Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
When you're an allergy sufferer and a dog lover, it's a good idea to find out how your allergy will flare up around particular dogs. Unfortunately, if you were thinking of getting a French Bulldog, we're here to break the news that they aren't hypoallergenic.
So, what does this mean for you? If you're around a Frenchie enough, will you eventually get over your allergy? Or does this mean the end of your dream of owning a dog? Well, we have these answers and more!
What Makes Dogs Hypoallergenic?
The bad news is a hypoallergenic dog breed doesn't actually exist. Regarding dogs and allergies, it turns out humans aren't allergic to their fur like you might assume; we're allergic to the protein in the dog's saliva and dander.
Dander is the flaky bits of skin that are similar to human dandruff. There are breeds that people with allergies tend not to react to, like Lagotto Romagnolos and Poodles, because curly-haired dogs don't shed as much. Hairless dogs like the Peruvian Inca Orchid, American Hairless Terrier, and the Chinese Crested would also be a possible solution for allergy sufferers. The American Kennel Club lists hypoallergenic dogs you can examine for inspiration. However, as the allergy is caused by proteins that the dogs produce, no dog can be guaranteed to be hypoallergenic. It would be best to go and spend time with the dog you are considering and see how you get on.
Could You Get Over the Allergy?
It can happen, but it's very rare, and it's a risky chance to take that you'll get over your allergy with time. Children have been known to grow out of allergies, but there are no guarantees. Allergies can get worse with time. The best option you have, if you have your heart set on a French Bulldog, is to keep on top of good housekeeping standards. Discuss your allergies with your doctor or specialist to see your treatment options.
Groom your Frenchie every second or third day to release dander from the dog's skin. Even better is if a person without allergies can groom them for you. Removing rugs and carpets will help because they are the biggest collectors of hair and dander. Another important step is to make sure you're vacuuming the house regularly. Try to keep your dog off the furniture, like the beds, and wash your linens regularly. Keep them out of your bedroom to reduce the allergen load in this important room.
Final Thoughts
Your dreams of owning a French Bulldog aren't unachievable if you suffer from allergies, but there are steps you will need to put into place so the relationship between you both works.
We suggest spending some time with a Frenchie first to see how your allergies react and go from there. You can keep your home as clean as possible to keep your allergies from flaring up, but remember that other breeds of dogs are waiting for their forever homes. Consider the adoption process carefully to ensure you don't bring home an unfortunate animal that triggers your allergies.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Paska3610, Pixabay
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Kerry-Ann lives in Scotland and wishes her garden was bigger so she could have her very own Highland cow but thinks her dogs probably wouldn’t like that idea very much. She has a La Chon called Harry who was poorly with a liver shunt when he was a puppy. It wasn't likely he would make it into adulthood, which was difficult to comprehend, but he beat the odds and is a healthy old man now. She also has a Pug called Maddie who is a big foodie. She’s small, sassy, and every day she finds a new way to wind her brother up.
When she isn’t writing you can find Kerry-Ann going for long walks when it isn't raining, reading, or watching cartoons when she should be tidying her house. She would one day like to be a tourist in her own country and travel through the Highlands with her family.
