition. Regular bathing in a mild shampoo will also reduce dander which can cause an allergic reaction.
Choose your pet for its other traits not just whether it molts less. Energetic dogs need a lot of exercise and intelligent ones need to be busy. Many require professional grooming regularly which can be costly or brushing at home which is time consuming. If this does not suit your lifestyle consider a shorter coated breed and live with some shedding.
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Get a summary of important factors to consider when choosing a dog breed and more information about large dog breeds that dont shed at http://www.goliathsaintberdoodles.com now.
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