Are French Bulldogs hypoallergenic dogs?
You might be wondering if you have allergies or asthma, but you’ve fallen in love with this cute small dog.
Fortunately, I’m here to help you figure out if the French Bulldog is the right dog for people with allergies.
Just keep on reading.
Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Statistics estimate that around 10% -20% of the USA population is allergic to cats and dogs.
When you think about it, that’s quite the number.
Moreover, some allergies appear suddenly and take you by surprise.
It can be devastating to discover that you or a family member is allergic to dogs when you love these animals with your whole heart.
Naturally, you’d be looking at hypoallergenic dogs that might not trigger your allergy.
So, let’s see why some people are allergic to dogs and how suitable French Bulldogs are for people with allergies.
Why Are You Allergic to Dogs?
A lot of people have the wrong impression about allergies and pets. It doesn’t matter how much fur your dog has.
You’re not allergic to dog hair.
What triggers an allergic reaction are proteins, which your dog secrets in their saliva, urine, and dander.
The immune system’s purpose is to protect you from viruses and bacteria that enter your body.
In most cases, that’s good news because you don’t want to get severely sick.
However, sometimes the immune system overreacts to harmless substances such as the proteins found in your dog’s saliva, urine, and dander.
When that happens, the immune system attacks them as if they’re dangerous viruses or bacteria and attempts to flush them out.
For some, the results are coughing, wheezing, runny eyes, itchy eyes, and sneezing.
For others, however, the allergic reaction can be quite severe and life-threatening, especially if they have a chronic lung condition.
People with other allergies are more likely to be sensitive to dog dander.
That’s because their immune system is oversensitive to allergens (substances that trigger the immune system).
Those with asthma and breathing difficulties can also get worse around pets if they’re allergic to dander.
Still, it’s a good idea to get tested to discover the exact allergens that cause the reaction.
It might be pollen or mold that your dog carries from outside. So, don’t automatically assume that your dog is the cause of your allergy.
Which Dogs Are Hypoallergenic?
The bad news is that all dogs shed dander (dead skin cells) and that it tends to collect on furniture, walls, carpets, and other surfaces.
Dander also falls whenever your dog sheds their fur around the house.
As such, there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs.
Even two dogs from the same breed can shed a different amount of dander.
That’s why it’s possible to be allergic to one dog and fine around another.
Still, some dogs tend to shed very little danger, and that’s why people tend to call them “hypoallergenic.”
It doesn’t mean that you won’t have an allergic reaction to these hypoallergenic breeds, but the chances are lower.
The most popular hypoallergenic dogs are Maltese, Bichon Frise, Poodles, Schnauzers, and Yorkshire Terriers.
As you can see, all these dogs have a lot of fur, but what makes them “hypoallergenic” is their low-shedding coats.
Are French Bulldogs Considered Hypoallergenic Dogs?
French Bulldogs are among the most popular small breeds for good reasons.
They’re playful, mischievous, and affectionate.
While they can be a bit stubborn and independent, French Bulldogs thrive in human company and love nothing more than to nap in your lap.
But are French Bulldogs hypoallergenic?
Many people assume that short coat equals “hypoallergenic.”
They would be wrong. As I’ve pointed out several times, it’s not the amount of fur that matters but the among of dander that a dog sheds.
So, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but French Bulldogs aren’t hypoallergenic despite their easy-to- groom coat. Let me explain why.
For starters, French Bulldogs are prone to drooling.
If you remember, people are allergic to proteins in the saliva that trigger the immune system.
There would be plenty of drool around the house with a French Bulldog.
Moreover, French Bulldogs tend to have dental problems that might lead to excessive drooling and bad breath.
Besides drooling, French Bulldogs are moderate shedders. They might have short hair, but they still shed too much for people with allergies.
While dogs aren’t such fastidious cleaners as cats, they do groom themselves from time to time.
The French Bulldog’s short coat means that it’s easier for the saliva and danger to spread around the house and cause problems.
Another reason why French Bulldogs aren’t the best breed for people with allergies is the dog’s temperament.
As a whole, French Bulldogs are people-orientated dogs. They love to be around their owner and tend to stick to your side like glue.
Some don’t tolerate being alone at all and might be prone to separation anxiety.
If you have allergies, you might not be able to spend enough quality time with this cute dog.
As a result, your French Bulldog might choose another family member as their favorite.
The best advice I can give you if you’re thinking about getting a French Bulldog is to spend some time around these dogs.
Ask the breeder to visit the puppies or go to your local shelter to see how you feel around French Bulldogs.
Remember that all dogs shed a different amount of dander.
As such, you might be able to find a French Bulldog that doesn’t trigger your allergy.
How to Manage Allergies and Keep My French Bulldog?
As it happens, sometimes you develop an allergy to dogs out of the blue.
The question is what to do with your French Bulldogs if you’re allergic to dander or saliva.
While most specialists will tell you to avoid all animals with fur or feathers, you don’t want to get rid of your pet.
Depending on the severity of your allergy, you might not have to as long as you follow these tips:
- Keep your French Bulldog out of the bedroom and clean it well to remove any accumulated danger.
- Get rid of carpets and furniture that attracts dangers. Keep surfaces as clean as possible.
- Use a mask when you vacuum the house.
- Have a non-allergic family member to bathe, brush, and groom your French Bulldog.
- Consider using a HEPA filter to reduce the airborne dander.
- Clean your air-vents.
The good news is that French Bulldogs don’t need a lot of grooming.
Their short coat requires weekly brushing, and if you bathe and brush them regularly, you’ll reduce the dander.
Having an allergy doesn’t mean that you have to abandon your dog or never adopt a dog.
But you’ll have to put some extra efforts to make it work and decide what’s best for you and your French Bulldog.
