Hypoallergenic Pets Do Not Exist

So it seems there is a lot of hype about so called hypoallergenic dogs. A lot of them being mixed breed "designer" mutts like the labradoodle or basically any dog breed that supposedly does not shed hair like poodles, Yorkshire terriers etc. So the assumption is if the dog or cat does not shed hair it must be hypoallergenic. Wrong. Here is a lovey study ^_^

Hypoallergenic Breeds of Dogs: Do They Exist?

A 2012 study by researchers in the Netherlands and Virginia sought to determine if hypoallergenic breeds of dogs actually produce less Can f 1. Homes with “hypoallergenic” breeds of dogs, including Poodles, Labradoodles, Spanish Waterdogs and Airedale terriers, were studied and compared to homes with “non-hypoallergenic” dogs, including Labrador retrievers and various mixed-breed dogs. Hair and coat samples were taken from the dogs, and settled and airborne dust samples were taken from the homes and analyzed for Can f 1 concentrations.

Surprisingly, the amount of Can f 1 found in hair and coat samples was actually highest in the hypoallergenic breeds of dogs, with Poodles having the highest amount of the dog allergen, and labrador retrievers having the lowest amount. These differences did not appear to be related to gender, age, spay/neuter status or frequency of bathing or swimming—although recent swimming (but not bathing) did significantly reduce the amount of dog allergen collected for all types of dog breeds.

 When comparing floor and airborne dust samples from the homes of the dogs, researchers found that homes with Labradoodles had lower amounts of Can f 1 from floor dust samples when compared to other hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic breeds of dogs. This difference could not be explained by spay/neuter status, age, gender, bathing frequency, house cleaning frequency, or type of floor covering.

 However, homes with carpeting had higher levels of Can f 1 in general in the floor dust samples compared to homes with hard floor surfaces, regardless of dog breed. There was no difference in the amount of airborne Can f 1 in homes with hypoallergenic versus non-hypoallergenic breeds of dogs. (http://allergies.about.com/od/animalandpetallergy/a/The-Myth-Of-Hypoallergenic-Dog-Breeds.htm)



So basically just cause a dog does not shed hair does not mean it is necessarily good for a family with allergies. Allergies do not just derive from hair dander but also the animal's saliva. So even a hairless breed of dog or cat will produce some allergens. So think carefully and do a lot of research before considering a so called hypoallergenic "designer"  dog or cat breed for your allergy ridden family. You are better off getting advice from your family doctor then a breeder promoting hypoallergenic dog breeds and mixed mutts that in retrospect will not provide your family any or little relief from allergies.