Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Really Exist?

Allergy sufferers who want to share their home with a canine companion have been known to drop big bucks on breeds that are touted as “hypoallergenic.” These are dogs who are reported to have lower household allergen levels compared to other pooches. But don’t rush to throw out your handkerchief and Visine — a study suggests that hypoallergenic dogs may be a myth.

Research on “hypoallergenic” dogs

Allergen researchers have found that allergen levels vary among individual dogs but not individual breeds. The American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy reports that the amount of dog allergens found in households does not vary depending on the breed, and families with “hypoallergenic” dogs are living with the same level of allergens in their homes as people who live with non-hypoallergenic dogs.

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The researchers measured the level of the most common dog allergen, Canis familiaris 1, in the homes of 173 families who lived with one dog and found that 163 of them produced measurable levels of Can f 1. The numbers of dogs of each breed were not large enough to allow for analyses by individual breed, but the researchers compared quantities of allergens found in the samples using various categories of purebred and mixed-breed hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic dogs. No matter how they did the comparisons — even comparing dogs suggested as being “more hypoallergenic” by the American Kennel Club against all other dogs — they found no statistically significant differences in levels of Can f 1.

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Best breeds for allergic pet parents

The American Kennel Club does not actually recommend or endorse any specific breed, nor does it claim that “hypoallergenic breeds” will not affect people with allergies, but they do suggest canine candidates who have “consistent and predictable coats” that may benefit allergy sufferers. The list of hypoallergenic dog breeds include dog breeds who don't shed as much (called “low-shedding dogs”) like the Afghan Hound, Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Coton de Tuléar, Schnauzer, Irish Water Spaniel, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Spanish Water Dog, Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Shih Tzu.

While there is no truly hypoallergenic dog breed, the best dog breeds for people who have allergies are the breeds that have more of a non-shedding coat, which in turn produces less dander, and therefore fewer allergens in the environment.

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Tips on reducing pet allergies

If there are no real hypoallergenic dogs, what can you do to curb the sniffling and sneezing?

1. Make sure your pet’s essential fatty acid (Omega-3s) requirements are met. By assuring your dog or cat has optimal levels of EFAs in the diet, you can reduce shedding and dander associated with EFA deficiency. Adding coconut oil has also proven to help reduce dander and shedding.

2. Bathe your pet often. Even kitties can be bathed regularly, but take special care to use only safe, non-drying herbal animal shampoos. Whatever you do, avoid using people shampoo on your dog or cat, and skip any shampoo containing oatmeal.

3. Invest in a good-quality vacuum designed for households with pets.

4. Clean your home frequently and thoroughly. Include any surfaces that trap pet hair and dander like couch covers, pillows, and pet beds. This will also help control other allergens in your home that could be contributing to the allergic load of family members.

5. Wash bedding frequently in hot water.

6. Use washable seat covers when your dog rides in the car.

7. Purchase a good quality air purifier for your home.

8. If possible, remove carpeting, drapes, and other fabric that traps animal dander. Tile or wood floors are much easier to clean of dog allergens.

By following these tips, you may be able to lessen the allergenic load in your environment and live more harmoniously with your maybe not-so-hypoallergenic canine companions.