Hypoallergenic Medium Sized Dogs

If you have both have allergies and love dogs, you may be happy with one of the
"hypoallergenic dogs" that sheds less dog hair and dander than other dogs. There are many
small breeds of hypoallergenic dogs that people with allergies can love for years. But if you like
larger dogs better and have the living space for them, never fear! There are several mediumsized
hypoallergenic dogs that will meet your needs as well.
Senor, Yo Quiero a Spanish Water Dog!

Even a person who's allergic to dog hair and dander can find a big loveable shaggy, but
medium-sized hypoallergenic dog! Great news! Spanish Water Dogs look a lot like the popular
Looney Tunes sheep dog. Spanish Water Dogs are fun-loving, intelligent creatures that love to
play, swim, and work. Properly socialized, they are wonderful playmates for your kids. This very
intelligent dog was originally bred as a herdsman, hunter, or guardian, so it'll be more than
happy to play an important role in your family or on your farm. This breed has a unique coat -
curly and long, it almost appears to wear dreadlocks! It is a single-coat breed, meaning it
doesn't have the undercoat that sheds once a year. They will need quite a bit of grooming,
though their unusual coat is a delightful conversation piece! Due to their intelligence and work
ethic, owners of this medium-sized hypoallergenic dog must be able to provide regular,
consistent training, exercise, and interesting activities. Some Spanish Water Dogs have become
effective search dogs, sniffing out bombs, narcotics, and people in disaster situations. They also
make very good therapy dogs.

The Bouvier des Flandres Rules!
Not everyone agrees, but some Bouvier des Flandres owners report the breed to be good for
their allergies. This medium-sized hypoallergenic dog can grow to 90 pounds, and without early
socialization and careful training may have some dominance issues. Originally meant to herd
sheep and cattle, this breed makes an excellent work or guard dog. They are stars, too:
American President Ronald Regan owned one. They have great, shaggy, thick hair that suits
colder climates and outdoor work and play. Their thick hair (not fur) requires a considerable
amount of grooming. Daily to weekly brushing are recommended, and they should be trimmed
at least every six weeks. Due to its deep chest, the Bouvier des Flandres may suffer voluvus
and bloat. While they are relatively calm and lazy indoors, the Bouvier des Flandres does best
when it has a big yard to play in.

Viva the Xoloitzcuintle!
Otherwise known as the Mexican Hairless, or Xolo, the Xoloitzcuintle comes in three sizes, the
largest growing to as large as 60 pounds in some cases (though the average is more like 40
pounds). An extremely rare breed, they are almost completely bald and resemble the dogs
found in Hieroglyphs from Ancient Egypt. Some Xolos do have a thin coat of hair or spots of hair
on their bodies and heads. Rare and ancient, artifacts and pottery evidencing the Xolo in Aztec
and Mayan tombs date back over 3000 years! These medium-sized hypoallergenic dogs are
extremely intelligent, loyal, athletic, and loving. They bond closely with the people who train and
feed them and need early socialization to become good with children. If you are not the pack
leader, your Xolo will be! They are becoming more popular as service and agility dogs.

Even those with a thin coat are easy to groom. While they've been recognized by Mexico's dog
organization, they're not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club. Now, here's the down
side. These dogs, and their breeders, are very rare. They were even thought to be nearly extinct
until the 1950s. They are even hard to find in Mexico. One search revealed only three breeders
in the Western United States and very few in Mexico. So if you want a Xolo, be prepared to wait
patiently until the right one comes along.