What types of dogs are hypoallergenic? | Dr. Justine Lee

Posted by justinelee in Blog, Pet Health

Looking for a hypoallergenic dog? Have allergies and not sure what type of dog to get?

I’ve had a lot of friends pay $2500-3000 for a “hypoallergenic” dog. Hate to break it to you, but there’s no such thing. While some dogs are less allergenic (in other words, likely to cause an allergic reaction), there is truly no hypoallergenic or non-allergy causing dog. Don’t believe me? Trusting what the breeder says? Here, the scientific paper that helps prove it to you – a recent paper by Vredegoor DW et al called Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic proves it to you (2012).

Below, the abstract.

BACKGROUND:
Certain dog breeds are described and marketed as being “hypoallergenic” on the basis of anecdotal reports that these dogs are better tolerated by patients allergic to dogs.

OBJECTIVE:
These observations were investigated by comparing Can f 1 (major dog [Canis familiaris] allergen) levels in hair and coat samples and in the home environment of various hypoallergenic (Labradoodle, Poodle, Spanish Waterdog, and Airedale terrier) and non-hypoallergenic dogs (Labrador retriever and a control group).

CONCLUSION:
So-called hypoallergenic dogs had higher Can f 1 levels in hair and coat samples than did control breeds. These differences did not lead to higher levels of environmental exposure to dog allergens. There is no evidence for the classification of certain dog breeds as being “hypoallergenic.”

References:
Vredegoor DW, Willemse T, Chapman MD, et al. Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;130(4):904-907.