Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Really Exist?

Dogs have been known to be man’s best friend for centuries, but for some people, they can also be a source of allergies.

People with allergies to dogs typically react to the dander, or shed skin, that all dogs produce. hypoallergenic dogs are those that supposedly produce less dander and cause fewer allergic reactions in sensitive people.

However, there is no scientific evidence that hypoallergenic dogs are any less allergenic than other dogs, and the American Kennel Club does not recognize any hypoallergenic breeds.

Which dogs are hypoallergenic?

Yet, in a sense, yes, hypoallergenic dogs do exist. But there is a lot of misinformation out there about what exactly hypoallergenic means, and which dogs are truly hypoallergenic.

The term “hypoallergenic” is often used to describe things that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. But the truth is, there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic animal.

The most important thing to remember is that all dogs produce dander, which is the main cause of allergies in people. Dander is made up of dead skin cells, and it’s the proteins in dander that people are actually allergic to.

So, a hypoallergenic dog is one that produces less dander. This can be achieved in a few different ways. Some dogs have shorter coats that don’t hold onto as much dander. Other dogs may have coat textures that make it harder for dander to stick to them. And some dogs may simply produce less dander because of their genetics.

There are a few different breeds of hypoallergenic dogs, and they include:

Poodles
Schnauzers
Dachshund
Bichons Frise
Cocker Spaniels
Jack Russell Terrier
Labradoodles
Norfolk Terrier

Of course, this is just a small sampling of the many breeds that exist. And keep in mind that even if a dog is considered to be hypoallergenic, that doesn’t mean that they’re guaranteed to not trigger allergies in everyone.

What is a hypoallergenic dog?

So what makes a hypoallergenic dog? There are a few things to consider.

A hypoallergenic dog is a dog that has been bred to be less likely to trigger allergies in people. There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, but some breeds are better than others for people with allergies.

Hypoallergenic dogs are not just for people with allergies. They can be a great choice for anyone who wants a low-maintenance pet.

These dogs usually don’t shed much, so there’s less hair around the house. They also tend to be smaller dogs, so they may be a good choice for people who live in apartments or small homes.

What causes dog allergies in people?

Most people are allergic to the proteins found in an animal’s skin cells, saliva and urine. When these proteins come into contact with a person’s skin, they can cause a reaction. The proteins can also be inhaled, which can cause an allergic reaction in the lungs.

The proteins that cause allergies are called allergens. There are many different types of allergens, and each person can be allergic to one or more of them.

Some of the more common allergens include:

Dander: This is the flakes of skin that an animal sheds. It is the primary allergen for most people who are allergic to pets.
Saliva: When an animal licks its fur, the saliva transfers allergens to the fur. When the saliva dries, the allergens become airborne and can be inhaled.
Urine: Pet urine also contains allergens. When urine dries, the allergens become airborne and can be inhaled.

Certain breeds of dogs are thought to produce less of the proteins that cause allergies. These breeds are often referred to as hypoallergenic dogs.

While these dogs may cause fewer allergic reactions than other breeds, they are not truly hypoallergenic. No dog is completely hypoallergenic, and all dogs can cause an allergic reaction in some people.