Owning a pet should be an enjoyable experience, however, breeds that are notorious for shedding can trigger adverse reactions in those who suffer from allergies, and because of this, they have to be particularly cautious with the breed that they choose.
The sensitive immune system of an allergy sufferer is triggered by the dander (flakes of dead skin) as well as the saliva and urine.
Any dog can cause an allergic reaction regardless of whether they are a long or short-haired breed, however, different breeds produce different amounts of dander and because of this, you may experience a worse reaction to some dogs than others.
A hypoallergenic dog refers to a breed that does not shed fur, or if they do, they shed a very small amount. As a result, the dander in the fur that is known to trigger allergies isn’t released into the air or environment.
A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Standard, Mini, or Toy Poodle. Not only are they friendly, playful, and protective pets, but they also have the low shedding coat of a Poodle that is wavy in appearance. For this reason, a Labradoodle is a popular breed amongst allergy sufferers.
Determining whether a Labradoodle is hypoallergenic is more complex than it may seem. Crossbreeding can be unpredictable and there is no guarantee that you will end up with a Labradoodle that is completely hypoallergenic. Some breeds will be better suited for individuals that suffer from allergies than others.
While Labradors make excellent pets, they were once a working breed, hence why they have a thick fur coat for enduring the cold, wintery temperatures. A Labradoodle has a double coat that is composed of thick fur that will insulate them during the winter months.
When summer comes around they will then shed this fur to prevent themselves from overheating. While they predominantly shed the most fur in the summer, they will shed a small amount of fur throughout the year.
With purebred dogs you have a fairly accurate understanding of their physical and personality traits, however, this becomes unclear when dealing with crossbred dogs due to the unknown ratio of characteristics that are inherited from each breed. This means that a Labradoodle could end up with the heavily shedding coat of a Labrador Retriever a Poodle’s low shedding coat.
Although breeders tend to pair the breeds based on the coats of the previous offspring, there is no guarantee that this desirable coat is going to be achieved in every litter.
The Coat Type
A Labradoodle will have one of the three following coat types and this can affect how allergy friendly they are. No breed of dog is deemed to be completely hypoallergenic, although some will be better than others.
- If a Labradoodle has a woolly coat, it will be very similar to a Poodle, and although the coat will require regular grooming to prevent it from becoming knotted, it is considered to be the most allergy-friendly.
2. Other Labradoodles may have a fleece coat. This coat tends to be curly with a ‘’shaggy’’ appearance. Again this is considered to be an appropriate choice for allergy sufferers, because it will not shed as profusely and it is also easy to maintain.
3. If a Labradoodle has hair it is going to be more like a labrador and because of this, it isn’t going to be suitable for those with allergies. A hair coat can appear straight, curly, or wavy and the amount that it sheds can vary. While some Labradoodles with this fur type are prone to heavy shedding, others may not shed as much. Labradoodles with a hair coat do not tend to be as popular as those that have fleece or wool coats.
Living With A Labradoodle
If you suffer from severe allergies you may wish to rethink your decision to get a Labradoodle.
While those with less severe allergies may find it possible to live with a Labradoodle because there isn’t a guarantee that this breed will not shed, those who suffer badly are likely to struggle.
First and foremost, it is helpful to find out the cause of your allergy. While some may be allergic to the dog’s dander as well as the urine or saliva, other people’s allergies may be triggered by the particles that the dog carries indoors from outside.
For example, this may be grass or pollen that has found its way into the dog’s fur. It is important to consider how accommodating your lifestyle and allergy is going to be to this breed.
Whether you are dealing with allergies caused by a Labradoodle that you already own or you are contemplating getting one, there are steps that you can implement to manage the severity of the allergy.
- Wash your dog’s bedding and blankets regularly, as doing so will remove any lingering particles that are triggering your allergy. Doing so will also help to maintain a fresh and hygienic environment.
- Groom your Labradoodle regularly. Some will require more frequent grooming than others depending on their coat type. Not only does grooming them help to prevent their fur from becoming tangled, but it will also remove any remnants of dander that are clinging to their coat. Ideally, your Labradoodle should be brushed daily and if possible, they should also be bathed fairly often.
- It is also worth using a HEPA cleaner around your home. A product of this kind will target any dander or dust that is in the air to minimize possible reactions.
- Having a designated no pet zone in one room of your home provides you with an area that you can retreat to where there are no animals present. As such, you can relax without having to worry about reacting to your labradoodle.
- Make sure that you feed your Labradoodle a balanced diet in order to keep its coat in tip top condition.
Conclusion
Although there is not a dog breed available that is deemed to be completely hypoallergenic, there are particular breeds that are known to be allergy-friendly, one of these being the Labradoodle.
While a Labradoodle may not be hypoallergenic, as some are known to shed a low amount of fur, they can be allergy-friendly.
As mentioned, Labradoodles do require regular grooming to maintain the appearance of their coat and prevent it from knotting. Depending on the severity of your allergy, a Labradoodle can make a great pet.
Other poodle cross breeds that are often referred to as ‘hypoallergenic’ include Maltipoos, Schnoodles, Cockapoos and Cavapoos.
