Are Cobberdogs the magic panacea to allergic dog lovers? They might be, if the allergy is to dogs.  But what about the Dust Mite?

Today I received another inquiry from someone who has a family member who is severely allergic to dust mites.  This question is getting more frequent so this was my reply
If your daughter’s allergies were to dog dander (skin particles) then a Cobberdog would be a great choice.  But seeing as she is allergic to dust mites, then sadly, I don’t think the breed of dog would make much or even any difference.
 
Healthy dogs will roll in the dust, play in the dust etc., and when they are touched by a human, the dust mites are transferred from the dog to the human.  No doubt the inside of your home is kept very clean and free of dust, but it would not be healthy for a dog, to keep him/her always inside.
 
Perhaps a breed with no hair at all might be the best option for you such as the Chinese Crested?  Then you could wipe over the dog’s body several times a day with a cloth to remove any dust picked up outside.
 
I’m so sorry to disappoint you, but I would not feel comfortable sending you a puppy with a long coat

 COBBERDOGS have a luxurious coat, so it isn't easy to tell by sight what is hiding beneath it.  Is it muscle, fat, or just bones?  Weigh them?  Well we all know that fat weighs less than muscle and that too fat isn't healthy either.
Just to complicate things more, two dogs can be the same height, weigh the same, and yet one can be too fat while the other is too thin.

The Easy Solution?  Learn to tell from feel.
There are key areas on your dog which you can feel to find out if your dog is a healthy weight.

*  you shouldn't be able to feel the bony knobs along the dog's backbone.  But if it feels broad and chubby the dog is too fat
*  pin bones are two bony points, one each side of the top of croup.  You should not be able to feel them.
*  Thighs should not be concave as in the picture.  You should feel a bulge which is flesh cover or muscle.
*  It's Okay to feel the ribs a little, but not the hollows between each one.
*  You should feel firm flesh on the shoulders, and not sharp bony points.

The belly is not an indicator. This dog's belly is round and fat (could indicate worms).

But notice the bony knobs along his spine, and his prominent pin bones.  Thighs are also flat with no fleshy or muscle cover.  These areas can be felt with your hands even if not seen underneath a long or thick coat.