Obamas won't find a 'hypoallergenic' dog

Forget the Obama administration cabinet. One of the most pressing issues facing the nation is the selection of First Dog.

President-elect Barack Obama and his wife have promised their daughters that a furry friend will accompany them to the White House. But 10-year-old Malia Obama is allergic to dogs, and the Obamas have expressed a desire to find a "hypoallergenic" dog -- preferably one from a shelter.

However, according to advice released today from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the first family needs to temper its hopes. "There is no truly hypoallergenic dog," says the AAAAI in a statement. It's a misconception that dog allergies are caused by the dog's hair. Allergies are caused by protein from the animal's dander, which can be found in dead skin cells, saliva and urine. These microscopic proteins travel through the air and are inhaled, triggering an allergic reaction in, well, quite a few people. A 1994 study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology estimated that 2.3% of people have a reaction to dog allergens. That's about 10 million Americans.

Malia and her sister, Sasha, will get their puppy, though. Some dog breeds are considered allergy friendly, says the AAAAI. But that's because they're groomed more frequently. If the White House doesn't have a pet groomer on staff, it will soon.

For tips on avoiding animal allergies, see the AAAAI website.

-- Shari Roan

Photo: A candidate for the Obama White House: Peruvian hairless dog. Credit: Ernesto Benavides/AFP/Getty Images

   

Comments

[Ariabba Marie Livingston- Fletcher]

Hey I just proved my mom wrong with this article. She thought that no one says hypoallergenic dog. Even though there apparrently is no such thing, I've heard of it before and of course I had to prove her wrong. So thanks Shari Roan!!!!!! :)

[Zack Carswell]

"dead skin cells, saliva and urine".

Yeah, I think I'll wait until they invent a dog that doesn't shed *that* all over my house.

[martin weiss]

Not strictly true, O Oracle of Canines. I am totally allergic to animal dander-- dogs, cats, horses, cows, etc. However, I have found some breeds of dogs do not bother me. Normally, I get itchy eyes, and severe asthma from animals, but some dogs do not have hair, they have fur. Specifically, Huskies, Malamutes and Poodles do not give me asthma. I have traveled around forty eight states with a Husky-Malamute I found in the middle of the highway and never ever had a problem. And I tried working for a veterinarian for a year to address this allergy and found Poodles do not give me allergic reactions. In addition, I have found that, like the allergy shots that inoculate one with an allergen, constant exposure to cats and dogs lessens the severity of reactions, sometimes doing away with allergic reactions altogether. So try these breeds out and see if they provoke a reaction. They are intelligent, loving creatures and deserve a loving home for life.

[Susan]

It's interesting that continual exposure lessens allergic reactions. The same is true of reactions to poison oak. People who live in regions where the plant is common very seldom show any reaction to it. Some native tribes say that it helps to occasionally eat tiny, new shoots of leaves, sort of to inoculate yourself. I know this runs counter to established wisdom, but I have found that it has worked in my case. When I first started going to the California wilderness I was constantly breaking out in massive reactions, but no more.

[Obtuse]

@Zack Carswell:

>"dead skin cells, saliva and urine".

>Yeah, I think I'll wait until they invent a dog that doesn't shed *that* all over my
>house.

I hate to break it to you, Zack, but humans shed that and *much more* all over their own houses. Think you're sterile, do you?

[Karen]

I was told that the beautiful and aristocratic Kerry Blue Terrier is as close to hypoallergenic as it gets. Also poodles and labradoodles don't seem to provoke reactions. My cousin has a near fatal peanut allergy and was allergic to dogs. His parents got him a labradoodle and he's fine with it. The dog is also outrageously cute.

[Gill's daughter]

I have had PIOs for over 10yrs & Xoloitzquinltes. What makes them more allergen free is that the hairless ones don't have hair for those allergic to the hair. The hair is a different caot then fur & different dogs have diffent hair types.
The coated dogs shed constantly but it is a thin clean hair shaft.
The Hairless ones do shed skin but it can be easily cleaned by wiping, washing & the need of a lotion to protect the skin. The dogs need, as would an sensitive person, a non fragranced natural lotion so that the 2 beings would be experiencing the element of the lotion between them.

A reaon I think these Dogs would be good for the President's daughters is that they are Teh Indigenous Westren Hemisperes' domestic Dog! A True American Dog.

[Dustin Knackstedt]

Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier. I am the most allergic person I know when it comes to dogs, cats, and horses. I own and have lived with multiple Wheaton Terriers my entire life with no problems. Plus, you would be very hard pressed to find a dog with a better temperment and cuteness level! Just a suggestion!

[Joanne Hedge]

Portaguese Water Dog, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and Poodle canines are highly recommended to allergics because they have hair, not fur. Their tight, curly hair dries fast, doesn't shed, and these breeds also have great personalities, intelligence, and loyalty--so they'd fit right in at the Obama household! Someone please tell them about these breeds! Plus, children (and adults) can actually outgrow allergies!

[Toni]

I understand a Portuguese water dog fits the requirements -doesn't shed abd is considered to be allergy friendly.

[txrus]

Ultimately, as someone who is allergic to cats but has 4 of them (don't ask), it comes down to keeping the animal(s) well-groomed, thus reducing the amount of dander being shed, as well as the home environment clean. I rather doubt there will be a problem w/either while living in the White House. During this time, the allergic girl should be seen by an allergist for immunotherapy, if truly needed, which should then render her immune to dogs, or at least her dog by the time they leave the White House & are forced to care for the dog themselves. In addition, limiting exposure to the dog's dander, such as keeping it out of the bedroom & rigorous hand-washing after doggie play time, will certainly help curb any sniffles, sneezes, or itches she may have.

[Godfrey]

Hmm.........super allergic here...

But I have a Yorkie-Shitzu mix. No problems!

[Ricke Whaley]

The only hypo-allergenic pet I know of is a chinchilla. they have no sweat glands, so no dander to be allergic to. they are easy to care for, can be handled and have a long life expectantcy. I'm a Chinchilla Breeder with my wife and it sounds like the perfect pet for the allergic person.

Ricke and Jane Whaley
Chinchilla Estates
Clarksville, TN