President Obama's hypoallergenic first dog choices

Cardiff, the Welsh Terrier

On November 9, during his first news conference as president elect, Barack Obama established that one of the top criteria for their new family dog was that the dog would have to be hypoallergenic.  Barack’s daughter, Malia, is susceptible to allergies, such as those produced by the impending Obama family dog.  Additionally, he stated "On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog," he said. "But obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts, like me. So the -- so, whether we're going to be able to balance those two things, I think, is a pressing issue on the Obama household."

The fact that Obama is interested in adopting a dog from a shelter sets a great example for all Americans seeking to incorporate a canine companion into their lives, yet finding a hypoallergenic dog at a shelter may present a difficult task.  Seeking out a hypoallergenic breed from a rescue organization may be a better option for the Obama family, as they will be able to provide a home for a canine in need and look out for their daughter’s medical condition.  

Specific dog breeds tend to be less allergenic than others breeds or mixed-breeds, yet there are no one hundred percent hypoallergenic dogs.  Allergenic proteins are found in animal saliva, skin cells, urine, and hair.  Invariably, these proteins contaminate the environment and can act as potential allergy triggers for people that are more sensitive to such allergens.  The prefix hypo- means under, beneath, down, or less than normal. Dogs characterized as being hypoallergenic are less allergenic, yet not entirely allergen free.

Specific dog breeds that do not shed, shed less hair, or lack hair may be less likely to induce an allergic response in a susceptible person.  Short-haired pets are as likely as long-haired pets to cause allergic reactions, yet long hair acts as a substrate for the collection allergens such as dust, mold, and pollen.  Regular bathing and grooming can reduce skin cell and hair shedding, therefore reducing likelihood of a human allergic response.  

Malia Obama has been reported to have requested the Goldendoodle, non-shedding hybrid of the Golden Retriever and Poodle.  The Goldendoodle is not a recognized breed by the American Breeders Association or Americal Kennel Club (AKC) and is technically a mutt, therefore the Goldendoodle may be a good fit considering Barak’s interest in a “mutt, like me.”  

The AKC suggests a variety of non-shedding breeds that could be possible choices for the position of “first dog”, including the Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier, Maltese, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Schnauzer, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and Xoloitzcuintli.  Additionally, President Bush’s Scottish Terrier, Barney, and my Welsh Terrier (see picture of Cardiff), among other breeds, are non-shedding and less allergenic. 

For further information, see:

American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology  http://www.acaai.org/public/facts/pets.htm

Americal Kennel Club “Dogs and Allergies”  http://www.akc.org/about/faq_allergies.cfm

ABC News  http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=6207721&page=1