Designer dogs are all the rage in today’s society, with cross breeds being created from Poodles both standard and miniature in size. There is the Labradoodle, which is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a standard poodle, the Maltipoo, which is a cross between a Maltese and a miniature poodle, the Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a standard poodle, and a Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a miniature poodle.
Most of these dogs were bred for a specific purpose, which is to decrease the possibility of its owner having an allergic reaction. Poodles are known to be hypoallergenic due to the fact that their coat is a single layer as opposed to a double layer which most dogs have. This means a decrease in shedding, which in turn equates to less allergy attacks. While it is true that Poodles tend to cause less of an allergic reaction, there is technically no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.
Most dogs that are labeled as hypoallergenic tend to be larger in size. For example there is the Lagotto Romagnolo, a dog that hail from Italy and is prized for their ability to sniff out truffles. The Airedale Terrier is another dog that is called hypoallergenic and can reach up to 70 pounds when full grown. The Bergamasco is an interesting dog, it has a coat that resembles dreadlocks and needs very little maintenance once fully grown out. The Bergamasco comes from the Italian Alps and can grow to be 85 pounds.
No matter the breed or size, every dog has its ailments. Dogs with flat faces are prone to eye problems, and no dog is happy when they have a flea infestation. Issues with ear infections are a common problem, which can be caused by ear mites, allergies, or bacteria in the ear canal. Worm infestations such as tapeworms, whipworms, and roundworms will cause parasites, and hookworms can be fatal to puppies. It does seem however, that larger dogs tend to have more issues than do smaller dogs. Hip dysplasia is a common ailment found in larger breeds as is arthritis and heart conditions. Siberian Huskies can be prone to autoimmune disorders which affect the skin. Labrador Retrievers can easily become obese if not fed a proper diet. Dobermans are known to have dilated cardiomyopathy which is a heart condition, and it is common for Rottweiler’s to have joint issues. Problems with joints such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, and osteochondrosis dissecans, or OCD are common among large dogs that grow fast. The cartilage between the joints does not grow properly and surgery is sometimes required to remove the excess cartilage.
The best way to determine if your dog will have health issues as it grows is to do some research into its bloodline. A healthy puppy will have healthy parents, and a reputable breeder will have the sire and the dames’ health records available, and the breeder should have a good reputation as well.