Despite being a dog lover, some families have to compromise on their desire to own the most loyal companion as someone in their home suffers from allergies. Then, when they learn about the Sheepadoodle, which is often referred to as hypoallergenic, their eyes brighten up, and they recollect their enthusiasm and start looking for ways to get the breed at their home. However, there are valid reasons for not being over the moon; learning about the Sheepadoodles can be easy on allergies. Not everything said and told on the internet is true, after all. So, let us dig further and identify whether the above-mentioned breed is truly hypoallergenic.
Decoding the term hypoallergenic first
Often, people believe the term hypoallergenic means allergy-proof. It simply refers to it being less likely to trigger allergies. Precisely speaking, it produces fewer allergens compared to other dogs. Now, here is the catch: no dogs are 100% hypoallergenic. For the unversed, allergies are usually triggered by dander or dead skin cells, saliva proteins, and urine proteins. So, as you can see, hair itself isn’t the sole problem; the real issue is what sticks to it.
The Sheepadoodle advantage
A Sheepadoodle is a cross between an Old English sheepdog and a Poodle (standard or miniature). The goal is that the hybrid would be gentle, love being around people, as is the Sheepdog, and also bears the qualities of the Poodle, which is low-shedding, and extremely intelligent. Interestingly, when it comes to allergies, genetics do not always go hand in hand perfectly. Nevertheless, there are several benefits of owning a Sheepadoodle.
The allergy equation
Here, we must mention that Poodles are considered one of the most allergy-friendly breeds as they shed very little, their hair grows regularly, and dander tends to stay trapped in their coat and does not float around freely.
The Old English sheepdog, on the other hand, is completely opposite. They tend to shed heavily, produce a huge amount of dander, and have thick double coats that release allergens easily. A Sheepadoodle is somewhere between these two opposite poles.
Thus, you get the answer to the question: Sheepadoodles are sometimes hypoallergenic but not always. As mentioned before, the hybrid breed sheds less, and a lot depends on their genetics. Many people with mild allergies will tolerate the Sheepadoodles well, but some people may still react.
Reasons that make Sheepadoodle’s allergy friendliness so varied
A wide array of reasons can be classified that make the Sheepadoodle’s allergy friendliness vary. Here they are:
- Coat type: Sheepadoodles can have curly, wavy, and loose or shaggy coats. The ones with curly coats are the best for allergies, as they bear the traits of the Poodle more. The ones with wavy coats would be moderate on allergen control, and the loose and shaggy ones will shed more and have more dander. To be on the safe side, you must choose a Sheepadoodle with curly coats.
- Generation can make a difference: As you can understand, not all Sheepadoodles are genetically equal. The F1 Sheepadoodle (50% Sheepdog and 50% Poodle) is the least predictable for allergies. The F1b Sheepadoodle (75% Poodle) is more allergy-friendly and will shed the least. Lastly, the multigenerational Sheepadoodles are usually bred for consistent coat traits. Considering this list, you can now make an informed choice on which generation would be the best for you to safeguard yourself from allergies.
Individual dogs produce different allergen levels
Now, even with the same litter, one puppy may be allergy-friendly while another might trigger symptoms. To put it in a nutshell, allergy reactions are deeply personal and very unpredictable.
The real story, how allergy sufferers generally experience with Sheepadoodles
Individuals with mild to moderate allergies often report fewer sneezes, reduced itching, and better tolerance compared to the breeds that shed the most. People with severe allergies or asthma may still struggle, even if they keep the low-shedding Sheepadoodle at home.
Shedding vs. allergies can be confusing
It is necessary to clear the doubts first. Low shedding does not mean hypoallergenic, as referred to earlier. A dog can shed very little and still produce allergenic dander and saliva. Sheepadoodles do shed a lot less than Sheepdogs, but more than the purebred Poodles.
Grooming can control allergies
Regular grooming can make a significant difference and reduce allergen buildup. When you have a Sheepadoodle at home, you should:
- Brush the dog at least 3-4 times every week.
- Go for professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
- Ensure bathing them with gentle, dog-safe shampoos.
- Ensure that the fur around the face is trimmed, which would help in controlling saliva.
A poorly groomed Sheepadoodle will trigger more allergies than a well-groomed breed.
The home environment can also make a big difference
Do understand, even the most allergy-friendly dog will not help if the home setup isn’t appropriate. People who have someone in their family who is vulnerable to allergies must follow allergy-friendly practices, which can be in the following ways:
- Using HEPA air purifiers.
- Vacuum the home regularly.
- Wash dog bedding frequently.
- Keeping the dogs out of those rooms where the allergenic person stays.
- Wiping the paws and coat of the dog after they return indoors after playing.
Managing allergies is mostly about regulating the environment and has little to do with breed choice.
So do the Mini Sheepadoodles trigger fewer allergies?
Well, not necessarily. Generally, smaller dogs tend to produce less dander, but they still release allergens. A Mini Sheepadoodle can be slightly easier to manage when it comes to allergies, but as mentioned in the earlier section, coat type and genetics play the upper hand in this aspect more than their size. Once you know what to expect as a new owner of a Sheepadoodle, managing things would become very convenient.
Can puppies be misleading for allergy testing?
Yes, it can happen, as puppy coats tend to be softer, less developed, and lower in dander production. The majority of allergy reactions appear only after the adult coat becomes prominent, which is in about 12-18 months. Thus, many individuals who think they are doing well while being exposed to the puppies should not consider it as the benchmark. As referred, the allergic symptoms can start evolving after the dog matures into an adult.
How to test if you are allergic to a Sheepadoodle
Here are a few sensible things to try before committing to a Sheepadoodle:
- Spending a prolonged period with adult Sheepadoodles.
- Visit reputed breeders multiple times.
- Interact without taking antihistamines during the initial days.
- Pay good attention to delayed reactions.
Are Sheepadoodles a good option for allergy-prone families?
Sheepadoodles can be a good addition if the allergies are mild, as a dog parent, you dedicate quality time to its grooming, and of course, you must choose a Poodle-dominant generation. Sheepadoodles might not be the best choice for families where allergies are severe, involve asthma patients, and the doctor recommends the person to stay near a zero-allergen environment.
The emotional aspect attached to the hypoallergenic myth
Truth be said, most of the families tend to fall in love with Sheepadoodles emotionally before getting the facts right. Unplanned expectations often lead to disappointments, and not because the dog is bad.
Sheepadoodles can become excellent companions once the families take appropriate care before adopting one. Choosing one from the Poodle-dominant generation can take care of the allergy factor. However, for those who are dealing with severe allergic patients, going for a purebred that is known for its hypoallergenic quality, like a Poodle, is the best option.