Looking for a hypoallergenic dog? Consider a Wheaten Terrier
People with allergies are discovering they are no longer prevented from having a dog, especially if they consider adopting a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. No dogs are truly hypoallergenic, but because of the special qualities of the silky wheaten coat, many people with allergies can keep a wheaten terrier.
Most dogs are double coated. These breeds have both a top coat and an undercoat, and both coats typically shed frequently. The dander and proteins released through the shedding of double coats increases the allergic reaction. Wheaten terriers are single coated dogs, which means they have hair instead of fur. Unlike dogs with double coats, wheaten terriers only shed a few hairs a day, much like humans. For this reason, single coated dogs are generally considered hypoallergenic.
The one drawback to having a hypoallergenic dog with hair, however, is the increased grooming schedule. Since the hair continues to grow, Wheatens and other single coated breeds like Poodles, must be groomed frequently to cut their hair and keep it healthy and well-maintained.
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