Hypoallergenic breeds have gained attention as a result of president-elect Obama’s search for a dog for his allergy-suffering daughter Malia. Approximately 10 percent of Americans are allergic to dogs, with reactions ranging from itchy eyes to more serious complications such as asthma attacks or constricted breathing, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. These breeds have non-shedding coats, which produce less dander (it’s the skin dander that is attached to pet hair which causes most pet allergies in humans). Each dog in a litter of mixed breeds is unique in its size, coat type, temperament and energy level, making the high prices unjustifiable and the claims these dogs are ideal misleading at best. Measures that help include removing carpets, heavy drapes and upholstered furniture that trap dander; washing pet beds often and grooming your dog frequently, and not letting the pet sleep on the bed of an allergy sufferer.

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