Do you like dogs, but have allergies? If you have a small house, a medium-sized hypoallergenic dog might be perfect.
A Hypoallergenic dog tend to create fewer allergic reactions due to the absence of fur or a very small amount compared to most pets. There are a few breeds that meet the criteria. The Spanish water dog, the Bouvier des Flandres and the Mexican Hairless Dog (Xoloitzcuintle) are all medium-sized hypoallergenic dogs that work very well for families and singles.
If you like big friendly and shaggy dogs, the Spanish water dog is a good choice. They look like the sheepdog from Warner Brothers’ Looney Tunes cartoons. Dogs live to play, swim and even work. When properly acclimated, the Spanish water dog is a great playmate for children. If you have a pool or live near an ocean or lake, the Spanish water dog lives up to its name. These dogs love to swim. Regarding the work aspect, these dogs have natural breeding instincts and are excellent guard dogs.
This hypoallergenic dog require a lot of attention, so be prepared for this. They must be exposed to other dogs and / or children aged two to twelve months if they want to fully accept being around them, otherwise they may become distant or kept around them.
The Bouvier des Flandres also falls under the category of hypoallergenic shaggy dogs. This hardy breed is traditionally used for hard work like raising cattle and sheep, traction carts and police or watchdog work. In addition to their strong work capacities, they are generally gentle and protective towards their adoptive families.
Even the former President of the United States, Ronald Regan, chose this breed as a pet. Their thicker hairs make them great dogs for outdoor work and playing in colder climates. Be prepared to take care of Bouvier des Flandres if one is added to your home. Maintenance on these thick-haired dogs (no fur) requires weekly brushing and visits for a cut every six to eight weeks.
This dog can be subject to both voluvus and bloating syndromes due to their deep chest. They can also be very voluntary and intimidating animals when they feel something strongly, especially when they are looking for cats. Good discipline is essential when having a Bouvier des Flandres.
The Mexican Hairless Dog, also known as Xoloitzcuintle or Xolo, is an extremely rare breed of dog. They vary in weight from four to ten kg and are almost always completely hairless; they look like dogs seen in Egyptian hieroglyphs. Some of the Xolos have a very thin layer of hair or have different amounts of hair on their head or body.
They have been bred for over 4000 years in Mesoamerica (between central Mexico and Costa Rica). Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Mexican equivalent recognizes this breed. Dogs are difficult to find in Mexico and even more difficult to find in the United States and other countries since they were considered extinct before the 1950s.