The Best Dog Breeds For People With Pet Allergies
If you have pet allergies and still want to get a dog, its not a bad idea to talk to your doctor or an allergist to figure out how you can live in harmony with mans best friend. Once you have that all figured out, you can start to narrow down which breed is right for you.
The AKC considers these breeds to be among the best for allergy sufferers.
- Afghan Hound.
- Siberian Husky.
Can You Live With A German Shepherd If You Have Dog Allergies
Although it may not always be very pleasant or comfortable you can still live with a German Shepherd even if you do have dog allergies.
For some allergy sufferers the enjoyment a German Shepherd can bring, hands down will outweigh the discomfort of the allergies.
This being said it wont be an easy ride and it will require a lot of commitment from yourself long term to ensure your beloved pet doesnt end up in an animal shelter.
Its important to understand before making that commitment that allergies are caused when your immune system produces antibodies to protect you from certain allergens which arent normally considered harmful.
Your immune system will respond to these allergens by producing inflammatory antibodies in your lungs or nasal passages. Prolonged exposure to the allergen can cause chronic airway inflammation, which is associated with asthma.
Instinct Original Recipe With Real Chicken
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca
Caloric Content: 4,406 kcal/kg
Finally, the Instinct by Nature Variety Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food is a great choice for your German Shepherd in all life stages.
From its raw nutrition base to its balanced approach to a high protein food, this dry food is a positive addition to your dogs diet. Full of real chicken, vegetables, antioxidants, natural omegas and probiotics and without any grains, corn, potato, soy or wheat, there is great digestive support, as well as a healthy coast, skin and immune health.
The bag can be a little tricky to open though, so it can take a little getting used to, and some dogs may find they get gas after eating. Overall however, this food is a positive choice for German Shepherds.
Don’t Miss: Switching From Zyrtec To Claritin
Are German Shepherds Easy To Train
Some are easy to train, while others are more moderate.
As we’ve seen, different lines have different temperaments. German Shepherds from working lines are typically more assertive and stronger-willed. A “tougher” German Shepherd will be more challenging to train unless you pay closer attention to building the right Leader-Follower relationship with the dog.
That doesn’t mean “softer” German Shepherds are automatically easy to train. Some dogs with soft temperaments are skittish or shy, making them just as challenging as a strong-tempered dog.
In general, though, a sound-tempered German Shepherd who is a good fit for family life should be easy to train. Just establish the right Leader-Follower relationship and the dog will be happy to work with you.
This is taught in my puppy training book, Respect Training For Puppies .
Or see my advice on dog training
History Of German Shepherds
The German Shepherd is a not too old dog breed. Its origins date back to 1899. Captain Max von Stephanitz, career captain in the German cavalry, bred these dogs. His goal was to create a breed that would do its job perfectly as a herding dog.
Farmers in Germany have been using dogs to drive and protect their herds for centuries. There were very skillful dogs, and even then there were attempts to breed proper herding canines. However, no one has developed a distinct breed for this purpose.
Stephanitz began his breeding career in 1898. His goal was to create the perfect German herding dog. The British had very talented herding dogs. This is why he studied their breeding techniques. He also tried to visit as many dog shows as possible in Germany to observe the herding dogs there.
Von Stephanitz saw many excellent dogs who had fantastic traits. Examples are intelligence, athleticism, capability, and so on. However, he did not come across a dog that had all the positive traits. Of course, after that, it became an even more important goal for him.
In 1899 he bought a wolf-looking dog namedHektor Linksrhein. The dog was later renamed Horand v Grafeth. Encouraged by success, Stephanitz founded a society called Verein für Deutsche Schaferhunde. He later bred Horands descendants here.
Stephanitzs German Shepherds served during the First World War as guard dogs, Red Cross dogs, supply carrier, messenger, rescuer, and sentry.
Also Check: Penicillin Side Effects Itching
Are German Shepherds Hypoallergenic
German Shepherds are not hypoallergenic dogs. They have fur that easily sheds and can irritate dog allergies in people that interact with them. Depending on the severity of the allergy, this can become an issue for some families, but not for all.
If, like me, a German Shepherd is a dog that you want, and you have family members with allergies, there are still some things that you can do to making living with a beloved companion possible.
How Much Peanut Butter Can My Dog Eat
If you are giving your German Shepherd some peanut butter treats, you should always remember the 10 percent rule. Treats should only constitute up to 10 percent of your dogs daily calorie consumption, so stick to small amounts.
If you are uncertain what your dogs daily calorie consumption should be, consult your local veterinarian. This will change as your dog grows and ages, so the allowable peanut butter amounts can also change.
Too much peanut butter can cause your German Shepherd to gain weight. German Shepherds are a big breed of dog and should be kept in the lower range of appropriate weights to preserve their joint and general health, especially while they are still growing.
