Table of Contents
Introduction
A very common question that people who suffer from allergies ask is: “Is A Bichon Frise Hypoallergenic?”.
People can suffer from varying degrees of allergic reactions and dogs or other pets can usually be the trigger.
I’m sure you’ll agree with me when I say that you want to be able to own a dog that won’t cause you to sneeze like a trooper and require an allergy shot.
The Bichon Frise is generally considered to be a hypoallergenic dog due to its low shed coat. With that said there is no dog that is truly hypoallergenic as all dogs can potentially cause an allergic reaction for humans.
To learn more about the term hypoallergenic and what it is that makes the Bichon widely known as a hypoallergenic dog, I did some research.
From this research, I was able to put together this article which will show you all you need to know about what the term hypoallergenic means, what makes a Bichon hypoallergenic, if you can get a Bichon if you suffer from allergies and finally the other dog breeds that are considered hypoallergenic.
Let’s get started!
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
Today, the term hypoallergenic is most commonly used with dog or cat breeds. It is used to describe a dog or a cat that generally causes less allergic reactions for people that suffer from allergies.
The term “hypoallergenic” was first used by advertisers in the 1950s. In fact, the term was originally used to promote cosmetics campaigns.
Having said that, it’s important to mention here that the term actually has no medical basis. This means that there are no standards or ways of measuring this trait.
What Makes A Bichon Frise Hypoallergenic?
There is a common misconception about the triggers of allergies when it comes to dogs. Many believe that allergies are triggered simply by a dog’s fur. This, in fact, is not exactly the case.
What actually triggers human allergies is the protein that exists in a dog’s saliva and urine. This substance sticks to the dander (dead skin) of your dog. Dogs that shed will leave this allergen anywhere they shed, which can be literally everywhere if they shed a lot.
Although the Bichon Frise is considered to be hypoallergenic, they still actually produce these allergens.
The difference is that with the Bichon’s coat, the dander containing the allergens will stick to their fur and therefore won’t be sent out into the air.
In the same way, the low-shed coat of the Bichon contributes to this hypoallergenic trait.
Though there is no definitive reason for a dog being more hypoallergenic than another, it is also possible that the small size of the Bichon means that there is less surface area for the allergens to stick to.
Whatever the reason, it’s interesting to look at the things that make a Bichon Frise Hypoallergenic, at least in theory.
Can I Get A Bichon If I Have Allergies?
The main reason you are likely to ask the question Is A Bichon Frise Hypoallergenic? is because you or your family members suffer from allergies.
The simple answer is that every dog and human is different. Though Bichons are considered to be great dogs to own if you suffer from allergies, humans can have different responses to these allergens. You may have no issues at all or you may be crippled with allergies.
Just to give you an example, I have never experienced any allergic reactions to my Bichon which we’ve owned for a couple of years now. On the other hand, one of my cousins can’t be near one as she develops pretty bad allergies.
With all of this in mind, if you’re considering owning a Bichon Frise it’s a good idea to spend some time around one beforehand to see if your allergies are triggered.
If your allergies are pretty mild, the next thing to look at is how to manage or alleviate some of the triggers of these allergies. Let’s take a look at some helpful tips below.
How To Manage Dog Allergies
- Wash and groom your dog regularly – by regularly washing and brushing your dog’s coat, this will reduce the number of allergens that are on their skin. For example, even though the Bichon is considered to be a low-shed dog, it’s a good idea to brush them weekly. It’s also important to bring your dog to a professional groomer every couple of months.
- Regularly vacuum – by regularly vacuuming all floors, curtains and soft furnishings, you’ll be sure to minimize the allergens in the air. For some helpful tips on removing dog hair from your house, I recommend this article: Does A Bichon Frise Shed? The Definitive Answer You Should Know
- Wash pet beds – again, by regularly washing pet beds, you’ll be reducing the levels of allergens in the house. The type of pet bed you own will dictate how they should be washed. It’s a good idea to read the washing instructions beforehand.
- Keep the dog out of your bedroom – this might be a tough one to enforce but if you suffer from allergies it’s the simplest way to prevent allergies from happening to you at bedtime.
- Invest in a HEPA air purifier – air purifiers are a good investment if you are prone to allergies. These devices aim to increase the air quality in your house. There is a wide variety of these available as you can imagine so it’s a good idea to do your research first. This comparison article from AirPurifiers.com should get your research started: 3 Best Air Purifiers for Pet Dander & Allergies
What Other Dog Breeds Are Considered Hypoallergenic?
Now that we’ve established that the Bichon Frise is a hypoallergenic dog, you might be wondering what other breeds of dogs are also hypoallergenic.
Just to reiterate what we talked about above, no dog is truly hypoallergenic as every person’s reaction to allergens is different. With that said, some of the common traits associated with hypoallergenic dogs mean that the breeds below are also considered to be hypoallergenic.
Let’s take a look at these other hypoallergenic breeds below.
1 Maltese
The Maltese is closely related to the Bichon Frise so as you might expect, this breed shares the same hypoallergenic trait as its relative.
Its low shed coat means that the allergens will stick to their skin and are less likely to be spread into the air. Regular brushing is still advised to keep their coat in good condition.
2 Shih Tzu
Another dog that shares the low shed trait is the Shih Tzu. This breed is known for its loyal temperament which makes them a great companion.
The Shih Tzu, similarly to the Bichon Frise is also described as being a lap dog that loves sitting on its owner’s lap.
3 Poodle
The Poodle can come in a few different sizes (Toy, Miniature, Standard). This means they can be great for people who love larger dogs or for those who want a smaller dog.
The close curly coat of the poodle means that the allergens will stay on their skin. As well as this, their low shed coat is why this breed is also considered to be hypoallergenic.
4 Yorkshire Terrier
Although the Yorkshire Terrier has a longer coat than most other hypoallergenic dogs, they do shed minimally.
This adorable breed is also described as a lap dog. It makes the perfect companion for those looking for a small dog to share their home with.
5 Schnauzer
The Schnauzer, like the Poodle, can come in various different sizes (miniature, standard, giant). This means it can be suitable for almost any household.
Schnauzers are described as being extremely loyal dogs and are an excellent choice for people with allergies.
Conclusion
Let’s summarize things before we finish up:
- First, we looked at what the term hypoallergenic means.
- Next, we talked about what makes a Bichon Frise hypoallergenic.
- After that, we answered the question “Can I get a Bichon if I have allergies”?. I also shared with you the most effective ways to manage dog allergies.
- Finally, we looked at some of the other dog breeds that are also considered to be hypoallergenic.
We covered a lot of great information in this article which I hope you were able to find useful.
If you did find this information helpful, please consider sharing this article on social media as it will help other people find this too.
Also, if you have any questions about any of the detail covered here, please leave me a comment below.
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