Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Really Exist?
There has been a recent surge in dog lovers and prospective dog parents interested in hypoallergenic pups. The allure of a hypoallergenic dog is undeniable for those who may feel limited due to allergies. But does the perfect allergy-free pet truly exist?
While there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, certain breeds are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. This could open the door for pet allergy sufferers to add a furry companion to the family. This guide will explore the reality of hypoallergenic dogs and help you choose the dog that best suits the needs and sensitivities of your family.
What is a “Hypoallergenic Dog?”
Let’s start with the basics: what exactly is a hypoallergenic dog? Contrary to popular belief, the term hypoallergenic, when applied to a product or item, does not mean that it absolutely cannot cause an allergic reaction. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “hypoallergenic” is defined as “having little likelihood of causing an allergic response.”
These are dog breeds that are less likely to cause problems for allergy sufferers due to various physical characteristics. For example, the breed may be low shedding, have shorter coats (or be considered hairless), or the coat type naturally catches and traps allergens like loose hair and dander, controlling its spread around your home.
While these qualities make it more likely that these dogs could co-exist peacefully with an allergic family member, it is important to note that they are not 100% free from allergens.
Which Dogs are Considered to be Hypoallergenic
Deciding which dogs are considered to be hypoallergenic is a bit of a grey area. Some breeds will make the list when speaking with one expert, and not the list shared by the next. This can make it difficult to determine if a dog you are considering will be a good fit for your home.
Even if the dog breed you are considering is well-known for their hypoallergenic coats, I recommend having a conversation with the breeder, the shelter/rescue you are adopting from, and your doctor (or allergist) to prepare yourself to take precautions and minimize any risk. Individual dogs may have unique grooming needs or considerations even within a breed.
Here is a list of breeds commonly referred to as hypoallergenic:
- Affenpinscher
- Afghan Hound
- American Hairless Terrier
- Barbado da Terceira
- Barbet
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Bolognese
- Chinese Crested
- Coton de Tulear
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Lowchen
- Maltese
- Peruvian Inca Orchid
- Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard)
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
- Schnauzer ( Miniature, Standard, Giant)
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Xoloitzcuintli
- Yorkshire Terrier
What about mixed-breed dogs? With the current buzz surrounding poodle mixes like Golden Doodles, Bernedoodles, Labradoodles, and more, many interested in finding a hypoallergenic companion have been told they are the perfect option. The truth is that no one can give you an honest and definite answer that can be applied to all dogs of a specific mix.
While “doodle” dogs do have poodles in their genes, it can’t be guaranteed that the hypoallergenic qualities of a poodle coat will be present in every puppy. For example, a Golden Doodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle) could be born with a hypoallergenic poodle-like coat or a coat that resembles the Golden Retriever more. If you live with allergies, you know that Golden Retrievers are definitely not a hypoallergenic option.
This isn’t to say that mixed breeds won’t be hypoallergenic. However, you need to consider each dog's physical attributes individually instead of making an assumption based on their breed makeup.
Dog Breeds Commonly Mislabeled as Hypoallergenic
Of course, while people generally mean well when making recommendations of the best dog for people with allergies, mistakes are going to be made. Some dog breeds are often recommended that shouldn’t be given this label.
As we just discussed, the first group of dogs that should be mentioned here are mixed-breed dogs. While mixed breeds can be born with the hypoallergenic characteristics of a parent, there is no guarantee that the puppies will inherit those physical traits. Many families have adopted poodle mixes with the promise of purchasing a hypoallergenic dog, only to find their new beloved family member is badly triggering allergies in the home.
Dog breeds often mistaken for hypoallergenic may share traits or commonalities with dogs on the previous list. However, they have other characteristics that contribute to allergic reactions in those around them. For example, a dog could have a very short coat but produce larger amounts of dander, a common dog-related allergen.
Purebreds that are often mistaken or mislabeled as hypoallergenic include:
If in doubt, speak with the breeder or rescue worker about your needs. A reputable breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed they produce and committed to only placing their dogs in homes that are an ideal fit. Shelter and rescue workers are dedicated to finding the best home for the dogs in their care. Even if the dog you’re considering adopting isn’t a good fit, they will likely have recommendations for others you should consider.
Tips for Living Comfortably with Dog Allergies
If reading this information and learning that there is no such thing as a 100% allergy-free dog is discouraging, don’t give up just yet. While these dogs still produce allergens and can trigger a reaction in those with allergies, there are steps you can take to help manage your exposure and create a comfortable home environment for everyone involved (including you and your new pup).
