Frankly, I doubt that the Peruvian hairless the Peruvians have offered President Elect Barack Obama would help his daughter’s allergies a great deal. It’s my understanding that it’s the dander rather than the hair that people are allergic to and even hairless dogs have dander. Additionally, all hairless dogs have special problems: they need to be protected from sun, may need special diets or have their skin oiled frequently, they can smell if they’re not kept clean, and they often have tooth problems. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re subject to connective tissue disorders, too.
By all accounts they’re nice little dogs though. I doubt it they’re a good prospect for a novice owner.
Update
I see that the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has confirmed my supposition above:
While some people with dog allergies say some breeds cause them more problems than others, there isn’t any scientific proof to back that up, said the academy’s Dr. Clifford Bassett, a New York City allergy specialist. All dogs produce proteins that can cause allergies. These proteins are found in dogs’ dander — which is dead skin cells, not fur — and saliva and urine, explained Dr. Elizabeth Matsui, a children’s allergy expert at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
Grooming and bathing can remove much of the dander and cause fewer allergic symptoms, and some breeds tend to be groomed and bathed more often. But it’s that treatment rather than the breed that makes the difference, doctors say.
I have an ugly, mutant, peeing, yapping, obnoxious pug the Obamas can have. I’ll deliver him. If they’d like I’ll barbecue him and deliver him.