best hypoallergenic dogs for hunting

Hypoallergenic Hunting Dogs

If youre a hunter that suffers from allergies but doesnt want to miss out on the benefits of owning a hunting dog, the good news is there are 9hypoallergenic hunting dogs that may suit your needs.

Now its true that you can possibly train any dog to hunt, but some dogs are just bred to do a job and have it in their blood.

Currently, I have two hunting dogs, a GSP and a Chessie. The difference between them is night and day. They clearly excel at the things they were bred for.

The Chessie takes like a duck to water while the GSP covers upland like a machine.

So with that being said, lets go over the best hypoallergenic hunting dogs.

• Irish Water Spaniel
• Poodle
• Pudelpointer
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Curly Coated Retriever
• Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
• Wirehaired Vizla
• Portuguese Waterdog
• Airedale Terrier

What Are Hypoallergenic Dogs

The first thing we must cover is what hypoallergenic means. The term hypoallergenic means below average or slightly allergenic.

This means that even if you find the perfect hypoallergenic gundog, it can still produce allergens.

However, most dogs are coined with the term hypoallergenic if they dont have a certain protein gene that causes allergic reactions, are without hair, or because of their coat type.

Hypoallergenic vs. Non Shedding

As weve discussed above, the main cause of allergies caused by dogs is down to specific proteins.

These proteins can be found in saliva and dander. So after a long hunt, when your dog licks himself, the saliva will stick to the hair, causing you a reaction when he sheds.

Dander lies on the dogs coat and skin and is spread when the dog shakes or again when he sheds.

Some breeds are considered hypoallergenic because they are non-shedding or shed less.

However, dogs can be hypoallergenic for other reasons, such as not producing specific proteins that may cause a reaction. So, even if youre dog sheds, it may not cause you any problems if you are not allergic to the proteins it produces.

Best Hypoallergenic Hunting Dogs

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is a solid choice for anyone looking for a hypoallergenic duck hunting dog.

This spaniel was bred to be a dual-purpose hunting dog and excels at both retrieving and upland.

When the Irish Water Spaniel was introduced to the American market back in the 1870s it quickly became a favorite to duck hunters up and down the country.

These fantastic dogs are not as popular today due to the influx of labradors, but dont let that stop you from owning one if you truly want an excellent all-around gundog.

Do be warned, these dogs are high-energy, and if not exercised properly, they will put their excellent nose to use and go find mischief.

Poodle

You dont see many people hunting over a Poodle these days. However, the Standard Poodle breed has been retrieving ducks for over 400 years and will likely continue to do so for another 400 to come.

This Hypoallergenic breed is excellent for the home, with its low shedding coat and delightful temperament.

The Poodle is another great example of an all-rounder. Hes capable of flushing upland birds or retrieving from water.

Although he might not take to the water as fast as a Chessie, with a little patience, he will grow fond of it.

Dont be put off by other peoples ideas of what a poodle should be.

These dogs were bred to be hunters, and they excel at it. They are enjoyable dogs to be around and always aim to please their owner.

If you do seek out a Poodle for hunting, be sure of its hunting lines and stay away from show lines if possible.

Pudelpointer

Dont let the name fool you. This is not a made-up breed like a labradoodle.

The Pudelpointer is yet another versatile breed in our list of hypoallergenic dogs. These dogs were bred for one thing, and they do it well, hunting.

They will show their pointing instinct from an early age, making them an excellent choice for upland hunters. If your preference is waterfowling, the Pudelpointer has a strong desire to swim and a protective coat.

These dogs are level-headed with a calm nature about them. If you want an excellent all-around dog with solid hunting lines, I strongly encourage you to look into this breed.

Lagotto Romagnolo

Like Benelli, Beretta, or Fabarm, the Lagotto Romagnolo is another great Italian creation to serve the hunting industry.

This breed is as rare as the truffles it hunts, and if youre lucky enough to own one, you will have an outstanding hunting companion.

They have an excellent nose that aids them in their truffle hunting, but where they really excel in hunting is in the water.

The Lagotto Romagnolo originates from medieval times when it was produced to be a retriever.

Although most of them now spend their time as specialized truffle hunters, they still make excellent companions in the marsh.

That highly prized nose of theirs wont lose any birds.

Curly Coated Retriever

Its not sure how the Curly Coated Retriever came about; what is sure is they have a natural ability for both upland and water.

Although some lines are now being diluted with show lines, if you manage to get your hands on a good hunting line pup, you will have a solid gundog.

These are not the easiest dogs to train and will require someone with experience. They take a specific balance to get their best from training. You cannot be too hard or too soft.

While from the outset, it may seem like a daunting challenge getting a Curly, once you have found the right one and have it professionally trained, you will have a sure thing by your side that wont let you down.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

This hypoallergenic hunting breed is a true champion of gundogs. The harsh low, shedding coat is not only great for allergy sufferers but also acts as a coat of armor for the dog.

This is one of the most amazing breeds to hunt over, and their sheer determination will astound you.

While its true they may not be the fastest or a far-ranging breed; there is one thing for certain, they get the job done.

Think of them as that solid old reliable vehicle, something you can always count on. This is the Griff, you can rely on him, and he will complete any task you give him.

We need to note that theyre not the friendliest when it comes to other dogs or other animals.

Wirehaired Vizla

This breed has been gaining recognition in North America for the past decade, and it still continues to grow.

If you want a sturdy hunting dog like the GWP but with the drive and docile temperament of a Vizla, then this is the perfect dog for you.

This is a good breed for someone who is new to gundogs, they have a lot of energy but not too much, and they are easy to train.

They like to hunt close, have a solid point, and are happy retrieving; what more could you ask for in a gundog?

Portuguese Waterdog

This is not a breed you will come across in the marsh too often, but it should be.

This ancient breed was bred to be hard workers on ships where fishermen used them for herding fish into nets and retrieving supplies from the water.

Its not likely that they would make the greatest upland dog, but if youre looking for a hypoallergenic duck hunting dog, then theyre certainly worth considering.

With their endless amount of energy and their ability to swim all day, I think the Portuguese Waterdog would be a great companion in the marsh.

Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier has been described as a three-in-one dog. He is capable of hunting fur, feather, and waterfowling.

While they used to be known as fur dogs, they quickly became noted for their retrieving ability.

Their impressive hypoallergenic coat protects them from the cold water while retrieving ducks.

This breed wants nothing more than to please and is quite easy to train.

Low-Shedding Hunting Dogs

American Water Spaniel

Although the American Water Spaniel isnt a hypoallergenic dog, it is an infrequent shedder.

This is a solid true and tested waterfowling dog. Like most spaniels, he is also an excellent flusher upland.

This breed is most commonly found around Wisconsin and is even their state dog.

Their size makes them perfect for a boat dog, while their hardiness allows them to endure frigid wateran outstanding duck dog in any respect.

Redbone Coonhound

If youre looking for a low-shedding dog that hunts something other than birds, the Redbone Coonhound ticks that box.

They are a rare breed and are phenomenal coon dogs. Although they excel at coons, they have been used to hunt all North American animals, such as deer, cougar, bear, boar, etc.

Do be aware that they can be a handful for inexperienced owners due to their short attention span.

How To Reduce Allergens From Your Hunting Dog

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There is always a risk of developing allergies, even from hypoallergenic dogs. As weve mentioned, dander and shed hair are the primary problem for allergy sufferers.

The best way to reduce the risk of being affected by your dog is to reduce the amount of dander and shed hair.

To do this, we have a few tips.

Bathe your dog regularly:

Frequent bathing of your dog will help wash loose hairs away and remove dander that sticks to the skin.

Brush youre dog frequently:

Dont wait for your dog to lose hair by shaking or rubbing against objects in the house. As you take your dog out for a walk, a quick brushing removes most loose hairs.

Clean dogs bedding:

This is where the majority of the dander will be. As the dog gets in and out of bed, its spreading dander around, increasing your chances of being in contact with it.

Change air filters:

The air filters in your home are a great line of defense against allergies from pets. Its best practice to change them regularly. Also, its worth considering using a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner.

Hypoallergenic Hunting Dogs

Hunting with a canine companion dates back centuries. Deemed as mans best friend, they were relied upon heavily to help man in their journey of survival. Having a hunting dog that was well trained and could do their job at the highest level was paramount to successful existence.

Nowadays, hunting isnt a matter of life or death but is enjoyed as a recreational sport by many people. And, while your choice of dog will heavily depend on the type of game youre hunting, there are certain generalized factors to think about.

Remember, choosing the right pooch will allow you to form the perfect partnership that not only meets your needs on a long day of hunting but will also love their role.

Breed Type

While breed choice may be reduced, its something youll wish to consider.

With hunting at the forefront of your mind, look out for breed-specific traits required for a reliable working dog. There is little point in choosing a low-energy dog that hates being out in bad weather. Instead, a dog thats easily trained has an intelligent nature, and responds well to its handlers commands would be more suitable.

Size of Breed

When it comes to finding the perfect dog for your hunting adventures, size really does matter.

Picture yourself out in the woods with a tiny pocket-size pooch. Are you going to feel confident that this perfect little pup will be able to deal with rough terrain, inclement weather and possess the stamina for long days hunting?

There are certain things hypoallergenic dogs can offer, but when it comes to hunting, you have to be very specific, as well as realistic to your requirements.

Energy levels

A hunting dog needs to be naturally active. This pastime is physically demanding for both you and your canine companion. Thus you dont want to worry whether your pooch can keep up.

Your hypoallergenic hunting dog must possess a high energy level. A tail-wagger that lacks the get-up-and-go will soon lead to frustration and prevent you from enjoying your sport.

However, bear in mind, when youre not hunting, your furry friend will still need the same intense level of stimulation and exercise. Hence, ensure youre prepared to provide them an outlet for that energy.

Training

Training is imperative when on the hunt. Allowing your dog to learn the best techniques will help you in the longer game. The ideal way to train a hunting dog is by mimicking real-life scenarios where they could be distracted or pushed off course.

Some dogs are better suited to training than others. This has to be an important factor to take into consideration when choosing the right pooch for you.

Training takes patience and hard work for your dog to become ready to hunt in the real world. They need to be prepared for every hunting eventuality.