Connect with a Local Groomer
Many of the breeds listed are considered hypoallergenic not because they don’t shed or produce dander but because the style of their coats traps these allergens. This avoids the allergens being spread all over the home, but it doesn’t mean they just disappear.
Dogs like Poodles and Poodle mixes require regular grooming to avoid becoming matted. But grooming the dogs at home means releasing the allergens, making it a task that allergic dog parents may not be able to tackle safely.
The best scenario is to set up a standing appointment with a local groomer. Not only does this mean the groomer is removing the allergens without you being involved, but they are also doing so outside your home. This dramatically limits the exposure you (or your family members) may have.
Feed a Balanced Diet
Experts will tell you that there is a direct connection between your dog’s diet and their coat and skin health. This means eating a poor-quality diet or lacking important nutrients could cause your dog to shed more or release more dander in your home. This is an easy point to address well in advance. In fact, you can even start preparing for this before bringing your new dog home!
Choose a balanced diet, whether you’re feeding kibble, raw, or homecooked. For optimal skin and coat health, ensure you’re using lean animal proteins, like beef or wild-caught fish. Some nutrients to prioritize in either your dog’s food or as food toppers include:
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- Vitamin A
- Biotin
- Vitamin C
One supplement we routinely add to our dogs’ meals is Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil. This is a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Plus, it’s a great option if your dog is a picky eater or is hesitant to eat for any reason. Our dogs get excited the moment we pull it out of the cupboard!
Prioritize Cleaning (or Hiring a Regular Cleaner)
Even if your dog visits a professional groomer once a week (which is overkill), you are still going to find allergens around the home. This is an unavoidable part of being a dog parent. This means that regular cleaning is necessary to avoid those allergens hanging around and triggering problems.
When selecting a vacuum, consider choosing one with a HEPA filter. Not only will this effectively pick up the loose hair, dust, and dirt, but it will also trap the allergens instead of releasing them back into the air in your home. Dust surfaces with a damp cloth to trap dust and dander rather than stirring it up.
If you struggle to keep up with the cleaning requirements, either due to a busy schedule or allergies that are triggered during different aspects of cleaning, hiring a cleaning person may be your best option. Let them know about your concerns regarding potential allergens, so they can focus their efforts on cleaning with your needs in mind.
Use an Air Purifier
Speaking of airborne allergens, even if you aren’t stirring them up from cleaning, they are already present in the home. One of the best ways to reduce allergens inside the home is by using a high-quality air purifier. When choosing the unit for your home, pay attention to the room size it’s recommended for. You may need multiple units if you have a larger home or if you have doors that are regularly kept closed.
We use several air purifiers throughout the home from the brand Levoit. This includes a smaller device for my home office and bedroom, and a larger purifier for our open living space. By running these regularly, we can confidently remove approximately 99% of the dust and dander that we would otherwise be breathing in.
Choose Home Decorations and Furniture Strategically
Another effective way to reduce the allergens in your home is by being intentional with the furniture and home décor you bring into your home. Where possible, avoid carpet and rugs. These surfaces hold attract and hold allergens more than surfaces like tile, hardwood, or laminate.
The same can be said for furniture like chairs and couches. Leather furniture is less likely to hold allergens than fabrics like polyester or linen. One way to get around this, if you’re not interested or in a position to replace furniture, is to use a couch cover that can regularly be removed and cleaned, removing any allergens.
A slipcover like the PureFit Reversible Quilted Sofa Cover is easy to put on the couch and equally easy to remove for cleaning. The elastic back strap holds the cover in place even if your dog is high-energy or hyperactive.
Hypoallergenic Dogs: Fact or Fiction?
Ultimately, the controversy about whether hypoallergenic dogs exist comes down to understanding the term “hypoallergenic.” This buzz word means a dog is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction, but it doesn’t mean that they are 100% allergy free. Knowing this allows prospective pet parents to make decisions regarding adding a dog to the family with reasonable expectations.
If you or a family member suffer from pet-related allergies, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can never live with a canine companion. There are steps you can take to reduce your risk and create a comfortable environment for everyone involved.
To begin, choose your new dog strategically. Don’t get caught up in sweeping generalizations or false promises. Instead, connect with a responsible breeder or work with a rescue worker that can ensure you are getting the best dog for your needs. Connect with a local groomer to meet your dog’s needs while minimizing the biggest offenders in your home (like carpets, rugs, and loose blankets). These are all pieces of the greater puzzle to set you up for success.
Remember, with a little planning and proper management, even allergy sufferers can experience the joy of sharing your heart and home with a dog.
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Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.
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