French Bulldogs are an exceedingly popular breed of dogs. They’re unique, quiet, affectionate, humorous, and over-the-top adorable. They make excellent family pets as well as a single’s best friend. But is the French Bulldog hypoallergenic?
It’s a fair question—and one that many dog lovers with pet allergies are curious to know. Considering they’re size, low-maintenance grooming needs, and short hair, you would think the answer is yes. However, there’s more to it than that.
Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
The short answer here is no. These irresistibly adorable companions are non-hypoallergenic, meaning that they can aggravate your allergy symptoms. In all honesty, no breed of dog is 100% hypoallergenic—even the ones advertised as such.
All dogs shed, some breeds more so than others. It’s how they rid themselves of loose, old, or damaged hair. It’s also how they keep themselves cool in the summertime. Despite having a short-haired coat, Frenchies do shed a moderate amount.
The shedding usually happens twice a year—late Spring and late Fall. They shed their undercoat to get ready for the season ahead. It’s important to note that frequent shedding is also related to the dog’s health.
A poor diet with vitamin deficiencies and other conditions can cause excessive shedding year-round. Even dogs who are usually easy on allergies can make your sneezing and itchy eyes start up if their coat isn’t healthy.
Frenchies also have sensitive skin that’s naturally prone to problems. The most common skin problem among Frenchies is dermatitis, which tends to form wherever they have skin folds. A Frenchie’s dermatitis can invariably cause your allergies to flare up as well.
So, How Bad Are They For My Allergies?
Here’s what we know so far—Frenchies are non-hypoallergenic, and they shed a modest amount of fur that’s at its heaviest twice a year. They’re also prone to their skin issues, which have the potential to affect your allergies. So, just how bad are they for those with sensitive sinuses?
Overall, they’re cute but deadly. Okay, so a Frenchie won’t actually kill you, but it can do some damage allergy-wise. Not only do they shed a noticeable amount of their unique fur, but their skin as well, since it tends to become dry and flaky. They’re also not shy about their slobbering habits.
There are specific proteins in dog saliva, fur, urine, and dander that will cause a sensitive person’s immune system to react or overreact. Different breeds will produce different levels of dander, but the slobber remains relatively consistent. More often than not, it’s the Frenchie’s slobber that will rile up your symptoms before their hair does.
WAIT!—It May Not Be All Your Frenchie’s Fault…
According to Web MD, somewhere around 18 million people in the United States have different allergies as a result of pollen, mold, dust mites, weeds, and grasses. Those allergies can come on suddenly, and later in life.
Outdoor allergens like pollen, mold, weeds, grasses, and even dander from passing animals easily attach themselves to your hair, clothing, and shoes. They enter your house with you and become embedded in your furniture and linens, where they continue to wreak havoc on your eyes, lungs, nose, and throat.
The same allergens that attach themselves to you may also attach themselves to your Frenchie’s fur. So, if you already own a Frenchie and notice that your allergies are flaring up around them suddenly, it may not be their fur or slobber alone causing the problem.
Allergies Be Darned, I Still Want a French Bulldog
Welcoming a new dog into the family is a big deal, no matter what the breed is. Especially if you have allergies, it’s not something to take lightly. Having said that, there are quite a few ways for human allergies and French Bulldogs to coexist. It may just take a little extra work.
Here are some things you can do to lessen your allergy symptoms while living with a Frenchie:
Maintain Their Coats
Keeping your Frenchie well-groomed is a must, allergies, or no allergies. Luckily, they’re easy dogs to groom, and they don’t require hair cuts. Regular grooming will take care of old, loose or dead hair as well as dander, reducing the allergens in their fur.
The best type of brushes for your Frenchie’s coat and sensitive skin is a bristle brush or a slicker brush.
Bathe Them Regularly
Don’t forget that Frenchies have sensitive skin that’s prone to drying and flaking. Bathing them regularly—every one to two weeks—with an appropriate shampoo will keep their skin from drying out, reducing their overall dander.
Clean Your Carpets, Rugs, and Furniture
When Frenchies shed their hair and dander, it doesn’t just disappear into thin air. It becomes embedded in material surfaces. To reduce the overall allergens that come from arguably the cutest dog on the planet, you’ll have to keep up with cleaning. If possible, try to keep them off of the furniture and your bed as well.
Clean Their Beds Too
Your Frenchie’s dog bed will need the same amount of upkeep as the rest of your home if you want to beat the allergens. Your best bet is to find a dog bed with a removable cover that you can throw into the wash once every one to two weeks.
Buy Them Some Doggy Clothes
Another thing you can do is dress your Frenchie in breathable, cotton, doggie clothes. Doggie clothes help to keep the hair and dander in one place rather than spread all over your home and furniture.
French Bulldog Hypoallergenic – Is it Worth it For Allergy Sufferers?
Like we said, all dogs shed, and a French Bulldog that’s hypoallergenic doesn’t exist. If you’re one of the 10% of the population who suffers from severe allergic reactions to dog fur and dander, then a Frenchie won’t be a suitable companion for you.
Of course, if your allergies are more on the mild side, it’s really a question of how much you’re willing to suffer for your furry friend. To be honest, Frenchies are worth a bit of suffering! But your lifestyle and health have to factor in, too.