If your dog starts gaining weight, discontinue the peanut butter treats before you reduce their regular food. If your dog is already overweight, avoid giving them peanut butter at all.
For more information about watching your German Shepherds weight, be sure to read this excellent article that weve written for you linked just below:
Additionally, dont make peanut butter your German Shepherds only treat alternate with healthier options. Doing this limits your dogs peanut butter intake but also gives variety to their diet.
Another suggestion is to bake your own dog treats, using peanut butter as a flavor. In this way, you can spread a small amount of peanut butter over more treats.
You May Like: What Does Claritin Do For Allergies
Can Mixes Be Hypoallergenic
Mixes cross or hybrids are the results of crossing two purebred dog breeds to get the best traits of those breeds.
Many such mixes were created by crossing the hypoallergenic Poodle with another breed. The popular Labradoodle is an example of such a crossing.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that a particular Labradoodle will inherit its poodle parents hypoallergenic traits it can just as easily be as allergenic as a Labrador Retriever.
What Kind Of Care Does A Shepadoodle Need
Both Poodles and German Shepherds tend to have sensitive stomachs, so Shepadoodles need high-quality dog food.
Its best to keep a puppy on the type of dog food used by the breeder before gradually switching to another brand. Adult Shepadoodles need three or four cups of dry dog food every day.
A Shepadoodles curly coat will require a lot of grooming, just like a Poodles. They need to be brushed every day to prevent tangles and mats, and they also need regular baths.
They should be given a buzz cut in the summer to let their skin breathe. A Shepadoodle should be given cod liver oil every day to keep their skin from getting too dry during winter or in cold environments.
Shepadoodles can grow quite large, so they should be socialized and trained from an early age. If the owner doesnt know how to train a big dog, they should hire a trainer to help them.
Shepadoodles have strong pack instincts and thus respond well to somebody they see as the pack leader. They can do very well in agility and obedience training.
Shepadoodles need plenty of exercises to prevent obesity and keep them calm and happy. They thus need long walks, regular visits to dog parks, and lots of playtimes. They enjoy toys.
Also Check: Difference Between Fexofenadine And Loratadine
Information On German Shepherd Allergies
One common allergy is called atopy. Atopy is a skin allergy that is usually inherited from previous generations. Some symptoms are foot biting, excessive cleaning in areas such as the armpit, and your dog may even develop conditions that make it difficult to breath or cause a lot of noise when the dog is trying to breathe. Sometimes this can be cured with a change in diet but consult your vet for the answers you need.
There are many food allergies in the scope of German Shepherd allergies that can be frustrating to identify and treat. If you notice that your dog is biting at its coat a lot, and is displaying digestive problems such as vomiting or diarrhea, then you will want to get your dog to the vet as it may be reacting to the protein or some other element in its food. Your vet will work with you to put your dog on a program that will attempt to narrow down the nutrient that is the problem and then eliminate it from your dog’s diet.
It is treated as a story or a myth that chocolate can kill a dog but it is very true and you should avoid this German Shepherd allergy at all costs. Chocolate in any form, bar or cake or brownies, can be dangerous to a dog. It is true that some dogs can tolerate larger amounts of chocolate than others but since the result can be death then it doesn’t make sense to test your pet’s limits.
Why Are German Shepherds Not Hypoallergenic
There are some breeds of dog that are much more allergy-friendly than others. Unfortunately for German Shepherd lovers, they are not one of those breeds.
German Shepherds used to be herd dogs, as their name indicates. They needed thick fur in order to be able to handle to cold winters and cold mountain heights. Therefore, German Shepherds are built with double-coats and their fur is very thick, especially in the winter.
The undercoat is soft, close to the skin, and meant to keep your dog warm and dry, and it is used as insulation against harsh temperatures. The outer coat is longer, coarser, and meant to protect against snow and ice.
The double-coat means that these dogs shed all year, but they shed the largest amount as summer approaches. This is so that they dont overheat in the sun and so they are able to enjoy the outdoors during that time much better. If they didnt shed so much for the summer, they would insulate too much and become too hot and run the risk of heat stroke or even death.
While they do shed the most in the summer, they will still shed their fur year-round, much like how people lose several hairs of their head every day, just through the natural course of things.
While all of this shedding is necessary, it can be aggravating for people who dont have allergies, as it can get all-around a house. For someone who deals with dog allergies, that can be a particularly difficult obstacle to overcome.
Read Also: Claritn
Worst: A German Shepherds Dry Skin Causes Excessive Pet Dander
Bathe and groom your dog regularly to minimize its danders effect on your allergy. But dont overdo it. Not washing your dog enough can lead to excess pet dander, but so can washing him too much. If your dog develops dry skin from too many baths, its apt to begin scratching, leaving dead skin cells lingering in the air. Some breeds, such as German shepherds, are more likely to develop dry skin than others.
