The term “hypoallergenic” as it relates to canines might conjure up images of a dog incapable of triggering allergies. While that would be a dream come true for many dog lovers, the reality is a bit more nuanced and unfortunately not so definite. “Hypo-” means “below” or “beneath”, with hypoallergenic meaning “relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction” or “fewer allergens than normal.” These dogs are not NONallergenic, as such a dog doesn’t exist.  Here’s the science behind hypoallergenic dogs:

Canine allergens are primarily found in dog dander, flakes of skin shed by the animal. Certain dog breeds, like poodles and bichon frises, produce less dander due to their hair structure. This hair grows continuously, minimizing shedding and reducing the amount of allergens circulating in the environment.

However, it’s important to remember that hypoallergenic doesn’t equate to nonallergenic. Dog allergies can also stem from exposure to dog saliva, which contains allergens Can f 1 and Can f 4. Even a low-shedding breed can trigger allergies if someone is sensitive to these proteins in the dog’s saliva. Different breeds or even individual dogs may have different protein makeup in their saliva, so some may be less allergenic than others.

If you’re considering a hypoallergenic dog, it’s wise to manage expectations. While these breeds might significantly reduce allergy triggers due to less shedding or different saliva makeup, they’re unlikely to eliminate them entirely. Spending time with a hypoallergenic dog in a controlled environment, like a breeder’s home or through a rescue, can help gauge your individual allergic reaction before bringing a pup home.