Many potential dog owners are unable to fulfil their dream of having a dog in the family due to having an allergy to dog dander. This used to be a difficult hurdle to overcome. However, advances in allergy medication and changes in dog breeding practices made owning a dog so much easier for allergy sufferers. Huskies are very popular dog breeds, but are they hypoallergenic? Let’s find out.
What is a hypoallergenic dog?
People often say ‘I am allergic to dogs’ but this is inaccurate. If you have a reaction to a dog, it is caused by the dog’s dander, which is similar to dandruff. All animals with hair have dander, which is shed just like we shed dead skin from our bodies. This is what triggers a reaction from an allergy sufferer.
The first ‘hypoallergenic’ dog was the goldendoodle, a crossbreed from a standard poodle parent and a golden retriever. A breeder working with the guide dogs of Australia was tasked with breeding a dog that did not trigger a disabled man’s allergies.
The breeder chose to breed a golden retriever, one of the most famous guide dogs breeds, with a standard poodle, known for their intellect and low shedding coat.
Since then, breeders all over the world have followed suit, crossing poodles with all manner of breeds in an effort to produce hypoallergenic dogs.
No Dog Breed is Truly Hypoallergenic
The truth is, no dog is entirely hypoallergenic and that is particularly true for huskies. Some breeds simply shed less hair than others. Poodles and poodle crosses are considered ‘hypoallergenic’ because they are very low shedding. This is thanks to their short coat and tight curls, which traps most of their loose hairs.
All dogs shed hair. It is a natural function of the body to lose dead hairs to make way for healthy hairs to grow. Additionally, most breeds considered hypoallergenic are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. It is because they only have a single coat and do not ‘blow’ their coat.
Dogs with an undercoat and top coat have two blow outs every year, one in spring to be ready for the hot summer months and a second one in autumn to grow in their thicker winter coat.
Are Huskies Hypoallergenic?
Huskies are double coated breeds and therefore not considered hypoallergenic. In fact, husky breeds are the most notorious for shedding hair. A groomer’s salon is often full of hair when a husky is in attendance and their blow outs can be quite spectacular.
People with allergies to dog dander will certainly struggle to be around husky breeds. Nevertheless, those with mild reactions may be able to manage their allergies by taking medication.
Because huskies are not hypoallergenic, it is not ideal to own one if your allergy is severe. However, it does not mean that bringing a husky breed into the family is definitely impossible. With a regular vacuuming schedule and daily brushing, there is no reason that an allergy sufferer cannot have a husky if their condition is a mild one.
Also Read: Are Huskies Good with Kids?