When considering partnering with a Service Dog, there are quite a few factors to consider. One commonly occurring question is allergies. Many believe that their allergies will prevent them from finding happiness and stability in their life through a Service Dog due to some evil hives, swollen glands and itchy eyes. There is good news though! There are many types of hypoallergenic breeds which they could consider.
Service Dog organizations experience it every day — applicants who want to be partnered with a Service Dog, but believe their allergies will prevent them from finding happiness and stability in their life. Individuals suffering from seizures, cardiac issues, multiple sclerosis and other disabilities are often looking for regularity in their life. They know a Service Dog can help but there’s a preconceived notion that chronic allergies make someone unsuitable for a Service Dog. What does an individual with a disability do when they suffer from allergies? In most cases, they give up on their quest for a Service Dog. The truth of the matter is, even as a chronic allergy sufferer, you can live the life you want with the aid of a Service Dog at your side. It all comes down to hypoallergenic dogs. While there is plenty of information on hypoallergenic dogs out there, there just isn’t enough knowledge in mainstream. Even as someone that WHO grew up around a veterinarian, I was unaware of the hypoallergenic properties that certain breeds possess. Let’s change that up and get the word out about hypoallergenic canines breeds! Be aware that just because a breed is listed here, does not mean it will be suitable with your particular allergies or your disability or suitable as a Service Dog. For more info about picking a Service Dog candidate, read this article.
Two of the most common hypoallergenic Service Dogs are the Poodle and Labradoodle. The Poodle shares many of the traits that other more typical Service Dog breeds possess, as well as other working breeds. They are generally strong, agile, intelligent and known to have a great temperament suitable for Service Dog work. The best part of a Poodle Service Dog? They’re the only true hypoallergenic breed!
Poodle facts:
Average Lifespan of 12-15 years
Weight between 45 and 70 pounds
Average height range between 15 and 22 inches
Non-shedding coat
2nd most intelligent breed (as ranked by scientist and Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia and author Stanley Coren, PhD
The Poodle is one of the more common breeds for Service Dogs found today. Many Service Dog training facilities have a poodle in each class for those in need. You’ll also find various doodles (Poodle/working breed crosses) on the rare occasion. In the photo to the left is Dreyfus, a Poodle Service Dog. He is trained to alert others in case his handler is having an emergency. This includes being trained use a canine enabled 911 phone. He personally has saved the life of his partner on at least one occasions. Thankfully, because of his hypoallergenic traits, his partner is able to have a lifesaving Service Dog by her side. In the photo on the right, are three Labradoodles; another common hypoallergenic Service Dog. This breed often has calm, obedient temperaments — and they love people! A Labradoodle with the right social and emotional skills can be an effective and suitable Service Dog. Labradoodle facts:
Average Lifespan of 12-14 years
Weight between 50 and 65 pounds
Average height range between 21 and 24 inches
Low-shedding coat
Hypoallergenic Service Dog breeds are at no disadvantage from their shedding or more common Service Dog breed brothers and sisters. When it comes to Service Dogs, there is no perfect breed. There are advantages and disadvantages to different breeds and it’s important to consider the specific needs of the handler to find the perfect balance. Whether you suffer from allergies or someone you love does, it’s not too late to receive the gift of a Service Dog. Suffering from allergies doesn’t mean you’re sentenced to live in fear or be sanctioned to a life of limited mobility; because somewhere out there is a hypoallergenic Service Dog waiting for its partner.
