Is a Tibetan Mastiff Hypoallergenic? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

VET APPROVED

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

BVMS, MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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You simply can’t mistake a Tibetan Mastiff for any other breed. This large dog is easily distinguished by their proud, imposing stance, bush of a tail, and lion-like features—the poofy double coat in particular. If you have your eye on a Tibetan Mastiff but are wondering if they’re considered hypoallergenic, you should know that they’re not, but there’s more to the story when it comes to “hypoallergenic” dogs

In this post, we explain more about what the term actually means and why Tibetan Mastiffs aren’t considered hypoallergenic and share which dogs might be ideal for allergy sufferers.

The Hypoallergenic Label

First, let’s go over what it means when a dog is labeled as hypoallergenic, as there are a few misconceptions surrounding this term.

The term “hypoallergenic” is used to describe dogs that are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction because they don’t shed as heavily as some other breeds. Breeds classified as hypoallergenic include the Bichon Frise, Poodle, Schnauzer, and Irish Water Spaniel.

Some may think that if a dog is hypoallergenic, they can’t trigger an allergic reaction in their owner. This isn’t the case—any dog can trigger an allergic reaction, even those labeled “hypoallergenic.” Every dog sheds;  it’s just that some shed a little, whereas others shed a lot.

Dogs that shed little are less likely to trigger allergies than heavy-shedding breeds and therefore, might be better for allergy sufferers (emphasis on “might”), but the risk is still not entirely eliminated.

Moreover, it’s commonly thought that dog hair is responsible for allergic reactions, but it’s actually dander, which are tiny dead flakes of skin. These, along with saliva and urine, contain proteins like Can-f1 and Can-f2, and these are what trigger reactions in allergy sufferers.

Why Aren’t Tibetan Mastiffs Hypoallergenic?

Tibetan Mastiffs aren’t considered hypoallergenic because they have a double coat that sheds lightly to moderately throughout the year (though not as much as some other breeds) and that “blows” once yearly between spring and summer.

So, during this period, the Tibetan Mastiff sheds heavily, and it becomes necessary to tackle the fallout with a de-shedding tool. Outside of shedding seasons, this breed needs to be brushed at least once per week, though you can certainly brush them more than this.

Can an Allergy Sufferer Have a Tibetan Mastiff?

The Tibetan Mastiff may not be the best choice for allergy sufferers in general (especially during shedding season), but it depends on how severe the allergy is and how you manage it. So, if you’re thinking about getting a Tibetan Mastiff or any kind of dog, you might consider consulting with an allergist to talk through your options.

The good news is that many allergy sufferers live harmoniously with dogs. For example, they stick to regular home cleaning and dog grooming routines to reduce dander, keep certain areas (like beds) dog-free, and use HEPA air filters. Some recruit another family member to perform the dog’s grooming routines in order to avoid coming into contact with excess allergens.

Important Considerations

The most important thing is to be sure you can make it work before you get the dog. The worst-case scenario is that you get a dog only to have to give them up later. This causes heartbreak for both you and the dog and should be avoided at all costs, so we would advise taking your time to really think things through before you make the commitment.

If you already have a dog but are struggling with allergy symptoms, consider talking to an understanding allergist who gets how important your dog is to you.

Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

If you’re curious about the kinds of dogs that don’t shed much, here is a list of breeds often labeled as hypoallergenic. Just bear in mind that as mentioned, no dog is completely hypoallergenic.

You can also find low-shedding dogs waiting for new homes in rescues, both pure and mixed breeds. So, if you’re thinking about adopting a dog instead of buying from a breeder, discuss your situation with the adoption organization, and they can help match you with a low-shedding canine friend.

Conclusion

Although Tibetan Mastiffs are not considered to be hypoallergenic, they don’t shed much throughout the year. However, come shedding season, you can expect them to shed a considerable amount.

If you’re considering getting a Tibetan Mastiff, think first about whether you will be able to manage your allergies around them. If you’re not sure, you might want to have a look around for a dog that sheds less.

• See also: How Much Do Cocker Spaniels Shed?

Featured Image Credit: Tatyana Kuznetsova, Shutterstock