Unfortunately, there is no breed of dog that is 100% hypoallergenic. And it should be noted that French Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic dogs. Compared to other dog breeds, French bulldogs are moderate shedders, but they are not allergy-friendly dog breed.
Their short coats produce dander and saliva, which can be an additional risk for those who suffer from allergies. Despite what people may believe, it is not their hair that causes people to become allergic to dogs, but their saliva and dander.
Whenever people with weak immune systems come into contact with dogs, their skin becomes itchy and irritated, causing sneezing, runny noses, allergic reactions, and itchiness. This is due to the fact that French Bulldog dander and saliva cling to the hair that it sheds.
How Hypoallergenic Are French Bulldogs?
In spite of the fact that French Bulldogs have short hair, they shed quite a bit of hair. They shed their fur at least twice a year, if not more. Normally, this happens around the end of spring and the beginning of autumn when your Frenchie will start to lose their undercoat.
In addition, it is possible for them to shed more hair if their living and hygienic conditions are not good or if they are not receiving all the vitamins they need in their diet.
Here are some reasons why if you have severe allergies and are considering buying a French Bulldog, you should exercise some caution:
| As with most dogs, French Bulldogs shed a moderate amount of hair throughout their lives. The downside, however, is that there are times when they shed in such a way as to aggravate allergies, especially in the spring and summer. |
| Due to their short, tough, thin coats, French Bulldogs are more likely to accumulate dander. |
| The dander and saliva of dogs contain specific proteins, fur, and urine. People with allergies can suffer severe reactions upon contact with these substances. It is not uncommon for French Bulldogs to slobber. There may be differences in the amount of dander produced at different times of the year by French dogs. Still, the amount of drooling they produce is relatively consistent. In addition, the drool from their mouths can cause an allergic reaction even more quickly than their hair. |
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to your French Bulldog
Please consult your physician if you experience any of the following symptoms and want a test performed for allergies.
| When you are close to your French Bulldog, you get stuffy or runny noses or start sneezing. |
| Whenever you are around your French Bulldog, you will experience a persistent dry cough. |
| You get itchy, watery, and red eyes when you are around your French Bulldog. |
| You develop rashes or itches on your skin whenever you come in contact with your dog’s toys or with any other object they have been in close contact with. |
Do French Bulldogs have a lot of dander?
Many people believe they will have fewer allergies if their dogs are less hairy. That’s not the case at all. In reality, it’s not the hair’s problem, but rather their dander and saliva, as mentioned before.
The dander produced by all dogs is the skin that has shed off their bodies in the form of dead cells. Because dog dander adheres to the hairs, dogs that naturally shed a lot will leave dog dander lying around more than dogs that don’t shed much.
Because of their wrinkled, flat snout, French Bulldogs tend to accumulate a lot of saliva around their jowls. In addition to the fact that French Bulldogs have sensitive skin, they are also prone to allergies, resulting in an oily or dry and itchy coat and excessive dander.
In addition, bacterial infections can develop within the folds of the skin.
You can expect your French Bulldog to rub up against soft furnishings and carpets if they are itchy and uncomfortable. So spreading the dander throughout the house.
What to do if you still want a French Bulldog?
In case you cannot resist the temptation to adopt a French Bulldog, but you suffer from allergies, there is no need to worry! It is possible to reduce the severity of your allergies by taking certain steps. To begin with, there is no doubt that regular grooming is necessary so that your French Bulldogs’ skin is free of dander and other irritants.
Maintaining your Frenchie’s hygiene regularly helps prevent allergic reactions and keep them to a minimum. In your house, you need to ensure that you don’t let your French Bulldog jump on any furniture, especially your bed. It is also recommended that you regularly wash your dog’s bed, sheets, and other washables with which your dog may come into contact.
Here are some tips and best practices to follow:
| Bathe your French Bulldog bi-weekly: Allergies can make it difficult to wash your Frenchie regularly. However, you should bathe your French Bulldog at least every two weeks as this will help. |
| Use mild dog shampoo: This will ensure that all the dander that has been accumulating on your French Bulldogs coat is washed away. And will ensure you are not stripping the natural oils from their coat. |
| Wash your linen: If you want to prevent allergies in your home, it is equally important that your linen and your dog’s bedding are washed at least once a week, as mentioned above. |
| Don’t allow them on furniture: If you have allergies, make sure not to let your French Bulldog stay in your bed or on your furniture. |
| You can relieve some of the symptoms of French Bulldog allergy reactions by using nasal sprays, bronchodilators, and antihistamines. |
| Take part in an immunotherapy |
Are French Bulldogs less Hypoallergenic than other dog breeds?
Some dog breeds are perceived to be less allergenic due to their coat type; however, studies have shown that coat type has no connection to the number of allergens produced by dogs. Even though French bulldogs shed moderately, this does not mean they are inherently more or less allergenic.
Whether or not they are tolerable to live with can depend on how much their shed allergens are removed from the environment through vacuuming and cleaning. Whether or not they are tolerable to live with can depend on how much their shed allergens are removed from the environment through vacuuming and cleaning.
Furthermore, studies have shown that dogs with oily skin trap more allergenic proteins in their coats than dogs with non-oily skin. Despite having a relatively non-greasy coat, healthy Frenchies can sometimes have allergies of their own, which can lead to an overproduction of skin oils.
Is there a mixed French Bulldog that is Hypoallergenic?
No, as we mentioned above, no real 100% hypoallergenic dog is available. You need to consider this if you do suffer from allergies.
Conclusion
French Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic. 🙁
French Bulldogs shed quite a bit despite having a short coat despite their short coats. There is a very high probability that you may get hives or sneeze a lot when you are around them.
There may be some adjustments you have to make in order to live with a French Bulldog, such as taking medication or making sure the house is clean. Nonetheless, there are times when it is health that comes first, and you will have to choose a dog that is more hypoallergenic than a French Bulldog.
