How To Get a Hypo Allergenic Dog Breed Like Obama Found for his Girls

You may have heard that President Obama had promised his daughter that they would receive a new puppy after the election regardless of the result. Of course, he had to make good on at least one of his promises and he has. He bought his girls a hypo allergenic dog breed called the Portuguese Water Dog. It is an absolutely beautiful breed. The best thing about it is that most people with allergies are not allergic to this dog. After seeing one at the dog show recently I actually thought that I may want to get one.

We will also be getting a new dog this year so it will be in our thoughts. I am leaning towards a Saint Bernard right at the moment. I had a Saint Bernard as a child and I am still dreaming of having another. He was the most gentle dog ever. When I was five years old, I was very tiny and I could ride on his back like he was my own private pony, but of course he was better than a pony because I could not get hurt falling off. The photo is a Saint Bernard.

If you need to know how to get a hypo allergenic dog breed like Obama found for his girls, try the Portuguese Water Dog.

Sussex Spaniel

Sussex Spaniel

Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiff Quick Facts:

Build Large or Giant
Low Difficulty to Train

Grooming Low

Maintenance Low

Shedding Medium

Daily Walks Needed

Low Energy Level

Makes an Effective Watch Dog

Good With Older Children

Tibetan Mastiff History

Originally known as the Bangara Mastiff, this dog comes from Tibet and has a long history. Thought to be around for at least 2,000 years. They were bred to protect entire villages or flocks of sheep. They are a very dependable and protective watch dog.

Tibetan Mastiff Temperament

This breed is extremely protective and is best with an owner that can handle a large dog. They are easy to train and are highly intelligent. Early training is best along with socialization.

He needs lots of exercise. Not so good with small children due to his size, he is good with older children.

Tibetan Mastiff Grooming

This dog is a very low maintenance dog. If you give him a good brushing once a week, he will be just fine. He does shed and therefore is not good for allergy sufferers even though the shedding is not too severe.

Tibetan Mastiff Appearance

This breed is very large almost giant in size. You can expect your dog to reach 70-125 pounds for females and 100-140 for males. The stand at a height of 25-26 inches for females and 27-30 inches for males.

Tibetan Mastiff Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Tibetan Mastiff is 10-14 years and they have been known to have some health problems such as liver problems and allergies.

Tibetan Spaniel

Tibetan Spaniel

Tibetan Spaniel Quick Facts:

Build Small

Medium Difficulty to Train

Grooming Low
Maintenance Medium
Shedding Medium
Occasional Walks Needed
Medium/High Energy Level
Makes an Effective Watch Dog
Good With Older Children

Tibetan Spaniel History

Originally breed by Tibetan monks as prayer dogs, and make excellent companion dogs and watchdogs. They are not actually related to the Spaniel breed even though they share the same age. They were registered with the AKC in 1983.

Tibetan Spaniel Temperament

These dogs are very intune with the emotions and feelings of their owner and follow suit. They have a lot of energy and are not the best dogs to have around babies or small children. They really love a lot of attention from their own and demand a lot of human interaction. They do not demand a lot of exercise, but of course you will still want to exercise them to keep them in good health.

They are very smart and easy to train. They do want to be left alone. Although they do get along with other animals, females do not do as well with other females.

Early socialization is necessary with this breed.

Tibetan Spaniel Grooming

This breed does shed seasonally so it is not good for allergy sufferers. They do need to be brushed twice a week and trimmed on occasion.

Tibetan Spaniel Appearance

They are a small dog weighing about 9-15 pounds and standing 10 inches tall. They have a very fluffy coat that comes in a variety of colors such as white, red, black, tan and gold.

Tibetan Spaniel Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Tibetan Spaniel is 12-18 years and they have been known to have some health problems such as liver problems and allergies.

Tibetan Terrier

Tibetan Terrier

Photograph by skaty222

Tibetan Terrier Quick Facts:

Build Small/Meduim Size
Medium Difficulty to Train

Grooming Low/Medium

Maintenance Low/Medium

Shedding Low

Regular Walks Needed

Medium Energy Level

Makes an Effective Watch Dog

Good with Children older children

Tibetan Terrier History

The Tibetan Terrier was breed in Tibet where it lived in monasteries and was believed to be good luck by the monks. He is not related to the terrier breed and makes a good companion dog. First registered with the AKC in 1973.

Tibetan Terrier Temperament

He makes a great companion dog because he is so loyal and friendly. He does have a good amount of energy but is sensible. He loves to climb and play outside.

Not a good pet for families with small children.

Tibetan Terrier Grooming

They require less and less maintenance as they grow older. Older dogs require very little grooming.

Tibetan Terrier Appearance

He is a small to medium size dog and normally weighs between 19-30 pounds and stands about 14-17 inches in height.

Tibetan Terrier Health Problems and Life Expectancy

This breed will normally live about 12-15 years. There are a few known health problems including cataracts and thyroid problems.

Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Fox Terrier Quick Facts:
Large Smalll

Medium Difficulty to Train
Grooming Low
Maintenance Medium
Shedding Medium
Occasional Walks Needed
Medium Energy Level
Makes an Effective Watch Dog
Good with Children older children

The Toy Fox Terrier originated from England, he is a descendant of the Smooth Fox Terrier. The breed was registered with the AKC in 2001.

This breed is not the best for families with younger children. He needs gentle older children that will not pull his tail or scream in his ear.

This breed normally lives 12-15 years and are known to have heart problems, thyroid problems and seizures.

The Toy Fox Terrier lives up to it's name with a height of 9-11 inches and a weight of 4 to 7 pounds. They are a very spirited and playful breed and can be a handful. His intelligence makes him very easy to train.

The Toy Fox Terrier loves being around humans and being handled a lot, emotionally they are high maintenance.

