Are Hypo-Allergenic Dogs Next?

Tags: Dog Stories - Fact & Fiction · General

1 Rhea // Oct 5, 2006 at 10:40 pm

I don’t think so, because so many existing breeds of dog are already hypoallergenic.
2 Kat // Oct 17, 2006 at 3:41 pm

Aren’t poodles (among others) already hypoallergenic?
3 Brian // Oct 18, 2006 at 8:35 pm

But what if I want a lab that is allergy free? or a pug?
4 Jo // Oct 18, 2006 at 10:57 pm

There really aren’t any ‘hypoallergenic’ dogs — the deal is that dogs with ‘hair’ (meaning you have to cut it once a month) rather than ‘fur’ (which grows to a particular length and stays that length) have far less dander; they lick themselves less, meaning less saliva as well — dander and saliva are where the allergens are.

The main problem, however, is that when you genetically select for such a narrow range of criteria, you end up opening the door to other genetic health issues, some of which may be far worse than a high level of dander. In animals, many behavior issues are genetically passed on. Anxiety and nervousness, in particular.

Look at what happens when a particular dog wins all sorts of championship titles at dog shows — EVERYONE wants their dog bred to him. Well, what if that dog’s temperament wasn’t the best? Look how many dogs that’s passed on to, for generations. That’s how you end up with particular lines of dogs having terrible problems with epilepsy, hip dysplasia, etc.

So, we’re doing this — why? Certainly not to better a breed.

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