French bulldogs are the poster children of cuteness, and they’re one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. But that may not be such a good thing — because it might mean you can’t get one if you have allergies to dogs. Are French bulldogs hypoallergenic? Well, technically yes — but that may not be as much of a good thing as you think! Let’s talk about why…
Reasons why French bulldogs are hypoallergenic
In the interest of fairness, we should note that even if French bulldogs are more hypoallergenic than other dogs they still aren’t so perfect. Frenchies get the same amount of shedding as other breeds and they need to be groomed just as often. A French bulldog’s hair is shorter than other breeds’ so brushing daily is pretty important to avoid matting and tangles.
What about their drool? Well, Frenchies don’t slobber too much but if you’re looking for something on the low-maintenance side it might not be the right choice for you. When these little guys eat or drink, they tend to dribble everywhere (because their mouths are smaller). They also have an extra wrinkle in their skin around the eyes called ‘brachycephalic folds’.
These folds can lead to eye problems like corneal ulcers which can cause infections. Allergies might also develop because of this. If you’re considering getting a French bulldog, then make sure to research your potential breeder and find out whether any major health issues run in the bloodline before buying from them. French Bulldogs are hypoallergenic. Their hair is shorter than other breeds and they need less grooming.
Reasons why they aren’t truly hypoallergenic
Even though some might say that French bulldogs are hypoallergenic, this is not the case. They can be made hypoallergenic by removing their hair, which in turn will cause them to produce more allergens to keep themselves warm. Furthermore, French bulldogs are prone to shedding regardless of whether or not they have hair so you’re still going to be dealing with dander and all other sorts of allergens. It’s just a matter of degree and one isn’t necessarily better than the other.
Depending on your allergies, it may be worth getting a dog with less dense fur for allergy relief. If you have asthma, it’s probably best to avoid any type of dog altogether because your health could worsen as well as put stress on your body. What you should do instead is talk to your doctor about what would work best for you. It’s also important to note that even if a dog doesn’t have much hair at all, there will still be allergens present due to saliva and dirt/dust particles. The only way around this would be through special baths or using an air purifier in the home but again, both come with drawbacks.
Ways to deal with dog allergies in homes with French bulldogs
Even though most people with allergies can still live comfortably with their canine companions in the home, it can be difficult to identify which dog breeds are best for allergy sufferers. Certain breeds of dogs are less allergenic than others because they produce less of the protein associated with allergic reactions, but not all hypoallergenic breeds fit this mold.
For example, French bulldogs are considered one of the least allergenic breeds around and make great pets for many who suffer from dog allergies; however, like any breed, some individuals will cause an allergic reaction despite being classified as hypoallergenic. Ultimately, what matters is how you react to your pet. A veterinarian or allergist should be consulted if symptoms persist after introducing a new pet into the household.