Vizsla

Vizsla Quick Facts:

Large Build

Medium Difficulty to Train

Grooming Low

Maintenance Medium

Shedding Medium

Daily Walks and Runs Needed

Medium/High Energy Level

Makes an Effective Watch Dog

Good with Children

The Vizsla was originally from Hungary and the breed was not widely known until after World War II. It was not registered with the AKC until 1960. Also known as Hungarian Vizsla, Magyar Vizsla, Hungarian Pointer, and Drotszoru Magyar Vizsla.

The Vizsla is a beautiful dog and very friendly. The name Vizsla translates into alert and responsive in Hungarian. These dogs love to be active and can actually become descructive if not kept active and social.

They are a large dog, with the females weighing 45-50 pounds and standing 20-23 inches tall. The male dogs weigh 55-65 pounds and stand 22-25 inches tall.

They will bark to alarm you which makes them an excellent watch dog. Vizsla make a great family pet.

Weimaraner

Weimaraner Photo by SuperFantastic

Weimaraner Quick Facts:
Large Build
Moderately Medium Difficulty to Train
Grooming Medium
Maintenance Medium
Shedding Low
Daily Walks and Runs Needed
High Energy Level
Makes an Effective Watch Dog
Good with Children

The Weimaraner breed came from Germany and was registered with the AKC in 1943. The life expectancy is about 10-12 years. Females weigh about 55-70 pounds and stand about 23-25 inches tall. Males weigh about 75-90 pound and stand about 25-27 inches tall. The grooming is easy but does need to be done on a regular basis to keep the coat shiny.

The love outdoor adventures and love to be active. They are very intelligent which makes training easy. Weimaraners make great companion dogs and family pets, especially if they are raised with children.

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Welsh Springer Spaniel Quick Facts:

Medium Build

Moderately Medium Difficulty to Train

Grooming Medium

Maintenance Medium

Shedding Medium

Daily Walks and Runs Needed

Normal Energy Level

Makes an Effective Watch Dog

Good with Children

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a close relative to the English Springer Spaniel. Originally from Wales they were bred as a gun dog. Excellent as a companion or for a family with children. Their life expectancy is 12-14 years. The males are about 40-45 pounds and stand about 18-19 inches tall. Females weigh less, about 35-40 pounds and stand about 17-18 inches tall. They are a very sturdy dog and are very sociable. Families with Welsh Springer Spaniels should be prepared to spend a lot of time with their pet.

Welsh Terrier

Photographer: kopibrian

Welsh Terriers were originally from Wales where they were bred for hunting badgers, otters and foxes. They are best for a family with older, very gentle children. They are small in stature and do not shed very much. They weigh about 19-24 pounds and stand at a height of 14-16 inches. Their life expectancy is about 12-15 years.

Drawbacks are that he is a digger and a barker. He cannot be trusted to stay nearby and all outdoor play areas should be fenced. He has a lot of energy and you will need to walk him daily. Socialize him early so that you do not have a problem in the future.

West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

This small dog is great with gentle older children, but is not recommended for babies or younger children that may agitate or pull the hair of the dog. Although they do need daily walks, they are a very low maintenance dog. Their fur is a very low shedding coat. They are very intelligent and easy to train.

They originate from the Highlands of Scotland as a vermin hunter and were brought over to America in the early 1900's. You may recognize the breed from the famous paint "Breakfast Pary", Sir Edwin Landseer in the 1830s.

Whippets

Whippet Quick Facts:

Medium Build
Moderately Easy to Train
GroomingMaintenance Low
Shedding Low
Daily Walks Needed
Normal Energy Level
Makes an Effective Watch Dog
Good with Children

Whippets were originally bred from greyhounds and terriers. They are a beautiful sleek dog from England. The Whippets life expectancy is about 12-15 years.

Whippets stand about 18-22 inches tall and they weigh between 20-40 pounds. Males are slightly larger than females.

They are great with children, but they are a fragile dog and should not be rough-housed with. They have a very sweet and gentle nature. Whippets are great for people with allergies because they have very low shedding. They are very easy to train because they absolute love to please their owners.

Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier is a small dog that can be good with children if the children are older and gentle. Not good with yound children. They are very low maintenance, but they do require daily walks. Low shedding, but good grooming needed. They have a high energy level and make and excellent watchdog.

They usually live about 12-15 years. They can range in weight from 15 to 25 pounds and in height from 14 to 17 inches.

Because they do not shed much, they are excellent for owners with allergies.

Originally from England, this breed came to America in the 1885's.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon also know as Korthals Griffon and Pointing Wirehaired Griffon are excellent with children when they are raised with them. They are an excellent watch dog and like to be walked or ran daily. They do not shed much and are very low maintenance for grooming. You will need to brush the coat a couple of times a week.

They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years and weigh about 45-60 pounds with a height of 20-24 inches.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers or Yorkies as they are called are a good breed to have around older children that can handle them with care. They are excellent pets and require very low maintenance. They make an excellent watch dog because they have a very high energy level. Their grooming and maintenance is very low. They do need to be walked occasionally.

They first came to this country in the 1870's from Great Britain and were known as scotch terriers. Their life expectancy is about 12 to 15 years. They are very petite in size and therefore need to be protected from any dangers. They usually only weigh about five to seven pounds and have an average height of 7-8 inches.

Puppies,Kittens and Fish

Children love pets, many times it is difficult to find good information about what pets are best in households with children. This blog is dedicated to posting excellent information about breeds of dogs, cats and sometimes fish, so that families can make informed decisions and hopefully find the right breed.

It will take some time for us to get started and if anyone can help by providing photos of specific breeds (not mixed breeds) whether or not they are good for families because it is important that we have information about both.