papillon

Papillons are beautiful little pups with fox-like ears that are known for their high energy levels and long, puffy, yet silky fur. You may be surprised to find that they’re one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, and have roots dating back over 600 years.

These small poochies are the perfect lap dog and they usually have tri-tone coats that are mostly white but speckled with sable, black and tan patches. If you or someone in your home suffers from allergy issues you may be wondering if Papillons are a hypoallergenic dog breed.

Are Papillons Hypoallergenic?

The answer is no. Papillons are not considered hypoallergenic dogs due to the fact that they do shed–though they only have a single coat of fur. There really isn’t a truly hypoallergenic dog, as all dogs shed. However, some breeds simply shed less than others.

Papillons don’t shed excessively and are single-coated, so you may not experience severe allergic reactions if you were to introduce one into your home as you would with other breeds such as Labradors or German Shepards. And there are ways to minimize potential issues with allergic reactions, which we’ll cover in a moment.

Do Papillons Need Regular Grooming?

No, they don’t actually. These pups don’t require tons of grooming. Why? Because they lack the second undercoat that many breeds have. However, this lack of an undercoat can cause Papillons to get cold fast, so always keep a sweater or blanket nearby in cooler weather or if you live in colder regions.

Grooming for these dogs can be done on a monthly basis to keep their coats from becoming matted. However, in between grooming sessions be sure to brush your Papillon with a comb or soft slicker brush to help remove dander. Also, note that Papillons’ nails grow pretty fast, so try to get your pet’s nails trimmed every three to four weeks–you can do this yourself with a dog nail clipper.

papillon lying on leaves
Image courtesy of Pixabay

Ways to Reduce Allergy Symptoms

Papillons can be your best friends, but if you have severe allergies or asthma, they can also be your worst enemy. Though they only shed lightly, their dander can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions in some people. Here are some steps you can take to help reduce the amount of dander lingering around your home.

Minimize Their Access In The Home

Limit your Papillon’s access to certain rooms in your home. It may seem difficult, but it is worth it if your dog has severe allergies. You can also ban your dog from rooms where allergic or asthmatic people sleep. Children with allergies should avoid touching or petting the dog. They should wash their hands after coming in contact with the dog. Wood floors can also be beneficial for pets. Wood flooring is less allergenic than carpet, and it is easier to maintain.

Keep the Papillon off The Upholstery

You can reduce the risk of your Papillon getting into carpets, beds, or upholstered furniture by keeping it off carpets and rugs. As allergen-resistant bedding can be used to prevent dander from getting into comforters and sheets, it is also possible to use this bedding. Keep your Papillon away from your car unless it is in a cage. Instead of letting your dog sleep in your bed and putting them to bed, give them a separate dog bed.

Get Serious About Cleaning

Your Papillon should regularly be cleaned of any furniture, sheets, clothes or other materials he comes in contact with. This includes throw rugs, pillows and cushions, blankets, pet beds, and blankets.

Dander, dust mites, and other allergens can be reduced by dusting as frequently as possible. You should note that vacuuming alone may not remove all allergens from lower levels of rugs and can cause a little bit of dander to be released as you clean. It may be worth investing in a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Make sure you clean your dog’s play area and cage regularly. This includes vacuuming, wiping down, and removing furniture and walls.

a woman vacuuming furniture in a house with a hand-held portable vacuum cleaner
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Close Your Vent Registers

If you have forced-air heating or air-conditioning, close the vents. This will reduce the amount of dog dander in your home. If you’re unable to close all registers, consider closing the ones in rooms with family members that are most likely to be affected by allergies or asthma issues.

Also, regularly replacing the filter in your air conditioner or furnace with a HEPA filter or purchasing a room air cleaner may also help reduce the amount of dander floating around in your home.

Bathe Your Papillon On The Regular

Bathing your Papillon regularly can also reduce the allergens found in their dander. Papillons require frequent brushing and bathing due to their long coats. So consider bathing your Papillon every two to 6 weeks to help minimize dander. However, if you notice the dog’s skin becoming dry, consider reducing this frequency.

Final Thoughts

Papillons aren’t a hypoallergenic dog breed, as they do shed their fur regularly. Though they don’t shed as much as other dog breeds, they may cause allergy symptoms in people who are sensitive to dog dander.

However, there are ways that you can reduce potential allergy issues by reducing dander around your home. This includes restricting the dog to certain areas of the home, grooming them regularly, and frequently cleaning any areas that they inhabit thoroughly.


Featured Image Credit: Fayzulin Serg, Shutterstock