Families who long for a dog often contact me, held back by one big worry: someone in the family is allergic to dog hair. That is exactly why I want to address this topic openly, scientifically and honestly, without false or exaggerated promises, because it concerns the health of your loved ones.
Important note: this text is of a professional and informative nature and does not replace veterinary care. Every dog is an individual. At the slightest doubt, or at any sign of illness, always call your veterinarian.
First, the scientific truth: no breed is completely "hypoallergenic"
I want to be completely honest, because you deserve the truth. Modern medicine is clear: fully hypoallergenic dog breeds do not exist. People often wrongly believe that the hair itself triggers sneezing and breathing problems. In reality, the main culprits are specific proteins the dog sheds through its skin (dead skin flakes, or dander), saliva and urine.
Scientists have so far identified several key dog allergens, marked with the abbreviation Can f (after the dog's Latin name, Canis familiaris). The main ones are Can f 1 and Can f 2, produced in saliva and on the skin; the vast majority of people allergic to dogs react to Can f 1. A special one is Can f 5, produced in the prostate of intact males and shed in urine, so some people react only to it. This means such a person might tolerate a female, or a neutered male, more easily than an intact male dog.
Because a dog licks itself, allergens from saliva quickly transfer onto the hair. When it dries, microscopic particles are released into the air. So even a dog with very little hair can trigger a reaction in highly sensitive people. This is the honest basis on which I build everything that follows.
Why our breeds are still a better choice for many allergy sufferers
Despite this, there is a large physiological difference between breeds. Our Biewer Terriers, black Terriers and chocolate Terriers have a special kind of coat, closer in structure to human hair than to typical dog fur. This brings several advantages.
Their coat grows continuously and does not shed the way most breeds do. Where a dog sheds heavily, allergens spread throughout the home together with dead hair and dander, over the furniture and into the air. With our dogs there is almost no such shedding, so far fewer allergens spread around the space.
In addition, these breeds have almost no undercoat — that dense layer beneath the top coat which, in many breeds, contributes most to seasonal shedding. Less undercoat means fewer floating particles in the air. Because we care for their skin regularly with moisturising shampoos, the skin is healthy and flakes less, which means less allergen in your home.
It is precisely because of these traits that many families with a milder form of allergy live without major problems in the company of our dogs. But I stress: this is a greater probability, not a guarantee.
When these dogs are, unfortunately, not suitable
If a person is allergic specifically to dog saliva or urine, these breeds will not solve the problem, because a dog licks itself and saliva cannot be avoided. I also advise against the risk for people with a severe, asthmatic form of allergy, where even minimal contact can trigger a serious attack. In such cases, honesty towards you matters more than selling a puppy.
My honest advice before you decide
I am not a veterinarian and cannot predict how your body will react. Because I want my puppies to stay in their homes for life, I advise all allergy sufferers one simple thing: before your final decision, meet our dogs in person. Spend some time in their company, pet them, observe your reaction. Your immune system will give you the most honest answer. If in doubt, consult your allergist before visiting.
If fear of allergies has held you back from your wish for a dog, you are welcome to get in touch. Together we will honestly and without pressure assess whether one of our Biewer Terriers, black Terriers or chocolate Terriers is right for your family.
Literature and sources
Vredegoor, D. W., Willemse, T., Chapman, M. D., Heederik, D. J., Krop, E. J. (2012). Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 130(4), 904–909.
Mattsson, L., Lundgren, T., Everberg, H., Larsson, H., Lidholm, J. (2009). Prostatic kallikrein: a new major dog allergen (Can f 5). Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 123(2), 362–368.
Nicholas, C. E. et al. (2011). Dog allergen levels in homes with hypoallergenic compared with nonhypoallergenic dogs. American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy, 25(4), 252–256.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS): general guidance on dog allergens.
For a personal risk assessment, always consult your doctor or allergist.
This text is based on current professional knowledge and on our kennel's experience. It does not replace consultation with a veterinarian or cynologist.
