What does Hypoallergenic Mean?
Allergies are essentially your body overreacting to foreign matter. Our bodies produce antibodies that protect us from sickness and infection. Allergic reactions occur when the immune system makes antibodies to protect against something potentially harmful, even though it isn’t.
Though not as common as cat allergies, dog allergies do affect many people. It is most often a protein found in the dead skin cells, known as dander, that flakes off of the animal and causes these reactions.
Pet dander is particularly nefarious because it is very small and can remain airborne for quite a while. Many people think it is the fur that causes the reaction, but it is actually the dander collected on the fur.
Saliva is another common pet allergen. The proteins that cause allergic reactions are even higher in saliva than in the dander.
Though being airborne isn’t typically as much of a problem with saliva as it is with dander, dried saliva in the dog’s fur can flake off and become airborne. Saliva can also collect on bedding, furniture, and clothing easily.
Urine is also a source of this protein, but with a properly house-trained dog, this is not usually a major concern (source).
When something is hypoallergenic, it simply means it’s less likely to cause an allergic reaction. When it comes to dogs, there are many breeds that produce less of the protein allergens. These dogs are referred to as hypoallergenic, but it’s important to note that no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic.
Schnauzer
If it is an active guard dog you’re looking for, the schnauzer family may be the right choice. Schnauzers come in three sizes: miniature, standard, and giant.
Miniature schnauzers can be as small as 12 pounds, while the giant schnauzer can reach an impressive 85 pounds!
They have a double coat, and if the outer, wiry layer is clipped, the undercoat can be easily maintained by regular brushing. A professional groomer can clipper your schnauzer to remove the outer coat.
They do require more coat maintenance than the mountain cur, but the advantage of them being hypoallergenic makes it worth it.
Behaviorally, they are very similar to the mountain cur. They are good hunters and excellent guard dogs. If you’re specifically looking for a guard dog, the giant schnauzer is big enough to intimidate almost any intruder.
Schnauzers can also be very affectionate, love being a part of a family, and find great joy in interacting with their owner.
Much like the mountain cur, they require regular walks and plenty of mental exercises to keep them happy and stimulated.
They are fairly easy to train, and early socialization is important to avoid behavior problems later in life. Much like the mountain cur, they need to be taught which animals are friends, or they may attack smaller pets (source).
Genetic issues
Happily, this is one of the few breeds with no consistent known genetic health concerns.
However, it is always a good idea to consult the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) database. This is a good way to discover if new heritable health issues have been reported in this breed.
The general lifespan range is from 12 to 16 years. Overall, they are considered generally healthy dogs that can easily live up to 15 or 16 years.
Here however, as with any domestic pet animal, a Mountain Cur’s chances of reaching the far end of the breed life expectancy will largely depend on the individual dog’s daily diet, lifestyle, activity level and genetics.
Nutrition-wise, feed Mountain Cur puppies and dogs good quality dog food. You may also prepare home-made food with your vets approval.
FAQ
Do mountain curs shed a lot?
Are mountain curs cuddly?
Are mountain curs good house dogs?