japanese chin dog standing on grass

The Japanese Chin is an elegant and playful dog breed that is beloved by many for its temperament, cute appearance, and manageable size. If you’re interested in the Japanese Chin breed, but you suffer from allergies to dogs, it can be discouraging.

Many allergy sufferers don’t believe they can successfully own a dog without symptoms, leading them to seek out hypoallergenic dog breeds. Here’s what you need to know about the Japanese Chin.


Are Japanese Chin Hypoallergenic?

Not only are Japanese Chin not hypoallergenic, but no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic. This is a moderate shedding breed, which can be irritating to many people’s allergy symptoms. To better understand why no dog is hypoallergenic, you first need to understand what causes allergies to dogs.

What Causes Dog Allergies?

People who are allergic to dogs suffer from an overactive immune system. The immune system of allergy sufferers is unsure of how to handle the proteins produced by dogs. These proteins are present in dog saliva, urine, and dander, which is the dead skin cells that naturally slough off. When exposed to these proteins, your immune system overreacts, leading to the annoying and frustrating allergy symptoms you’re so familiar with.

Because of these proteins, no dog can be considered hypoallergenic. Low shedding breeds may be less likely to stimulate allergy symptoms simply because they may lose less dander, but these breeds still produce the same levels of proteins in their urine and saliva. As a moderate shedding breed that is often groomed regularly, you may be able to maintain the dander levels of a Japanese Chin, but you won’t be able to control the production of the other allergy-stimulating proteins.

japanese chin on grass
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Controlling Dog Allergies in Your Home

For some people, dog allergies in the home may be able to be managed. Talking to your physician about bringing a dog into your home can help you determine if you may be able to adequately manage the allergens within your home. The top way to control your exposure to irritating allergens is to wash your hands after handling your dog or any of their belongings. Keep in mind that things like toys will have saliva, and a dirty puppy pad will have urine traces.

You should routinely wash linens that your dog comes into contact with, like blankets and dog bedding. It’s also recommended to change your clothes after handling your dog to reduce your contact with allergens. Dusting and vacuuming on a regular basis will help reduce free allergens within your home. However, over-cleaning and under-cleaning can increase your exposure to allergens, so stick to a routine.


Final Thoughts

While the Japanese Chin breed is not hypoallergenic, it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible for you to manage your allergies with one of these sweet dogs in your home. Having a Japanese Chin in a home with someone who suffers from dog allergies does require vigilance and routine to reduce allergen exposure, though.


Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock