good hypoallergenic hunting dogs

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 That Don`t Shed (Best Breeds)

When it comes to finding the perfect hunting dog there are many factors to consider, especially if you or your family suffer from allergies. There are plenty of hypoallergenic hunting dogs that dont shed much hair, and there is sure to be one that fits your lifestyle and hunting needs.

All dogs shed hair, but some are much lower shedding and this is important because it means there will be less dander in the air, and less opportunity for you or your loved ones to have an allergic reaction.

Im going to show you ten of the best hypoallergenic hunting dogs that don`t shed, in both small and large dog categories. This list consists of highly energetic, friendly dogs with instincts for tracking and hunting prey.

More importantly they are low shedding breeds such as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (a great pointer and retriever), and the Irish Water Spaniel (a fantastic gun dog made for hunting waterfowl and upland prey).

Why a Hypoallergenic Hunting Dog Can Be Right for You

Hunting dogs have been bred for centuries to work alongside humans in the field. They are intelligent, trainable, and make loyal friends. But if youre allergic to dogs, finding the right breed can be a challenge.

People with allergies to dogs typically have an allergy to the proteins found in a dogs saliva or dander. These proteins can be transferred to you through direct contact or exposure to the air, and the more a dog sheds the more dander you are exposed to.

While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, there are a few breeds that come close, and their hunting instincts make them ideal companions for outdoor enthusiasts.

There are a number of hypoallergenic hunting dogs that dont shed, including the poodle, Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Kerry Blue Terrier. These breeds are all low-shedding and produce less dander, the main cause of allergic reactions in people.

5 Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Don`t Shed

1. Border Terrier

Work hard play hard thats the Border Terrier mantra.

Originally bred to protect farm stock and hunt foxes along the border of England and Scotland, the Border Terrier is a tenacious worker with remarkable agility and endurance.

The Border Terrier is a small, low-shedding breed of dog that is known for its hardworking and energetic nature, and with this breed running and digging comes pre-wired.

Equally, it`s fiercely intelligent, and an admirable hunter that learns quickly and responds positively to commands and obedience. They have a strong prey drive, which makes them highly effective in hunting small game such as foxes, squirrels and rabbits. However, this also means that they may pull on the leash when they spot other animals, and they have a tendency to dig.

These dogs will in most cases pull on the leash with everything they have once they spot other pets and animals including birds, squirrels, and rabbits. This makes them an excellent hunting dog.

One of the unique characteristics of the Border Terrier is their hypoallergenic coat. This means that they shed very little, making them a great option for people with allergies. The coat is a double coat, with a short, dense undercoat and a wiry topcoat that requires regular grooming to maintain its texture.

To keep them healthy and happy, the Border Terrier needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. This can include going on long walks, runs or hunts, and training them in obedience or agility.

Overall, the Border Terrier is a great option for hunters due to its low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, persistent and tireless work ethic, and its intelligence and obedience.

They also make great companions for families with children and other pets. as well as for hunting. With proper training and socialization, the Border Terrier can be a loyal and loving addition to any household.

2. Cirneco dellEtna

The Cirneco dellEtna is a small, ancient breed of dog that draws its name from Mount Etna located in Sicily`s east coast, and they are found throughout the island.

This hypoallergenic ancient breed originated 2,500 years ago as a hardy hunting dog in Egypt before getting transported across the Mediterranean to the West by the Phoenicians.

As a hunting dog, the Cirneco dellEtna is known for its endurance and agility, which makes it an excellent hunting companion for small game such as hares and birds. They are great for people who love outdoor activities, and they will keep you active.

Sporting a sleek hypoallergenic coat, the Cirneco dellEtna is a low maintenance dog that does not shed and only requires occasional grooming. They are a great option for people with allergies, as they do not produce as much dander as other breeds.

The Etna is friendly and affectionate, at the very least, and makes for a great family companion. However, its intelligence and inquisitive nature make daily physical exercise and mental stimulation a must.

Overall, the Cirneco dellEtna is a great hunting dog option due to its low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, endurance, agility and its intelligence and obedience. With proper training and socialization, the Cirneco dellEtna can be a loyal and loving companion that doesnt drop hair in your home.

3. Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is a fantastic gun dog made for hunting waterfowl and upland prey. They a strong, intelligent, dual-purpose hunting dog with an instinct to please.

And like you have guessed, the Spaniel was bred to specialize in water. More specifically, it`s adept in hunting and retrieving birds over bodies of water.

To excel in water, the Spaniel is an excellent swimmer, which is not only pleasing to the owners but equally makes for a good companion.

The almost non-shedding Irish Water Spaniels are the class clowns- their boundless energy, machoism, and playfulness make this hypoallergenic dog types hilarious. They are also very active and require regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy.

Once they settle down, however, they are always ready to learn because they are a highly intelligent and trainable breed receptive to training.

They have a curly coat that is hypoallergenic and low shedding. Nonetheless, their wonderfully thick curls will not maintain themselves, daily brushing is required and so are regular visits to professional groomers.

Go for the low shedding Irish Water Spaniel if you`re particularly interested in retrieving birds from water, and if you are into Duck shooting youll never have a better companion than this dog.

4. Lagotto Romagnolo

Of all the low shedding dogs on our list, the Lagotto is the closest as you can get to a true hunting dog.

The Lagotto or Romagna Water Dog is believed to be an ancestor of the water dogs, and here, we see it as a smaller version of the Water Spaniel.

A major highlight of the Lagotto, however, it`s the only dog breed recognized as a specialized truffle searcher.

Unlike other dogs, the Lagotto is less likely to eat the truffles.

Additionally, the game scent does not easily distract the Lagotto while hunting truffles.

Hunting instincts aside, the Lagotto is highly energetic, active, and affectionate. They`re equally loyal making them awesome companions.

Nonetheless, a bored Lagotto is destructive and will engage in destructive behavior such as barking and digging.

5. Portuguese Water Dog

Like the Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese water dogs were equally born for water.

Originally from ancient Portugal, these low maintenance dogs were bred to assist fishermen at sea to heard fish, dive, retrieve lost gear, lost fishing nets, and even swim from the boat to boat to deliver messages.

The breed`s webbed feet, robust body, and hypoallergenic, waterproof coat makes the Portuguese Water Dog an excellent swimmer.

These dogs are loyal with a mission, and they still carry their sharp focus today.

Besides their loyalty and swimming capabilities, their athleticism, intelligence, and friendliness are just on another level.

Also known as the Porties, these dogs are wonderful companions that love being around people as well as other pets, but more importantly love being in water.

5 Large Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Don`t Shed

1. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is a large sighthound beast known for its glamorous tresses and graceful agility.

This exotic and beautiful diva comes with a regal appearance that necessitates high maintenance.

Despite, its regal appearance, the Afghan hound is silly and playful. Nonetheless, they are incredibly intelligent and independent hypoallergenic dogs that carry on almost mysterious personality.

On the downside, their indifference results in difficulty in training them as they will choose to ignore commands.

Originally, the Afghan hound was bred to hunt, and they still carry their prey instincts up to date.

Though intensely loyal to their family, showing affection and love is not always at the top of their priorities.

2. Curly Coated Retriever

The Curly Coated Retriever is yet another awesome hunting companion.

Like the Lagotto, this hypoallergenic dog is believed to have descended from the water dog ancestors such as the English Water Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, and Retrieving Setter in the 16th century.

More like its ancestors, it enjoys swimming, field trials, and hunting.

Again, like many hunting dogs, the Curly Coated Retriever is obedient, follows commands to the letter, and is easy to conform depending on your needs.

More importantly, it has a gentle temperament, and this makes it the ideal family dog. It loves kids and always eager to please them.

Their short coat is low maintenanceand does not require regular grooming apart from minimal brushing and occasional baths.

3. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Griffon is a large hypoallergenic dog that was developed in France to find and retrieve birds.

They have a wiry coat that is easy to maintain and they shed very little. Sporting a double coat, the Griffon is just as much as at home in the water as it is on dry land.

The coat on the Griffon feels like bristles, but it does not easily shed, therefore protecting the undercoat, and keeping the dog warm.

Griffons are also known for their endurance and stamina, making them great for long hunting trips. They`re highly energetic, thus requiring a lot of space and running room to stay happy.

Like many hunting dogs, the Griffon is intelligent and easy to train, making it perfect especially for families with young kids. They are a friendly and affectionate breed that form strong bonds with their owners.

4. Italian Greyhound

Hounds are infamous for their hunting prowess, and the Italian Greyhound is no different.

