For dog lovers that struggle with their allergies, you've probably heard that goldendoodles are allergy-friendly dogs.
For that matter, Goldendoodles, or any doodle breed, tend to shed very little to not at all. Because of their lack of shedding, they may be one of the few large dogs considered allergy-friendly. Let's take a look at what makes some doodles less likely to cause allergies.
Are Doodles Really Hypoallergenic?
The short answer is no, not doodle of any sort are not completely hypoallergenic. In fact, there's really no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog because pets tend to carry multiple types of allergens that someone could be allergic to. While allergy sufferers tend to struggle with pet dander (skin flakes that come with their shedding), allergens are also found in their saliva and urine. Because of this, the term "hypoallergenic" should not be used to describe any type of dog breed, even if they do not cause an allergic reaction in someone.
Are Doodles More Likely to be Allergy-Friendly Dogs?
Because doodle breeds are less likely to shed, there is a better chance that you won't have as bad of a reaction to their fur. You could still have a skin irritation reaction to their saliva or urine, but that can be prevented with proper and diligent training. Since a response to dander is more likely to happen, a goldendoodle or another doodle breed would be a good option for someone who has mild allergies to dogs.
What Makes a Goldendoodle or Another Doodle More Allergy-Friendly?
Once upon a time, in the 1980s, a breeder at the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia received a letter from a woman that needed a guide dog that was allergy-friendly since her husband was allergic to dogs. Since poodles alone aren't really known for being guide dogs, the breeder decided to mix a labrador retriever with a poodle to create a hybrid dog that is both a working dog but won't shed enough to set off a severe allergic reaction.
Poodles have been labeled as hypoallergenic dogs for years. Like we've already explained, the "hypoallergenic" label is a little misleading; however, poodles do have a tendency to produce very little dander to the point where they have been found to be allergy-friendly. Since poodles have been given this reputation, mixing poodles with other breeds, most commonly golden retrievers or labradors, became a very popular trend in dog breeding. Because the poodle DNA is what makes a doodle less likely to shed, getting a doodle that has more poodle in it, like an F1B or F1BB, will give you a higher chance of avoiding severe allergy reactions.
Other Perks of Having a Doodle
These days you can find a wide selection of doodle breeds, such as goldendoodles, labradoodles, aussiedoodles, and bernedoodles. These breeds not only have names that are fun to say, but they have been known to be great companions and family-friendly dogs. They are known to be both playful and friendly. Most breeds that are mixed with a poodle are energetic but are still great with kids due to their social and loving nature.
Additionally, doodles come in all shapes and sizes! Depending on the size of the poodle and the breed it's mixed with, doodles can vary in size quite a bit. The smallest common poodle mix you'll find is a chipoo (a chihuahua and poodle mix). In contrast, the largest poodle mix that is commonly found is the Saint Bernedoodle (saint bernard and poodle mix), which can weigh over eighty pounds.
Tips for Living with Pets and Allergies
We understand how difficult it can be to be a dog lover but struggle with allergies. So we've created a list of tips to help dog owners become more comfortable with their pets' allergens. While adopting an allergy-friendly dogs would be a starting point, other helpful tips and trick include:
- Bathing your pet frequently - The more often the pet is washed, the less dander it will produce.
- Brushing your pet even more frequently - Brushing your pet frequently will allow for less shedding and less dander to be produced and spread.
- Designated sleeping spaces - Keeping your pet away from your sleeping area can help reduce the amount of pet allergens you come in contact with.
- Allergist recommended treatments - For severe pet allergies, an allergist might recommend treatments to build up your immunity against the allergens. You can also use a nasal allergy spray or daily oral medicine that can help.
- Air filters and purifiers - An purifier can help keep the air in your home clean and free of allergens in the air so that pet allergens won't mix with other allergens and end up amplifying your allergy symptoms. If you have air filters in your home as part of your HVAC, it is recommended to change the filters every sixty days.
Other Breeds of Allergy-Friendly Dogs
If you're looking for other allergy-friendly dogs outside of the poodle and doodle family, there are plenty of alternatives. Here's a list of dogs that, according to the American Kennel Club, are less likely to cause an allergic reaction:
- Xoloitzcuintli
- Schnauzer Breeds
- Spanish Water Dog
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Hairless Peruvian Inca Orchid
- Maltese
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Coton de Tulear
- Chinese Crested
- Bichon Frise
- Bedlington Terrier
- American Hairless Terrier
- Afghan Hound
Shop Plush Paws Products for Your Furry Friend
At Plush Paws Products, we know how much you love your dog. And whether or not you require allergy-friendly dogs, we encourage all dog owners to get their dog out in the world to explore new places and have fun adventures with you. That's why we've created car seat covers that will keep your dog safe and comfortable while protecting your car seats from dog hair, dirt, mud, anything else that your furry friend might bring along with them. Our covers are easy to clean and are guaranteed to be enjoyed by any size pet. Plush Paws Products also offers a line of health products to keep your pet healthy both at home and on the road. Shop our line of car seat covers and health products today!
