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The Benefits Of Owning A Hairless Dog
I never thought that I would be the owner of a hairless dog. We originally opted to get a Pomeranian, but the one we were hoping for had been adopted out to someone else. Needless to say we were pretty devastated, but then soon afterwards we received a call from the same rescue group saying that they had an eight-month-old Chinese Crested puppy named Sookie that they thought would be perfect for us. At first, we weren't too keen on the idea of having a hairless dog, but they said that they would allow us to keep her at our home overnight (which later turned into a period of one month) to see if she was right for us. Of course after only a few days, we were completely smitten with this little dog. A month later, she was officially ours.
Now that I have had my sweet little Sookie for over six months, I have come to realize the advantages of owning a hairless dog- especially when I visit other homes with furry canines. They are as follows:
Hairless dogs don't shed (obviously).
No fur equals no shedding. Sookie, as with all hairless Chinese Cresteds, has long, straight hair on her head, as well as tufts of hair on her tail, on the bottoms of her legs, and on her paws. This means that there is no need to worry about fur getting all over your sofa, your bed, on the carpet, and on your clothing. No purchasing of lint rollers required (that is unless you're like me and you also have three very furry cats roaming around your home as well).
They are great for allergy sufferers.
There is no breed of dog that is truly hypoallergenic, as all dogs produce some type of dander. Besides from the fur, dander also can come from the skin, saliva, and urine. However, hairless dogs produce only small amounts of dander, so most people with allergies do not have reactions to them.
They don't smell.
Hairless dogs, when bathed regularly (It's usually recommended that they should be bathed at least once a week), do not have that same 'doggy smell' as many other breeds do. This means that you won't have to worry about a stinky odor lingering throughout your home.
It's like having your own personal comfy heating pad.
A hairless dog's skin is soft and smooth, as well as very warm to the touch. However, their body temperature is the same as any other dog's: between 101 and 102 degrees fahrenheit. They only feel warmer simply because there is no fur present to insulate their body heat. The softness and warmth of a hairless dog's body can feel very comforting when it is pressed up against yours, particularly on a cold winter day or when you are in bed with the cold or flu.
You will receive a lot of attention!
Because of the hairless dog's unique appearance, it is more than likely that you will have a lot of people approach you as they will want to know more about your canine companion. While you are taking your pup for a walk or bringing him or her along to the pet store, you are sure to be the center of attention!
Hairless Dog Rescues
Comments
Interesting hub Jennzie. The fact that they don't shed must be a draw for many people (it would be for me) but people seem to love 'fluffy' dogs because they can snuggle up to them :o)
- Author
Thanks, Mary! She does, but don't let her looks fool you for a second. :-)
Thanks again for the nice comment!
Oh, what a cute little dog! I've never seen this breed except on TV. Your Sookie looks like a real sweetheart.
I am a dog lover for sure, and I've written several Hubs about my miniature schnauzer and shih tzu.
- Author
Thank you wetnosedogs and nettlemere for stopping by! She is a pleasure to be around, and I am grateful to have her.
They are surprisingly pretty and cuddly, I love the look of the ones with pink and grey skin. I'm glad you were successfully matched with the lovely Sookie.
Amazing how an animal hairless or not can bring out the love in people. Glad this doggy touched your heart.
- Author
Cat- True, they don't do the best in temperatures that are too hot or cold. However, it can get pretty hot and cold here as well. Usually they'll do just fine if you put sunscreen on them during the summer when they go outside and a jacket when it's cold.
KD- Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!
Lipnancy- Yes, they are. I even think some of the ones that win the ugliest dog contests are pretty cute as well!
Thanks for taking the time to comment everyone!
Great Hub. They are cuter than I thought. A lot cuter than those hairless cats. LOL
Hairless dogs are very good for people with allergic reactions to long haired or short haired dogs. There s quite an array of hairless dogs out there and all of them great companions! Thank you for this great hub!
They are great for those that suffer allergies and such. But they would be miserable where I live: sunburned in the summer and freezing in the winter.
- Author
Jayne- Yes, she wears sunscreen before going outside. A great point you mentioned about caring for a hairless dog!
DrMark- I'm glad this made you think about getting a hairless dog for yourself!
Ron- LOL! That sounds like it could be a good idea as well. I'm sure you would be able to find one somewhere. :-)
Thanks for commenting everyone!
Great hub Jennzie... Gave me a chuckle. Hairless dogs? How do they pluck all the dog's hairs to make it hairless? Do they use tweezers or laser? What's next, boneless/skinless cats? I hope these benefits apply to wives also. I have been thinking about adopting a hairless woman and was only thinking about how much money it would save in terms of shampoo, conditioner, hair extensions, hair dye, hair cuts, hair curlers, blow dryings, combs, brushes, hair pins, etc. But these benefits you mentioned are an added benefit so maybe I should adopt two. I was also thinking not having to notice hair cuts is yet another good way to hide my typical male flaws.
Great hub. You make me want to go out and find one. Voted up and interesting.
Your baby is cute, and you certainly don't have the grooming responsibilities of someone who has a long-haired dog. I hope you're putting sunscreen on her before you take her outside for a walk. Her skin is just as vulnerable to skin cancer as a human's....
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