A blind woman from Hawaii needed a guide dog that would not shed hair because her husband was allergic to it. She contacted the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia for help. A man named Wally Conron was a puppy breeding manager working there in the 1980s and he told her he would help her. Conron was the first breeder to come up with the idea of crossing a poodle (they don’t shed hair) with a Labrador (sheds hair) which results in a Labradoodle. Allergy tests were undertaken and her husband did not get any of his usual allergy symptoms when exposed to specimens of these dogs. Knowing this information she went ahead and got this dog. Not everyone gets tested and consults their doctor but normally a doctor would advice you to.
She ended up getting what her husband’s health most needed and at the same time, what she needed. A Win-Win situation!
So far you have seen that there is a need for dogs no doubt about it! But also, dog shedding is a big problem for many pet owners. However, besides the Labradoodle, we are told that the Toy Poodle and Cavoodle are another kind of non-shedding/low shedding hypoallergenic dogs. Furthermore, in 2009 the Foods Matter London Journal stated that poodles or mixes of poodles are better tolerated by children with allergies.
These designer breeds have increased in popularity and with dog allergies so common, many pet lovers are seeking dog breeds with these qualities, because they can’t imagine life without such a loyal companion.
The connection between humans and dogs is so strong that for the sake of having an animal companion and continue to live with them, allergy sufferers around the world are willing to endure runny noses, sneezing, rashes and even asthma. (Allergy sufferers, 1997).
‘As much as dogs need people, people need dogs’
Poodles and Cavoodles offer designer qualities in petite, intelligent packages as they are highly intelligent, making them easy to train. They excel at dog sports and obedience training. Interestingly, the Australian Pet Dog Trainers Association believes a trend towards designer dogs could soon see cross-breeds become the most popular.
“Beneath the wavy or curly, hypoallergenic coat is an extremely adorable but elegant athlete and companion for all reasons and seasons.”
Alejandra Lopez
B.N. Western Sydney University, MA Management (Nurs) Newcastle University.
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References
Allergy sufferers endure rashes, asthma-just to have a pet. (1997, Feb 14). Toronto Star Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/437625498?accountid=10344
Sniffer dogs-for peanuts and mould..(2009). Foods Matter, 11. Retrieved from http://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/docview/414041438?accountid=10344
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