Managing Australian Shepherd Dogs with Allergies

Are Australian Shepherds Hypoallergenic? Understanding Allergy Friendliness

Australian Shepherds rank among the most popular and coveted dog breeds thanks to their gorgeous coats, intelligence and loyalty. But are Aussies actually hypoallergenic despite all that fur?

For those hoping to welcome an Australian Shepherd into their home while dealing with allergies, the answer has layers. Lets sort myth from fact on whether this energetic herding dog suits allergic owners.

The Confusion Around Hypoallergenic Dogs

First, understanding causes behind dog allergies helps clear up confusion. People aren't allergic to fur itself. Rather the proteins found in skin cells, oil secretions and urine.

No dog breed is 100% non-allergenic. But individual dogs do vary in how much they shed allergens. This leads to the term hypoallergenic - meaning lower shedding of allergens, not completely allergy-free.

Do Australian Shepherds Shed?

On the allergy culprit front, Australian Shepherds are moderate year-round shedders. Their fluffy double coats release more dead hair and dander than shed-free breeds.

During heavy seasonal shedding phases in spring and fall, Australian Shepherds blow their undercoats. Prepare for mounds of fur coming loose as their bodies regulate between warming and cooling needs.

So while the hypoallergenic label doesnt fully apply, Aussies may suit some allergy sufferers better than heavy shedding breeds like Huskies or Golden Retrievers.

Best Dog Breeds for Allergies

Wondering what high and low shed dog options best align to allergy needs? Heres a hypoallergenic breed breakdown:

Highest Rated Allergy Friendly Dogs

These non and low shedding breeds produce fewer allergens than most:

• Poodle - Tight curly coats trap dander. Need regular grooming.
• Maltese - Long silky hair with minimal shedding.
• Lhaso Apso - Heavy fur sheds infrequently with consistent grooming.
• Shih Tzu - Fine long strands don't release much hair or dander.
• Brussels Griffon - One of few hypoallergenic terriers, but still needy grooming.
• Irish Water Spaniel - Dual coat requires maintenance to prevent matting and shedding mess.
• Greyhound - Short fine coat produces little dander and sheds minimally.
• Chinese Crested - Mostly hairless body lacks usual allergy triggers.
• Bichon Frise - Stubborn coats need frequent clipping to uphold hypoallergenic reputation.
• Xoloitzcuintli - Striking hairless breed still exposes humans to dander and oil.

Moderately Tolerable Breeds

These moderately shedding breeds may work for mild allergy cases with proper care:

• Poodle Mixes - "Doodle" crosses like Goldendoodles vary in allergy traits.
• Portuguese Water Dog - Low dander but shed seasonally without grooming.
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier - Regular brushing and bathing prevents excessive shedding.
• Schnauzers - Wiry coats still carry some dander concerns with seasonal shedding.
• Italian Greyhounds - More than cousins Greyhounds but less than other small dogs.
• Basenji - Cat like cleaning habits and short coat helps minimize dander distribution.

Worst Breeds for Allergies

Think twice about these known heavy shedding dogs prone to triggering allergies:

• Labrador Retriever - Single coats still constantly shed hair and dander.
• German Shepherd - Lots of grooming minimizes only so much shedding.
• Golden Retriever - Sweet personalities match copious shedding habits.
• Pitbull - Short, fine hair sticks everywhere.
• Siberian Husky - Fluffy double coats shed year round with dramatic seasonal blowing.
• Boxer - Sparse coats still spread skin proteins easily triggering reactions.
• Pug - Wrinkly skin loses more dead cells and dander than smooth dogs.
• English Bulldog - Also plagued by above average year-round shedding despite sleek fur.
• Dachshund - Long, short or wire coats all moderate to high shedding.
• Australian Shepherd - Double coat is infamous for high maintenance grooming and shedding mess.

Allergy Precautions with Australian Shepherds

So while Australian Shepherds coats dont earn hypoallergenic status, their popularity makes them a common choice among moderate allergy sufferers. Is compromising possible through extra care?

Potential precautions to enable living with an Aussie while minimizing allergy attacks include:

Bath Time Focus

Bathe your Australian Shepherd every 2-4 weeks to wash away allergens lingering close to skin and reduce environmental dander. Use gentle dog shampoos and conditioners to avoid drying sensitive skin which further aggravates shedding and flaking.

Regular Brushing

Thoroughly brush Australian Shepherds 1-2 times per week to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils before they fall off on floors and furniture. Focus extra attention on the fluffy neck, belly and leg fringes infamous for tangling and matting.

Vacuum Diligence

Attack stray fur tumbleweeds accumulating in your home by vacuuming any Australian Shepherd hang out areas daily. Hand held vacuums also convenient for quick furniture or dog bed touch ups. Replace vacuum bags often so shed hair doesnt overflow back into the air.

Air Purifiers

Air purifying systems provide huge allergy relief by continuously circulating and filtering the air to capture airborne pet dander floating through your home. Place in main living areas and run 24/7 to actively reduce allergy triggers.

Non-Allergenic Dog Bedding

Ditch plush dog beds in favor of elevated cots or easy to clean options that wont hold onto shed fur, dirt and dander. Waterproof liners also useful for couches and car seats.

Lint Rollers

Keep lint rollers stocked around the house to instantly de-fur furniture, clothing and more. Quick dabbing with wet rubbers gloves achieves similar results. Reduce embarrassing traces of your Aussie you carry outside the home.

Clean Diet

Feeding an Australian Shepherd high quality dog food rich in Omega fatty acids supports skin and coat health to minimize excessive flaking and shedding triggered by deficiencies or sensitivities.

Fish Oil Supplements

Likewise, adding fish oil supplements to your Aussie's diet further eases skin irritation and dryness while making fur shinier and less brittle and prone to breaking off.

Groomer Visits

Splurge for monthly deep cleaning deshedding treatments at a professional groomer to power wash, blow dry and hand strip excess loose undercoat. Well worth the relief between own home care efforts.

The Reality of Aussies and Allergies

While Australian Shepherds aren't the most compatible hypoallergenic dog breed, theirinnate beauty, beloved temperament and growing popularity makes them asmartment for allergy suffering dog lovers.

Implementing a multiprong approach to manage environmental allergens, groom regularly and optimize skin health can enable successfully living with Aussies.

Be diligent staying on top of shedding control and air purification. Also prepare around seasonal changes where blowing coat surge comes. Consider allergy shots if other methods fall short for relief.

Select an Australian Shepherd puppy from parents with non-greasy, low dander coats over flakier, oilier skin types prone to heavier shedding. Genetics help set the stage for each dogs unique allergy friendliness.

While a more SHEDding commitment than other breeds, fluffy yet tolerant Australian Shepherds prove kept care can conquer allergies in many homes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.