Are there any dogs with hair not fur, People often confuse hair with fur and thought that some dogs have fur while others have hairs but folks both fur and hair are chemically indistinguishable. Both are made up of keratin, although some differences exists in the growth and textures but technically speaking the hair or fur is not something which makes a dog hypoallergenic as dogs with either type of coat release dander, and the difference lies in terms of coat texture is how much or how little the coat traps this dander, and keeps it from spreading around. Another way to understand this hair and fur notion is by knowing that the hair on our head are different in length and texture than the hair on other part of skin like eyebrows, under arms or legs because of the growth phase of the hair and same applies for dogs, shorter coated dogs have a much shorter growth span for their hair and longer coat dogs have a longer growth span so the hair is different length and texture. Also most dogs have two coats: the undercoat and the outer coat. The dogs like poodles, Maltese or a bouvier tend to have a double coat that gets snugger and closer to their skin. A shorter coated hair is much more prone to release dander and saliva than a longer coated dog. So if you are allergic to dogs and still wanted a dog you could choose a dog with hair coat rather than fur coat as hair sheds less than fur.
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Hypoallergenic Dog Myth:
There is a fallacy in thinking that some dogs are hypoallergenic and others aren’t. It’s just a myth, although some dogs are labelled as hypoallergenic because they shed less dander but it does not reduce the potential to cause allergic symptoms. It’s actually the dog protein that causes the allergic symptoms, which exists in dog’s skin and saliva. Whenever you are exposed to dog’s skin while petting or sitting on the place where your dog sat or whenever your dog licks, you are more likely to be exposed to the protein which causes allergic symptoms. So there is no such thing like hypoallergenic dog but the positive thing is that to get rid of dog allergies you do not have to get rid of a dog but you can choose a dog that produces less dander and saliva so that you are less expose to allergens.
Maltese
Maltese is considered a dog with hair not fur. Hair sheds less than fur and is better for people with allergies. They do not shed or shed too little if cared for properly. Maltese only comes in white color. Maltese requires a great amount of grooming.
Poodles
Unlike the fur coat that most dogs have, Poodles have hair coat. They are very low dander and do not shed and are really ideal for people with allergies. Poodles are high maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming.
York Shier Terrier
The yorkies also hit the list of dogs with hair not fur and for this reason they are considered an ideal option for people suffering from allergies as hair holds far less dander than fur. They also do not have an under coat.
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish water spaniel is a tall, dark and full of big curly hair all over the body except their tails. Even with all that hair, these curly mop tops only require a routine bath and brush. Irish water spaniel are very playful, goofy and easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese water dog has thick, curly hair coat without much shedding as the curliness factor stops the hair from falling and traps it in hair locks. There coats are profuse and water proof which makes them great swimmers.
Havanese
Havanese are too friendly, lively and playful dogs which makes them ideal as family dogs. These dogs are blessed with wavy, soft and bountiful coats that are made of hair not fur, so sheds too little. Frequent brushing is required to keep those soft, wavy hair in good condition.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is famous for its luxurious coat that is comprised of two layers: the outer coat is long and silky while the under coat is fleecy and feathery which makes it an ideal dog for people with allergies. Shih Tzu resembles a wolf than many other breeds of dogs.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a small curly hair dog with lush double coat which make it a perfect lapdog for people even with allergies. They are non-shedding and have a relatively odor free coat. The bichon hair, like humans, never stop growing hair, so they are high maintenance dogs.
West Highland white terrier
The West Highland white terrier or Westies usually has a bold personality and is a good family dog. Westies also have double-layered white coats that need regular care but sheds too little.
Scottish terrier
The Scottish terrier or known as Scottie has a wiry weather-resistant coat. These dogs are very social, obedient and courageous. Scotties also hit the list of dogs with hair not fur.
Hungarian puli
This rare dog with hair coat has originally bred in Hungary. Hungarian puli is gifted with weather resistant corded dreadlock hair which obviously shed less but needs frequent grooming to prevent those dreadlocks from tangling into mats.
Hopefully the hypoallergenic dog controversy has burst as no hypoallergenic dog exists but some dogs with hair rather than fur make them less vulnerable to shedding and an ideal choice for dog lovers with allergies.