Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?

Some people believe dogs provoke allergies. Well, that might be true for some breeds, specifically the ones with longer hair and voluminous coats. Dog hair is known to be a big cause of allergies. 

When it comes to French Bulldogs, these adorable animals are known to be liked by many pet lovers for their friendliness. The French Bulldog`s characteristics make this breed one of the best companion dogs in the world today. 

The question that arises now is whether the French Bulldogs are hypoallergenic or not. The short answer to this question is, “No”. 

What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?

What does hypoallergenic dog mean? A dog breed that is least likely to cause allergy symptoms is known as a hypoallergenic dog. If you want to cuddle up with your furry companion but have allergies to pet dander, then a hypoallergenic dog is the perfect answer. Hypoallergenic dogs are great for people with allergies because these are dogs that don’t shed or shed less than the other breeds, which means that their dander is not a problem. 

Is Any Dog 100% Hypoallergenic?

All dog breeds have a coat that they shed. The only difference is the volume of the coat and the intensity of the shed, which makes them more or less hypoallergenic. Therefore, no dog is truly hypoallergenic, typically there is a threshold at which people with allergies tend to react to the dander or saliva that causes them to feel itchy, sneezy or short of breath. And even if you don’t have pet sensitivity, owning a dog that sheds less is a great choice because you wil cut down on vacuuming all of the hair around the house.

Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?

There are breeders currently breeding non hypoallergenic Frenchies. You see all types of new genes popping up in French Bulldogs such as Hairless, C2 or curly haired dogs, and Furnishing. However, they are likely not purebred French Bulldogs. If you are one of those rare people, 10% of the world, allergic to dog fur and danger, a Frenchie might not a good pet for you. Although they are known as a light shedders.

French Bulldog Shedding

If you are not allergic to dog hair, you have no problem keeping a French Bulldog in your house. French Bulldogs can shed a lot of hair, which can be problematic for house residents with allergies. French Bulldogs tend to shed the most twice a year.

Their coat is smooth, fine, and short-haired, so it is easy to groom them. They do not require hair cuts so they tend to shed the dead hair and skin instead. Since you can anticipate the annual shed of a French Bulldog to increase twice a year, you can always plan to keep things under control. The good news though is that since Frenchies have very short, fine hair so you don’t have that much hair spread all over your clothes, furniture, or home. It also helps that the French Bulldog are small in size which means it leaves a lot less fur than larger dog breeds.

What To Do When French Bulldogs Shed?

Shedding is a natural process. Nothing can be done to stop it, but there can be many ways of protecting yourself and your family from allergies during this period. When the shedding period starts, you ensure a thorough cleaning of your home. Wash bedclothes and linen daily. Use a duster to wipe off unwanted hair from curtains and furniture.  

French Bulldog shedding is minimal and they typically lose their undercoat twice a year. In the summer, like most dogs, Frenchies shed their undercoat to keep them from overheating. In the winter, they shed their summer undercoat to grow a coat that is thicker in order to stay warm.

Signs That You Are Allergic to Your French Bulldog

If you can relate to any of the following symptoms from the list, you should consult your doctor about getting an allergy test because you can be allergic to your Frenchie. 

After being near your Frenchie, you develop a stuffy/runny nose or begin sneezing immediately.

You have a persistent dry cough. Whenever you get near your French Bulldog, your cough worsens. 

Is your cough worse at night if you let your Frenchie sleep on your bed? Check that too. 

Around your dog, your eyes become itchy, watery, and red. There is constant irritation on your skin under the eyes. 

You develop rashes and itching on your skin after touching your dog. Your skin is irritable whenever you touch their toys or anything else that has been in contact with your French Bulldog. 

What if You Get a Frenchie Despite Being Allergic?

If your love for the French Bulldog gets the better of you, and you get one for the house despite being allergic, there are certain things that you can keep in check. If you do that, your allergies might not trouble you. 

Maintain their grooming needs all the time. You will need to have your Frenchie groomed regularly, without fail. Grooming your French Bulldog regularly will help remove dander from its skin and keep its coat in order. Ensure getting excessive hair trimmed off now and then.

Keep them off the furniture, especially the ones that you use. Avoid having your French Bulldog on your bed or furniture where they can shed hair and dander, which might trigger your allergies.

Regularly wash the linen and bedding of each place in the house. This cannot be easy, but it will help reduce the dander in your home. It would be best to wash your linen, furniture, and dog bedding regularly without forgetting.

Most importantly, spend time around a French Bulldog first to see how your allergies react. If you suffer from allergies, getting a French Bulldog may be more difficult than getting another breed of hypoallergenic dog. Ensure your health and safety first before making a decision. 

Don’t rush into getting a Frenchie: Before bringing your new puppy home, make certain you can deal with a French Bulldog.

How Are Dog T-Shirts Helpful in Keeping Off Unwanted Hair?

Another thing you could do to help reduce dander on your Frenchie is to put them in a small t-shirt. This may appear strange, but it will help keep its hair from falling off everywhere. 

Conclusion:

French Bulldogs are lovely and cute. You can get these as pets even if you are allergic, but then you must prepare to take extra care to control things. French Bulldogs are adorable pets, but they are not hypoallergenic. 

November 24, 2022

Sade Amor

Sade Amor is the Marketing Director of Frenchie FAQ. She is a huge dog lover and owner of a French Bulldog herself. Sade has many years of writing experience and first hand experience raising & training French Bulldogs!

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