Dogs may be human’s best friend, but they are not always the best pet option for those who suffer from allergies. Some dogs are considered hypoallergenic because they don’t shed like other dogs and therefore, don’t leave as much dander behind everywhere they go. It’s important to note, though, that no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Every dog sheds and their dander carries allergens.
It’s a matter of how much a dog sheds when considering whether they are “hypoallergenic” and safer for allergic people to be around than other types of dogs. So, are Plott Hounds considered hypoallergenic? The short answer is no, they are not. This doesn’t mean that someone with allergies can’t live with this dog breed, though. Here is what you should know.
Why Some People Think That Plott Hounds Are Hypoallergenic
Plott Hounds have short hair and shed less than the average dog does. For this reason, they tend to leave behind less dander, and the dander that they do shed is typically easy to manage and clean up within the house. So, some people believe that they are hypoallergenic. The thing is that Plott Hounds shed more than most of the dogs that are considered hypoallergenic, so they should not be placed in that category at all.
The bottom line is that it’s a myth that Plott Hounds are hypoallergenic. They should not be considered as such, and those with allergies should get a dog that is considered hypoallergenic if they plan to live with the dog in close quarters. However, this isn’t to say that people with allergies should always avoid the Plott Hound, as it is possible to manage one’s allergies while living with the breed.
Plott Hounds May Be Suitable for Those With Allergies
Even though Plott Hounds are not hypoallergenic, it may be possible for you to live with this breed even if you have allergies. The trick is to keep your pooch as clean as possible and to control when and how dander gets removed from their skin and coat. You could have a groomer trim your Plott Hound’s coat to make sure it stays less than an inch long, which will make keeping the coat clean easier as time goes on.
Carefully comb the coat daily, and do so outside, where the extra hair and dander can float away in the air instead of getting stuck inside the house. It is also important to sweep, mop, and vacuum your floors and furniture several times a week to make sure dander never has a chance to sit around and get absorbed into the couch and carpeting. Taking these steps should make it possible for you to live with a Pott Hound healthily and happily.
Other Dog Breeds That Are Considered Hypoallergenic
If you decide that the Plott Hound is not right for your allergic household, several breeds are considered hypoallergenic due to their reduced shedding. One of these dog breeds may be a better fit for your family. Popular options to choose from include:
- Poodle
- Bichon Frise
- Shih Tzu
- Portuguese Water Dog
- West Highland Terrier
- Havanese
- Basenji
- Maltese
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Miniature Schnauzer
It’s always a good idea to get to know any specific breed before deciding whether to take one home as a pet. Just because a dog is hypoallergenic does not mean they will fit in with your family’s lifestyle.
In Conclusion
Unfortunately, the Plott Hound is not considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. However, they do have a short coat and shed less than most dog breeds. This means you may be able to live with this breed if you keep up on grooming practices every week. If this breed isn’t for you, though, there are plenty of dog breeds that are considered hypoallergenic to choose from.
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