Having allergies to dogs doesn’t mean you stop loving them any less, and it doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t want one of your own, despite the sneezing and itchy eyes. The trick is to figure out what precisely about dogs triggers your allergies and then to find a dog that has a lower risk of causing your allergies to act up. That’s why many people look for hypoallergenic dogs.
If you’ve been looking at getting a Boykin Spaniel even with your allergies, we have bad news. The breed isn’t hypoallergenic; in fact, no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic. But Boykin Spaniels are fairly moderate shedders who shed year-round, so they likely won’t be great for your allergies.
What Causes Dog Allergies
The first step of figuring out if there are any dog breeds your allergies can get along with is finding out what exactly it is about dogs that causes an allergic reaction for you. Some people are simply allergic to dog hair, but most often, it’s dander and saliva that kick starts those allergies. If that’s the case for you, a dog that sheds less or has less hair might not necessarily do the trick (though dogs who shed less should produce less dander and have less saliva left on their fur, so there’s a chance it’ll work out).
Are There Any Good Dogs for Allergy Sufferers?
Because dogs who shed less leave less hair, dander, and saliva lying around, it means fewer allergens in the home—always a plus for allergen sufferers. And with dog breeds that don’t have hair, you’ll definitely have less to worry about—although they can still have dander!
So, which breeds might work out best for you and your allergies? According to the AKC, these breeds are least likely to make allergies flare-up:
- Afghan Hound
- American Hairless Terrier
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Chinese Crested
- Coton de Tulear
- Giant Schnauzer
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Maltese
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Peruvian Inca Orchid
- Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Spanish Water Dog
- Standard Schnauzer
- Xoloitzcuintli
How Can I Relieve My Dog Allergies?
If you have allergies but have your heart absolutely set on a Boykin Spaniel, there are a few ways you can help relieve any allergies that come up. These tips won’t make your allergies go away completely, but they’ll hopefully relieve them a bit.
- The best thing to do might be to see an allergist who can find out what exactly you’re allergic to when it comes to dogs and provide antihistamines or other medication to help out. They might also recommend a series of allergy shots to stop the allergic reaction from occurring.
- We know it’s tempting to have your pup sleep with you, but keeping your dog away from your bedroom will be better for you in the long run.
- Bathe your pet every week to help get rid of loose fur and dander (or better yet, take them to a groomer, so you don’t have a reaction).
- Keep your home clean. Vacuum once or twice a week to get rid of dander and fur. Make sure pet beds are washed every week to get rid of allergens as well. Sweep floors weekly and dust regularly to keep things clean.
- Invest in a good air purifier that will help remove allergens from the air.
Conclusion
Just because you have allergies doesn’t necessarily mean you must avoid dogs completely. Though a truly hypoallergenic breed doesn’t exist, there are several dog breeds available that will be less likely to trigger your allergies. Unfortunately, the Boykin Spaniel isn’t one of those dogs since it sheds moderately year-round.
If you have your heart absolutely set on a Boykin Spaniel, though, there are a few ways you can help reduce your chances of having an allergy attack—by keeping your home sparkling clean and keeping your pet away from places like your bedroom. You’ll just have to weigh whether the risk of an allergic reaction and lots of cleaning outweighs the joy of owning a Boykin Spaniel.
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