Samoyed dog in the summer forest

Dog lovers with allergies have it rough. Depending on the severity of their reaction, even being in the same room with a dog can have them sneezing, sniffling, or breaking out in hives. This is one of the reasons that hypoallergenic dogs are in such high demand. But many breeds labeled hypoallergenic can still trigger allergies. Samoyeds are often listed as hypoallergenic but actually aren’t.

What Causes Dog Allergies?

People who have allergies to dogs are specifically allergic to the dander, drool, and skin oil that dogs produce. The more that a dog sheds, the more that these byproducts are released into the air, which is why low-shedding dogs don’t trigger people’s allergies as much as high-shedding ones. But that doesn’t mean these dogs don’t still produce allergens.

Some dogs, including Samoyeds, produce less dander than other breeds. If you have a mild allergy, this may be enough to reduce your symptoms. But it will still trigger an allergic reaction in those very sensitive to dander.

Samoyed dogs have a long, thick double coat that can trigger allergies in other ways. Since they shed their outer coat twice a year, there is a fair amount of hair buildup at these times. Hair fibers in the air can trigger allergic reactions. Thick coats of hair are also good at collecting dust, pollen, and other allergens from outside, which can also trigger a reaction.

white samoyed on riverside
Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Why Samoyeds Are Listed as Hypoallergenic

All dogs have a protein in their body that is responsible for producing dander. Samoyeds have a different variation of this protein than other dog breeds, and they don’t produce much dander. These dogs don’t typically drool either, so two of the three things that can trigger symptoms in allergy sufferers are eliminated (or at least reduced) with a Samoyed dog.

For people who struggle with allergies to dog hair, the Samoyed is not the breed for you. These dogs shed frequently. They have long hair and are double-coated. While they don’t shed large volumes year-round, they do “blow out” their coat twice per year. They also produce skin oil the same as any other dog, which can also trigger allergy symptoms.

Samoyeds are listed as a hypoallergenic dog breed simply because they produce less dander than other breeds.

The Verdict: Are Samoyeds Hypoallergenic?

Samoyeds are frequently listed as a hypoallergenic dog breed because they produce less dander than most other dogs. Daily grooming, brushing, and bathing may be less likely to cause symptoms in some people. But it’s impossible to eliminate dog dander altogether. So, more sensitive individuals may still find that Samoyeds trigger their allergies.

There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, only dogs that are less likely to cause a reaction. Some people can’t be around any dogs without triggering their allergy symptoms. Others find that their allergy symptoms are alleviated around dogs that don’t shed or that produce lower volumes of dander.


Featured Image Credit: Nikolai Tsvetkov, Shutterstock