With their sweet faces and constantly wagging tails, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are generally considered one of the all-around best-tempered dog breeds. These dogs make excellent pets for almost anyone, but what about people with dog allergies? Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not considered hypoallergenic dogs, but truthfully, no breed can claim this title.
In this article, we’ll talk about why Cavaliers aren’t hypoallergenic but have some qualities that might make them easier to live with for people with dog allergies. We’ll list some breeds that typically cause less reaction in allergy sufferers and offer tips to reduce the overall dog allergen load in your house.
Will a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Make You Sneeze? Maybe
Contrary to popular belief, dog allergy symptoms aren’t triggered by pet hair. Instead, proteins found in the dog’s dander and saliva are the usual suspects. However, these allergens spread into the environment as a dog sheds, which is why low-shedding breeds are generally better for people with allergies.
Cavaliers have silky coats that shed but not as much as many other breeds. Because they’re small dogs, they don’t produce as much dander as large breeds. Fewer allergens in the environment are usually easier for people with allergies to handle.
In addition, dog allergies can be a bit of a mystery because no pup produces exactly the same proteins. If you have allergies, you may find that one Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes you sneeze uncontrollably while another causes no reaction.
Cavalier lovers with allergies might also consider a Cavapoo, a hybrid of a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Many of these dogs inherit the low-shedding coat of the Poodle, reducing their chances of triggering allergies.
Image By: Roman Milavin, Shutterstock
Which Dog Breeds Are Best for Allergies?
As we discussed, all breeds (even hairless dogs) produce both dander and saliva, meaning they have the potential to trigger allergy symptoms. Dogs that shed less are less likely to spread their allergens, making them better matches for those with allergies.
Some breeds considered more suitable for those with dog allergies include:
Poodle
Bichon Frise
Shih Tzu
Afghan Hound
Portuguese Water Dog
Yorkshire Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel
Maltese
Again, even these breeds can vary in how they impact people with allergies. To be completely safe, you’ll need to spend time with the dog you’re considering adopting to see how your immune system reacts.
Reducing Allergens at Home
If you suffer from dog allergies but have your heart set on owning a Cavalier, there are some steps you can take to reduce potential allergens and, consequently, your reaction to them.
Bathe and brush your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel frequently. Bathing decreases the amount of dander on your dog’s coat and skin, while regular brushing reduces the hair shed around your home. Use a shampoo designed for dogs and consult your vet to determine how often you can bathe your Cavalier without drying out their skin.
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Consider restricting your dog’s access to certain rooms in your house, such as your bedroom. Another option is allowing your Cavalier in easy-to-clean locations, such as rooms with hard surface floors.
Vacuum carpets frequently and use wet or static-cling cleaning methods on hard surface floors. Avoid dry sweeping or dusting since they can stir up allergens rather than remove them. Use home air filters designed to trap allergens, and change them regularly.
Final Thoughts
With millions of Americans suffering from dog allergies, it’s no wonder that interest in “hypoallergenic” pets is high. While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not hypoallergenic dogs, allergy sufferers may be able to live with one if they take some precautions. If you’re considering getting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, even with allergies, speak to your doctor about your potential medication options. For many dog lovers, dealing with some allergy symptoms is worth it to enjoy the friendship of an adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Elizabeth Gray is a lifelong lover of all animals great and small. She got her first cat at 5 years old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian. Elizabeth spent more than 20 years working as a veterinary nurse before stepping away to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughter. Now, she is excited to share her hard-earned knowledge (literally--she has scars) with the readers. Elizabeth lives in Iowa with her family, including her two furry kids, Linnard, a husky mix and Algernon, the worldʻs most patient cat. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching all sports but especially soccer, and spending time outdoors with her family.
Final Thoughts
