Labradoodles for Allergy Sufferers: Tips for Living with a Doodle

Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?

Labradoodles have become an increasingly popular dog breed over the last few decades. These cute curly-haired crosses between Labrador Retrievers and Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic. But is this reputation deserved?

The Origin of Labradoodles

Labradoodles were first bred in Australia in the 1980s originally as guide dogs for people who needed a non-shedding service dog. The hope was to combine the friendly temperament and trainability of the Labrador Retriever with the low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle.

The first planned crosses produced puppies that showed great promise as guide dogs. And pet owners took notice as well. As Labradoodles became more popular as family pets, breeders started specifically breeding Labradoodles for different sizes and coat types.

Why Labradoodles Can Be Hypoallergenic

Poodles have a coat that is much more like hair than fur. Hair, like human hair, is less likely to trigger allergies because it does not shed and does not contain proteins that people are commonly allergic to. When Labradoodles inherit a Poodle coat, they are much less likely to bother people with allergies.

However, there is no guarantee when crossing two different breeds what traits the puppies will inherit. Some Labradoodles inherit a shedding coat from their Labrador parent instead of the Poodles hypoallergenic coat. And others inherit something in between a coat that sheds minimally or seasonally.

Choosing a Hypoallergenic Labradoodle

So while reputable Labradoodle breeders aim to produce hypoallergenic, non-shedding dogs, there is still variability when it comes to allergies. The key is working with a breeder who understands the genetics behind labradoodle coats. The best breeders will test their breeding dogs for the non-shedding gene. They can then better predict whether a litter of puppies will be allergy friendly.

When choosing your own Labradoodle pup, select one that most resembles the Poodle parent. You want a puppy with a fluffy, curly coat, not one with the straighter, shedding coat of a Labrador. Also be prepared that more shedding can occur seasonally or as the dog ages. Regular brushing and bathing helps reduce loose hair and dander.

Living With a Labradoodle If You Have Allergies

While Labradoodles can often make great pets for allergy sufferers, every persons immune system responds differently. Just because another family can live allergy-free with their Labradoodle does not guarantee yours will too. Before bringing one home, spend some time around Labradoodles to see if they will be compatible with your allergies.

Visit Breeders and Meet Adult Dogs

The best way to test whether the breed will work for you is to interact with mature Labradoodles, not puppies. Make appointments with several breeders to meet their adult Labradoodles. Bury your face in their curly coats to get a good sense of whether your allergies react. Be sure to wash your hands and face well afterward and watch for any reactions over the next 24 hours.

Have a Trial Run at Home

If your initial visits go well, you can see if fostering or test driving an adult Labradoodle would work. Some breeders will allow you to host one of their dogs for a week or two to test your reactions at home with lots of close contact. Consider keeping the dog out of your bedroom initially.

Also, be aware that puppies tend to shed more as they go through coat changes. So do not base your decision solely on a young pup. Wait to adopt one until you have spent plenty of time around adult Labradoodles.

Prepare Your Home for Allergies

To control allergies, creating an environment that minimizes irritants requires diligence. Consider keeping your Labradoodle restricted mostly to non-carpeted areas of the house to reduce trapped hair, dander and the growth of dust mites.

Bathe and brush your dog once or twice a week to decrease dander. Dust and vacuum frequently using high efficiency filters. And wash bedding regularly in hot water to kill dust mites. Keeping the environment clean goes hand-in-hand with choosing the right low-shedding dog for allergy sufferers.

Best and Worst Dog Breeds for Allergies

People react differently to diverse types of dogs. However, there are a few breeds that tend to be better or worse for allergy sufferers on average.

Best Dogs for People With Allergies

Some of the dog breeds most recommended for people with allergies include:

• Poodles
• Portuguese Water Dogs
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
• Bichon Frises
• Shih Tzus
• Labradoodles
• Goldendoodles

What these low-shedding to non-shedding breeds have in common are hair-like coats instead of fur. The overall tidy nature of these single coated breeds also helps keep dander to a minimum.

Worst Dog Breeds for Allergies

On the other hand, a number of typically shedding breeds and those with double coats tend to be a bad choice for pet parents with allergies, such as:

• Labrador Retrievers
• German Shepherds
• Siberian Huskies
• Golden Retrievers
• Boxers
• Pugs
• Dalmatians

Shedding and dander can be somewhat managed with these breeds through diligent grooming, bathing and cleaning. But their coats do not have the same allergy-friendly qualities of Poodles, Porties and doodle hybrids.

Other Factors That Affect Pet Allergies

While coat type goes a long way in predicting allergy triggers, it is not the whole picture. Other characteristics of dogs can also influence reactions.

Gender

Some research shows that female dogs tend to cause fewer allergy issues than males. However, spaying or neutering your dog also reduces shedding and irritating proteins in saliva and urine as well.

Age

Puppies shed more as they grow and change coats. Adolescent and elderly dogs also tend to shed more seasonally. A middle aged, healthy adult dog is less likely to bother allergies.

Grooming and Bathing

Naturally tidy breeds shed less. But any dogs dander and hair release can be reduced through regular brushing, combing and bathing every week or two. Making grooming a habit helps control allergy triggers in dogs.

Size of Dog

Some studies show smaller breeds cause fewer allergy symptoms. That may be because they produce less dander. Although Standard Poodles are a top choice for people with allergies despite their larger size. Monitoring your reactions around different sized dogs is wise.

Being allergic to dogs can be frustrating for pet lovers. But knowledge of the breeds and traits most compatible with sensitive immune systems provides hope. Labradoodles and Poodles top the list, with other low-shedding dogs close behind. Partnering with an ethical and educated breeder also ensures the best chances of sharing your life allergy-free with a furry friend.

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.