Before getting a dog, you might be surfing the internet for a number of breeds, big or small, that will suit your lifestyle and your family’s needs. If you are looking for a charming and playful breed, a French Bulldog will surely be a great choice. But are French Bulldogs hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, Frenchies are not a hypoallergenic breed. They shed moderately and produce dander, triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. However, some Frenchie mixes can have this desirable trait.
- Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
- What Do You Mean By Dander?
- How To Make French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
- How Can You Prevent Allergy Symptoms From a Frenchie?
- Is the Allergic Reaction Too Much? When Can I Consult a Doctor?
- What If You Badly Want a French Bulldog?
Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic dogs are known to cause no allergic reactions in dog owners. Having a sensitive system that is prone to allergic reactions brought out by fur and dander, a Frenchie might not be a good option for you.
Frenchies do not have hypoallergenic coats, which means they can trigger allergic symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, and even skin irritation in some people. They usually shed twice a year, in the summer and autumn months, to be prepared for the new season. They are small breeds with a short-haired coat, but they can shed a lot!
As per a report by Mayo Clinic, no dog breed is known to be fully hypoallergenic. You can always find breeds that comparatively produce less dander and fur thus preventing any severe reactions.
What Do You Mean By Dander?
Little bits of skin that shed out of animals is commonly known as dander. These are bits of skin protein that shed with the fur. Since French Bulldogs shed lots of hair, the amount of dander produced is more.
Precisely, all animals that have feathers or fur will have dander. The American Lung Association states that pet dander is so small in size that you cannot see it with your naked eye unless collected in big amounts! The dander protein is the allergen that triggers all your reactive symptoms.
Dander is also found in a dog’s urine and feces. So every time they go for it, they come back with double the amount of dander. Hence, hygiene plays a major role in preventing reactions.
How To Make French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
Even though Frenchies are non-hypoallergenic, some combinations of this breed with other dog breeds that possess this trait can be adopted. This will help reduce your symptoms to a great extent. Some Frenchies can not have sex naturally, so you will need to use artificial insemination.
There are a few great breeds that can be mixed with Frenchies!
- Samoyed: Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs that combine the whole essence of cute and naughty! They have a lot of fluff but do not shed a lot. They make great companions for every family, small or big, and are native to Siberia.
- Poodle: A Poodle and a Frenchie combination are quite common. The former breed is small in size, looks like a cloud, and just loves being cuddled for hours!
- Chinese Crested: Allergy sufferers can maintain their health with a Chinese Crested breed. These dogs don’t have any hair on them! They don’t even shed hair and enjoy taking walks and playing around.
- Bichon Frise: Bichon Frise is an adorable breed that enjoys playing with family members. Even though it looks like a ball of fur, this breed is popular for being hypoallergenic.
- Maltese: Maltese is a cute, little dog breed that is great for all types of families. It doesn’t require too much maintenance and sheds only once a year, causing no reactions for allergy sufferers.
How Can You Prevent Allergy Symptoms From a Frenchie?
If you suffer from allergies and still want a French Bulldog, the intensity of your reaction will decide whether this dog breed is good for you. Do remember that this breed requires a lot of maintenance, and sheds its undercoat when the temperature rises.
As long as your symptoms are under control, you can choose to have a Frenchie in your house. You also need to incorporate these routines to ensure that you keep the allergen in check by all means,
- Give them regular baths: You need to clean your Frenchie regularly and give him/her baths twice a week. This will help clean any knots, bacteria, or dander in the coats and also prevent your pet from contracting any infections.
- Brush their coats often: Although Frenchies are short-haired, you need to brush their coats at least once every day to get rid of dirt. Since they roam around the house and even outdoors, check the coat at regular intervals to get rid of dust, dirt, fleas, and more.
- Mild shampoos go a long way: If you bathe your dog using a mild shampoo, it will prevent excessive shedding which will lessen your symptoms. The coat should shed only in the supposed months.
- Clean your carpets and sofas: Your French Bulldog will definitely be a part of your home and your family. Make sure that you clean your carpets and sofas, and any other areas where they frequent. This will help keep the furniture and rugs clean off dog hair.
- Wash your dog’s linens: Your dog’s bed, toys, and clothes need to be washed at regular intervals. Since you will be with your dog at all times, you need to clean everything that they use or touch to prevent allergic reactions. This will keep you as well as your pet safe.
- Install an Air Purifier at home: Sanitization is a necessity in our lives today. An Air Purifier makes the around us fresh for inhalation. Your Frenchie will enjoy a healthy life as the purifier will kill germs and bacteria produced from its fur as well to protect every individual at your home.
- Prevent them from hopping on your furniture: Try not to let your French Bulldog be too long on your furniture including your bed, dining table, and seating area. Since you remain in constant touch with all these surfaces, you need to take precautionary measures.
Is the Allergic Reaction Too Much? When Can I Consult a Doctor?
The allergic reaction caused by a Frenchie might be mild or severe depending on these factors,
- How well you maintain your pet
- Your intensity of allergic symptoms caused by the allergen
- Whether your pet is a pure or mixed-breed dog
If it is too difficult to counter, you will need to seek medical help immediately! Some signs of an extreme reaction to an allergen are as follows,
- You develop hives on the skin
- You face chest congestion that causes limited breathing through your nasal passage
- You might start wheezing
While some people suffer extreme conditions, others have mild symptoms like a runny nose or sneezing which can still be controlled. Hence, for the latter, a French Bulldog is still a good option.
There is still a 90% chance for most people to live a normal life despite being allergic. After all, having a pet can deserve a little bit of suffering on your end!
What If You Badly Want a French Bulldog?
As an official pet owner, you have the right to make a decision that suits you, as long as you can ensure that you don’t end up giving up on the Frenchie. For those will allergies, Frenchies will cause sensitivity. Hence, you need to consider all the tips before making your decision concretely.
To see the intensity of your symptoms, you can visit a store that has French Bulldogs to see if petting or holding them is causing major reactions. Simultaneously, if you have a friend who owns this breed, see if your allergy worsens or remains normal.
Another great way to go about this is by keeping a mixed breed! There are innumerable ways to go about it. So if you desire a Frenchie, don’t think twice about it! Welcome this adorable dog breed to your family soon!
FAQs
What is the most hypoallergenic dog?
Even though all dogs shed, the Poodle is known to be one dog breed that sheds very little. This makes it very desirable for people prone to allergies.
Are French Bulldogs hypoallergenic if bred properly?
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot make a dog develop this trait by breeding it properly. The genetic mutation does not alter even after breeding.
Do allergies get worse with age?
As you age, your immune system weakens and it becomes harder to fight allergies. This is why in time they will become worse.