Though it`s the smallest of the sighthound breeds, the Italian Greyhound is a true hound that enjoys outdoor exercise just as much as indoor luxury and comfort.

This elegant toy breed will fit into the smallest accommodations granted its small stature.

Additionally, the slender and graceful body makes for a devoted pet that requires little to no grooming.

However, due to their small stature, they can be easily injured, and are therefore suited to families with adults or older kids.

5. Welsh Terrier

Welsh Terrier temperament is described as friendly and smart, with the desire to please.

A true working terrier, the Welsh Terrier, was established for hunts in North Wales.

The Welsh Terrier was higher on the leg and were, therefore, able to keep up with the hounds.

This hypoallergenic hunting dog was bred to hunt badgers, foxes, otters, as well as rats and other vermin.

The Welsh Terrier sports a dense hard and wiry waterproof outer coat that plays a blanket role over the soft, insulating undercoat.

The Welsh are a sensible, intelligent, and quiet dog that make a great pet for kids with a similar temperament. Older Welsh Terriers, however, are excellent companions for seniors.

5 Reasons Why You Need a Hunting Dog

If you own a hunting dog, you already have plenty of reasons to be an advocate for owning one.

If you`re still deliberating on whether to get one, we have compiled 5 reasons why you should adopt a non-shedding hunting dog.

Hunting

This is an obvious benefit of hunting dogs they do all the muscle work. For instance chasing prey, sniffing and following trails accurately, catching, and more grueling tasks.

It can never get any better than hitting the woods, or fields with a loyal companion by your side.

Community

It`s great to see how hunting dog owners appreciate their own loyal companion. Hunters love their dogs, and as a proud owner there is no such thing as a stranger.

In fact, a dog to a hunter is a comrade. Together they work as a communion built on the solid grounds of trust and devotion.

Challenge

Training and maintaining a healthy robust hunting dog that you`ll feel good about is a challenge.

It`s quite demanding to train a dog, but are you up for the task? You`ll never know until you get out for the hunt and see how well you have prepared you dog physically.

Companionship

One of the interesting fact across all breeds of dogs is the crave for human attention.

To hunting dogs, its about loyalty and obedience.

Fetching the prey and delivering safely to their master. To many hunters, this is love, affection, and irreplaceable company.

Health

Have you heard the expression if your dog is out of shape, you`re not exercising enough? Numerous studies indicate that active dog owners tend to stay in better physical shape, and are less likely to develop medical conditions such as diabetes and HBP.

These benefits double for hunting dogs as they will always keep you on your toes for walks, playing, training, and most importantly hunting!

Top 3 Summertime Hazards for Your Hunting Dog

Though summer is the perfect season to hunt, it also comes with its set of challenges. Let`s look at the major hazards you should look out for.

1. Hydration

The warmer weather means that you increase the risk of heat exhaustion for you and your dog.

Dogs need to drink a fair amount just like us, particularly when hunting on a hot day. Therefore, it`s advisable that you always carry with you a bottle of water for you and your dog.

2. Allergen Alert

Typical signs of allergies in people include stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

For dogs, on the other hand, allergies are manifested through wheezing, coughing, runny discharge, and itchy skin either all over or isolated locations.

If you suspect your dog has an allergy, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

3. Heat Stroke

Dogs, like humans, are greatly affected by heat. And if you are sure your dog is going to be exposed to sunlight for extended periods, be sure there is an available shade for rest.

Final Thought

It`s evident that hunting dogs play a major role in our lives, and it`s also clear that hunting dogs are more than just hunting companions, but can as well double up as family pets as in the case of Border Terrier and Italian Greyhound.

• Besides their prey instincts, a common highlight among all the dogs listed above is that they are all hypoallergenic.

• Though they can drop a few hairs here and there, the nugget is that they are low shedding as well as low maintenance hunting dogs.

This means a reduced allergen-load in you home, and a lower need for cleaning up pet hair from floors and furniture.

Nonetheless, it does not rule out the need for regular cleaning. Equally, adopting any of the above hypoallergenic breeds means signing an unwritten rule of regular grooming.

Another key rule you to remember, hunting dogs need more care with their nutrition and treatment. You dont want to go out with a under-performing dog during a top hunting season.

So make sure you take care of your dogs health needs on a regular basis, and remember the more exercise you give your dog, the healthier youll be too!