Can You Own a Great Dane If You Have Dog Allergies?

Do Great Danes Cause Allergies?

For people with dog allergies, finding a breed that won't trigger symptoms can be a challenge. Great Danes are one of the popular large dog breeds, known for their gentle and friendly nature. But are Great Danes hypoallergenic? Do they cause allergies?

The short answer is no, Great Danes are not hypoallergenic. They do tend to shed moderately and produce dander, which can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to dogs. However, with proper grooming and allergy management, living with a Great Dane is possible even for allergy sufferers.

What Causes Allergies to Dogs?

People with dog allergies are not actually allergic to the fur or hair of dogs. The real culprits are proteins found in a dog's dander, saliva and urine. These allergy-triggering proteins cling to the dog's hair and skin flakes (dander), which then sheds into the environment.

When a person with a dog allergy is exposed to these proteins, their immune system mistakenly sees them as invaders and releases antibodies like histamine to attack them. This causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction, including:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Rash or hives

In severe cases, dog allergies can trigger asthma attacks or anaphylaxis, though this is less common.

Do Great Danes Shed a Lot?

All dogs shed to some degree, even breeds that are marketed as "non-shedding" or hypoallergenic. The amount of shedding depends on the length and thickness of the dog's coat.

Great Danes have a short, smooth coat that lies flat against their body. They are moderate shedders, noticeably more than some breeds but less than heavy shedding dogs like Siberian Huskies.

Female Great Danes tend to blow their coat while pregnant or nursing. Twice a year, Great Danes "blow" their undercoats, releasing more hair than normal. Their shedding is lowest during the spring and fall.

Frequent brushing, especially during high shedding seasons, can help reduce the amount of dander and hair Great Danes release into the environment.

Are Great Danes Hypoallergenic?

There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog breed. All dogs produce dander, saliva and urine that contain allergy-provoking proteins. However, some breeds are considered hypoallergenic because they tend to be lower shedders.

Great Danes are not hypoallergenic. While moderate shedders, they do release dander into their surroundings that can cause allergic reactions.

That said, a Great Dane may still be suitable for someone with mild dog allergies, especially if the allergy sufferer takes steps to reduce exposure to allergens in the home.

Tips for Managing Great Dane Allergies

Living with dog allergies doesn't mean you have to avoid dog ownership altogether. Using the following tips can help allergy sufferers manage symptoms while sharing their home with a Great Dane:

• Brush frequently - Brushing your Great Dane daily or several times a week can significantly reduce the amount of dander and hair in your home's environment.
• Bathe regularly - Bathing your dog every 1-2 weeks will wash away allergens in their coat. Use a mild or hypoallergenic shampoo.
• Clean often - Vacuum carpets, furniture and surfaces frequently using a HEPA filter vacuum. Wash bedding and toys in hot water weekly.
• Use air purifiers - Invest in HEPA air purifiers for the rooms your Great Dane spends the most time in.
• Restrict access - If possible, keep your Great Dane out of bedrooms and limit their access to upholstered furniture.
• Allergy medication - Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications to manage your symptoms.

Best Great Dane Breeders for Allergies

Reputable breeders who health test their Great Danes and breed for sound temperament are important for any dog owner. For allergy sufferers, responsible breeding also involves producing dogs that shed less.

The following Great Dane breeders routinely breed dogs with coats that tend to release less dander, making them better choices for allergic owners:

1. Tall Oaks Danes

Location: Pennsylvania

Tall Oaks Danes has been breeding and exhibiting Great Danes for over 30 years. Health and temperament are priorities in their breeding program, with a focus on producing Danes with low-shedding coats. Puppies are well socialized in their home environment.

2. Lionheart Danes

Location: Oregon

Lionheart Danes breeds champion pedigreed Great Danes with an emphasis on health, conformation and temperament. Their Danes come from imported European lines selected for their low-shedding coats, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers.

3. Majestic Danes

Location: Indiana

This highly reputable show kennel produces AKC Champion Great Danes through careful breeding selection. Their Danes excel in conformation and have calm, steady temperaments. The Majestic Danes breeding stock tends to have low-shedding coats.

4. Blue Ribbon Danes

Location: Virginia

Blue Ribbon Danes focuses on breeding healthy, low shedding Great Danes from imported European champion bloodlines. Their dogs are screened for genetic issues common in Danes and temperament tested.

Great Dane Rescues for Adoption

Adopting a Great Dane from a rescue is another option for allergy sufferers. Rescue groups make it their mission to save Danes from shelters and find them loving forever homes. The adoption process involves assessing the Dane's shedding level and matching them with an appropriate owner.

These rescues frequently have low-shedding adult Danes available for adoption:

1. Gentle Giants Rescue

Location: California

Gentle Giants Rescue specializes solely in saving Great Danes from California shelters. Their adoption process carefully matches Danes to owners based on activity level, shedding and temperament.

2. Big Dogs Big Hearts Rescue

Location: Texas

This non-profit rescue saves hundreds of Great Danes from kill shelters annually. Their adoption team matches Danes with families based on lifestyle and allergy considerations.

3. Great Dane Rescue of the Rockies

Location: Colorado

This Colorado-based group finds homes for rescued Great Danes across the Central U.S. Adoptable Danes are fostered by volunteers to assess shedding level, temperament and health.

4. Great Dane Rescue Alliance

Location: Georgia

The Great Dane Rescue Alliance focuses on rescuing and rehoming Danes across Georgia. Their adoption process involves meticulously matching Danes with new owners based on compatibility.

Best Tips for Owning a Great Dane with Allergies

While not considered hypoallergenic, Great Danes can still make wonderful pets for allergy sufferers with proper management. Here are some top tips for owning a Great Dane when you have dog allergies:

• Select a low-shedding Dane from a responsible breeder or rescue
• Restrict your Dane from access to some rooms if possible
• Brush and bathe your Dane frequently to control loose hair and dander
• Clean your home Vigorously to remove allergens
• Invest in a HEPA vacuum and air purifiers
• Change HVAC air filters often
• Wash bedding, toys and surfaces in hot, soapy water weekly
• Take allergy medication as recommended by your doctor
• Keep your Dane's skin healthy to avoid excessive shedding
• Schedule regular appointments with a groomer if needed

While they are not hypoallergenic, many Great Danes do produce less dander than shedding-prone breeds. With some adjustments by sensitive owners, owning a Great Dane is possible even with dog allergies.

Finding a Great Dane for Allergy Sufferers

Great Danes can be the gentle giants of the dog world, but their shedding and dander makes them a poor choice for owners with severe dog allergies. For allergy sufferers who take steps to minimize exposure to allergens, Great Danes can make wonderful and suitable companions.

Responsibly bred Great Danes with coats that don't shed excessively are the best options for allergic owners. Great Dane rescues also often have dogs ideal for allergy sufferers looking to adopt. With some planning and preparation, those with dog allergies can find a compatible Great Dane to welcome into their 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.