Hypoallergenic Hairless Dogs

I wanted to know if anyone knew anything about the American hairless Terriers.

I noticed in the Daily Mail newspaper (Sat 15th Nov 2008) a story about these dogs and how great they are for people with allergies. 
I was thinking about getting one, as they are the number one breed that's best for people like myself with allergies.

I have heard that they are totally and naturally hairless dogs: perfect for the allergic dog lover.

I have read on a web-site that American Hairless Terrier have absolutely no health problems.

Has anyone got allergies to dogs as well, any info would be most grateful.

Depends what the allergy is. 

Many people are actually allergic to the dander (skin) so a hairless dog will be worse. 

One of my puppy owners is perfectly fine with double coated Northern dogs like mine (11 years now) yet cannot be around any short coated dog.

Other people are allergic to the oils in a dogs coat.

Those allergic to hair are better with short or no hair, and asthmatics are generally better with non shedding breeds, so really there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.

Hi michaelbigboots,

There is no such thing as a 'hypoallergenic dog' - don't believe all that you read, much makes no sense whatsoever and much is also woefully misleading :)

Most allergic reactions to animals are caused by allergies to the dander in the coat during moults hence non shedding breeds, of which there are indeed several to choose from, with sufficient hair/coat that they are suited to our fickle climate would be a far more reliable and sensible choice for anyone researching suitability in these circumstances.

Coupled with recognised breed clubs, vast numbers of responsible breeders who's aims and standards are high in health, type and temperament and added that there is a multitude of info garnered over many decades if not several centuries available to ensure the most suitable breed to a families lifestyle is selected,  I think you'll find that something infinitely more suitable, financial outlays more realistic and altogether considerably less of a gamble is the better solution :)

regards, Teri

I'd also be tempted to go lean towards the better known hairless dogs as I believe the American Hairless Terrier is a fairly recent breed.  The Mexican Hairless, or Inca Dog I think it is also known as, is a very well established hairless breed and comes in 3 sizes.  The Chinese Crested is also a very well established breed.  By "well established" I mean to imply that they have been around long enough that health problems, if any, are known to the breeders, and tests are recomended.  One major problem that has been noticed in the hairless breeds is that they have really awful teeth.  Look up "worlds ugliest dogs competition" and you will see exactly what I mean.

Forgive my cynicism if I suspect that this is a marketing post ...

M.

> Forgive my cynicism if I suspect that this is a marketing post ...

:-) 

LOL.  I'm so naive sometimes.  :-)

Forgive my cynicism if I suspect that this is a marketing post

dont understand what that means? surely the op is not trying to sell puppies?

Yes, I believe so, going by another post by the same person (which seems to have been deleted because of it).

The OP is correct.. their is a 'piece' in the daily mail about these dogs.. but its another story of how the breeder hopes they will 'catch on'... and tells how they are hypoallergenic...

Its not really an expose as such by the mail.. just a piece from the breeders point of view.. which is a little free advertising for them :-(

to the OP.there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.. the allergens are from the dander (skin) not the hair...

I am assuming here, that the OP is the same person in the daily mail, making them the seller of these pups.. not someone looking to purchase..

>I am assuming here, that the OP is the same person in the daily mail, making them the seller of these pups.. not someone looking to purchase

You and me both, Kay.

M.

> I am assuming here, that the OP is the same person in the daily mail

The seller on the web site also happens to be called Michael :-)
Incidentally, for those that have not seen it, the web site tells us nothing about the sellers experience or indeed enthusiasm for a life in dogs that you might expect of someone introducing a new breed to the UK.  Nor does it give any details of the dogs pedigrees or show successes in the country of origin.  It does, however, list their colours and their exact dimensions (to check against your handbag size?) and reference to a non returnable deposit.  Make of that what you will :-)

I don't know why I find it so hard to believe that people would be so unscrupulous when it comes to animals!  And yet there are so many examples of people taking advantage of these little bundles of love.