What Does Hypoallergenic really Mean?
If a breeder or someone tells you their dog is hypoallergenic, it means they are claiming their dog causes fewer allergic reactions than others. This does not mean it is allergy-proof. The dictionary definition from dictionary.com sums it up perfectly.
hypoallergenic
or hy·po-al·ler·gen·ic
[hahy-poh-al-er-jen-ik]
adjective
- designed to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response, as by containing relatively few or no potentially irritating substances:hypoallergenic cosmetics.
There is no government standards for something to be hypoallergenic. There are no tests required to prove it won’t cause a reaction. It is impossible to guarantee that a particular dog or mix will never cause an allergic reaction.
The best approach is to be safe and test. Spend a little time with a particular dog, a few days if possible to see if you get any of the symptoms.
How Do You Tell If Your Allergic To Dogs?
People can be affected in 3 ways by dogs according to the American College of Allergy, Astma, and Immunology:
- Dander which is dead skin cells
- Saliva
- Urine
Allergic dander in dogs is not affected by length of hair or fur, nor by the amount of shedding.
Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?
Because Goldendoodles are a mix of Golden Retrievers and Poodles they are often promoted as being hypoallergenic. The Poodle has a reputation for being hypoallergenic. So sometimes you see them being promoted as such. However, allergies are not tied to a particular dog coat type but to the dander, the dead skin cells that are shed by the dogs. There is no scientific evidence showing any particular breed or cross breed is more or less allergenic. There are cases where people with milder allergies to dogs will react less severely to a particular dog but no reputable breeder will guarantee that their dogs are hypoallergenic.
Your reaction to a dog can very from dog to dog even within the same litter so you should spend time with several to see how you react if you plan to go through with getting a Goldendoodle. Some allergists believe that Goldendoodle coats being more poodle like and not shedding as much helps keep loose skin dander trapped closer to the skin so it is not freely moving around the home which would help a person who reacts to dander.
Why can some people live with Goldendoodles and not experience allergies?
This is due to the level of a person’s dog allergy. If you have milder reactions and fewer symptoms you will be more likely to live with a dog. The amount of physical contact is a large factor. Good regular cleaning also makes a big difference. Keeping your dog off the furniture and out of the bedroom where you sleep can have a dramatic impact also. Regular vacuuming and cleaning of your home helps too.
Are F1 Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?
Again referring to the previous statement there is no way to guarantee this. It is simply a matter of certain people react differently to certain dogs. The Poodle tends to cause less allergic reactions and has that reputation. So by cross breeding with a Poodle breeders sometimes promote the hypoallergenic title. However, remember there is no guarantee, no standard required test or anything to prove it. So it is just a title. Test safely your allergic reaction to a particular dog and its skin type.
The first generation breeding F1, which is a purebred poodle bred to a purebred lab or golden retriever is more likely to have a more open coat that can shed more. Still they shed far less than a retriever. The F1 will shed more than the F1B Goldendoodles with a woolier coat or more Poodle like coat.
The F1B which is a first generation Doodle and a purebred Poodle often result in 75% Poodle and 25% Retriever which creates coats that are more likely to be non-shedding. That makes the F1B breed more likely to be a good candidate for a person with dog allergies.
You will not know what the coat will be like from looking at the puppy so it is key to talk with your breeder. Go over photos of comparable puppies and dogs so you have a feel for what the coat will be like. Knowing what the breed of the dog is means fewer variables and a reputable breeder should be able to tell you the pedigree line produced previously and show you photos so you have a good idea of what you will have in your dog.
Be Safe, Consult Your Doctor And Dog Breeder.
We are not doctors so if you have severe allergies to dogs it would be best to consult your doctor before thinking its safe to go around any particular dog type.