Do German Shepherds Need A Lot Of Attention
Yes, German Shepherds need a lot of attention compared to other breeds. They bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner.
They simply get bored, if not given attention or not exercised properly.
You may find that your German Shepherd still requires your attention even after you have exercised him.
Read Also: Claritin Allergy Pills
Best: Tiny Toy Breeds Like The Maltese Might Work
Your bed should be off-limits if you have a dog allergy. Letting a dog sleep with you is one of the worst things you can do for your allergy symptoms. You should ideally make your entire bedroom off-limits to the pup and setting up a separate sleeping area for a dog is a lot easier when its just a wee one. A tiny, toy breed, such as a Maltese, could work.
The Verdict On Shepskies
If you are looking for a fun and energetic dog that will make a great addition to a boisterous and adventurous family, then a German Shepherd Husky mix can be a great choice.
Shepskies are very family-friendly pets that are loyal and highly trainable, but they also need lots of love and attention to keep them healthy and happy.
They have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, but are far from aggressive and are generally very good with children. However, they are known for their delightful wolf-like howl.
Remember that crossbreed dogs are always somewhat unpredictable in their appearance and temperament, so ensure that you meet the dog you plan on adopting first before deciding whether to add them to your family.
Shepskies are best for people who have quite a bit of space for their dog to play and usually have someone to keep them company at home.
You will enjoy training your Shepsky yourself if you have a bit of experience with dogs, but steer clear if you have allergies, as they are big shedders!
Do you have any experience raising a German Shepherd Husky mix?
Recommended Reading: Etiology Of Allergy
Caring For A German Shepherd Husky Mix
Shepskies tend to be highly trainable, so an experienced dog owner should be able to train them at home using basic positive reinforcement training.
However, they arenât necessarily recommended for first-time owners, since their size and strength can make them difficult to handle if something does go wrong.
They are relatively large dogs and tend to have a lot of energy, which means they arenât ideal for apartment living or being left alone in small spaces.
Shepskies do best when they have a large backyard where they can spend their energy. Remember, they can be escape artists, which means they need a space that is securely fenced. Fences at least six feet tall are recommended.
In addition to having plenty of space, Shepskies need a lot of exercise. They should be taken outside at least twice a day for a minimum of 30-60 minutes at a time.
Dog parks where they can run around off-leash are ideal, as it lets them stretch their legs and burn off excess energy. Just make sure they have been properly socialized before letting them loose.
These dogs enjoy human companionship, so they wonât like to be left at home for long periods of time. They are not ideal pets for people who spend most of the week in the office or traveling for work.
Expect your Shepsky to engage in destructive behavior when they are feeling the stress of abandonment.
How Long Do German Shepherds Live Are They A Healthy Breed
German Shepherds typically live 10-12 years. Some do live to 13 or 14, but usually with chronic health issues such as arthritis.
And sadly, many don’t even make it to age 10.
As a long-time German Shepherd owner, I know first-hand how many health problems this breed suffers from. Crippling joint diseases, autoimmune diseases, digestive diseases, skin diseases, heart and eye diseases…. truly a breed with serious health problems.
It’s a good idea to have pet insurance when you own a German Shepherd.
Here is a complete list of health problems in German Shepherds.
See my advice on keeping your dog healthy.
The most common color in German Shepherds black and tan, in the saddleback pattern
Read Also: Clairitan
German Shepherd Allergy Treatment And Management
Unfortunately, German shepherds are one of the breeds more susceptible to many allergens. Though all allergies can be treated, not all can be cured .
Like everything else medical, allergy treatment depends on the type of allergy.
Two general methods exist: medicinal treatment and environmental control. Sometimes a nice balance can be found managing between the two!
Qualities Of German Shepherd Service Dogs
Service dogs have to have a certain set of characteristics so they can do their job.
Here are some of the qualities of German Shepherds that line up with service dog requirements:
- Obedient. German Shepherds were bred to follow any command given to them without hesitation.
- Strong. This is particularly helpful for physical disabilities where a person may need to use the dog to help maneuver themselves. German Shepherds are large enough that they can physically help as needed.
- Good sense of smell. For some service dog roles, a dog needs to be able to detect certain odors and alert their owner of them.
- Active. German Shepherds love to keep busy so theyll always be ready to work. However, theyre not so energetic that they require extra exercise. Just being with their owner throughout the day is usually enough for them.
- Hardworking. This breed is eager to please their owner and puts their best paw forward so they always get the job done.
- Friendly. Suspicious of strangers but trusting anyone their owner trusts, these dogs do well in social situations.
- Protective. German Shepherds have been known to go as far as putting their lives in danger to protect their owners. Their protective instincts make them excellent guard dogs and will ensure their owner stays safe.
Also Check: Levocetirizine Vs Cetirizine Efficacy
