ARE THESE DOGS "HYPO-ALLERGENIC"?

I want my answer on this to be clear - NO DOG IS COMPLETELY HYPO-ALLERGENIC and therefore the Cavachon and Cavapoo are not hypoallergenic. This is not up for debate, it's a fact. There are dogs who are often better tolerated by those with allergies, but no such thing as a dog that's guaranteed not to cause an allergic reaction. If you are one of the many consumers who refuse to believe this (or a breeder who promises their dogs are hypoallergenic) please do your research with reputable medical and scientific organizations that will all tell you the same thing - NO DOG IS HYPOALLERGENIC. I will link to several reliable and factual resources at the bottom to confirm this for you. In fact, one of them discusses a 2011 study that compared dust samples from homes with dog breeds reported to be hypoallergenic and those of homes with other dogs. The levels of dog allergen in homes with “hypoallergenic” dogs did not differ from the levels in homes with other breeds.

Here are some other facts related to dog allergies that you should consider when searching for a pet that is less likely to cause allergies: 

1. Certain dogs don't shed (FALSE). It's a biological fact that all dogs shed - even the "hairless" dog still sheds fine hairs. There are; however, dogs that shed less which include both the Poodle and the Bichon Frise which is why breeders developed hybrids using these dogs. It is also untrue that dogs that have "hair" as opposed to "fur" don't shed. Proof of this sits in your own shower drain after washing your hair!
2. Low shedding dogs require little maintenance (FALSE). Just because a dog falls in the category of "low shedding" doesn't mean that its coat does not require maintenance. In fact both the Poodle and Bichon require regular grooming, brushing and maintenance. Many of these hybrids inherit the longer coat of their Cavalier parent and need frequent trims as well. 
3. I'm allergic to dog hair (FALSE). Many people are surprised to learn that the allergy is actually to one of the following (or all of them) proteins to which the body treats as an allergen; pet urine / feces, pet saliva and pet dander. While some people may be able to determine exactly which of these triggers a reaction, most people just know they experience an allergic reaction around certain animals. The reason dog fur is blamed is that the fur carries these proteins from the dog's body in to the atmosphere. Example - Dog licks fur, dog sheds fur, dog saliva floats in atmosphere on fur. Another example - Dog scratches himself and looses a piece of fur/hair and attached to that is a piece of dander which is now in the environment.  
4. Certain dogs don't have dander (FALSE). Pet dander is literally tiny microscopic particles of the animal's shedding skin that enter the atmosphere. A dog without dander is a dog without skin. 
5. We will just get rid of the puppy if our child has a reaction. Please note that choosing to "test" an animal is risky business. Animal allergens, once introduced in to your home are on the furniture, in the carpet, on the walls and still in the air for months. If you want to "test" a puppy it's best to do so with regular trips to the breeder as opposed to purchasing a puppy and just hoping for the best. 

Now that we are straight on fact versus fiction, please know that both the Cavachon and the Cavapoo are great choices for low-shedding dogs who may be less likely to trigger allergies than other dogs. If allergies are a major concern, you should consider the following: 

1. Make sure you are actually allergic to dogs. There is a large population of people who believe they are allergic to dogs who are actually allergic to pollen and other outside elements carried in on the coat of a dog. If this is the case, it will not matter what breed of dog, you will have a reaction.
2. Work with a breeder that will allow you to visit with the puppy and parents multiple times to see if any allergies are triggered. Also have the person with allergies visit other grown dogs from the same breeder or of the same breed. If this isn't a possibility, consider having the breeder send you items (pillow cases, towels, blankets) that the dogs has slept on. Introduce these to your allergic person outside of your home and look for any reactions. This is not the best option but sometimes the only option for those with no local breeders. 
3. Stick to F1 (first generation hybrids) as they are less risky than F2 when it comes to shedding. We will offer a future post on basic genetics and understanding how / why there really is a difference between an F1 and F2. 
4. Talk to your allergist BEFORE introducing the dog to understand what medications might help you and the dog co-exist peacefully. Immunotherapy is a great option for those determined to own a dog!
5. Invest in a HEPA filters, allergen specific vacuum products and other devises intended to reduce the proteins floating around in the air. We will link below to some products with great reviews that are time tested to help (not eliminate) allergens.

In closing we want to make it clear that we LOVE our dogs and allergies don't stop us from owning them. But, we are also honest with prospective owners and have no desire to sell a dog that's ultimately going to be returned or even worse, re-homed without our permission. Many members of our family have severe allergies to pet dander but they still own dogs - even allowing them on the furniture and bed. That being said, they went in to this knowing that constant cleaning, allergy shots and regular medicines were part of the agreement and they did not assume they would simply give the dog away. Talk to your doctor. Do your research. Test your allergies with various breeds and make an informed, not an impulsive decision.

Reliable Resources for Research on Animal Allergies: 
American Lung Association
Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America
WebMD - Pet Allergies
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunotherapy

Products our Family Loves for Cleaner Indoor Air: 
Germ Guardian Air Filter
Dyson Animal Ball 2 Vacuum
Dyson Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum
​Filtrete Elite Allergen Home Air Filters
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