The Labradoodle can make a great pet and service dog. Its playful, friendly temperament and high intelligence make it a great dog breed for first-time owners and children.
Unfortunately, many homes can not afford a dog if a family member has a pet allergy. As per stats, up to 20% of the global population is allergic to dogs and cats.
That is where hypoallergenic breeds come in. The Labradoodle is widely considered a hypoallergenic dog, making it a viable option for people with pet allergies. If you plan to get a Labradoodle due to allergies, it is essential to know if the Labradoodle is the right choice for you.
So, are Labradoodles hypoallergenic? Read on to learn more!
Origins of Labradoodles
The Labradoodle was bred to be a hypoallergenic guide dog in the 1980s. The Royal Guide Dog Association in Australia wanted to create an amiable, affectionate, and highly intelligent dog that would not shed as much as the Labrador and Golden Retriever.
That resulted in Wally Conron from Guide Dogs Victoria breeding the Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, aiming to produce a hypoallergenic Labrador for those with dog allergies.
Combining a Labrador’s unwavering loyalty, obedience, and cleverness with a low-shedding Poodle ultimately provided the best of both worlds- a mixed breed that would have all the qualities of a service dog while being easier on allergies, known as Labradoodles today.
However, there is no clear-cut answer as to whether this cross-breeding led to the introduction of a truly ‘hypoallergenic’ dog. The American Kennel Club (AKC) states there is no 100% hypoallergenic dog, be it a purebred dog or mixed breed. There are, however, dogs that are relatively more allergy-friendly than others, suitable for people with asthma and other allergies.
Therefore, the question still remains whether or not labradoodles are hypoallergenic.
What is Hypoallergenic?
The term ‘hypoallergenic’ refers to a dog that produces fewer allergens and has a low chance of triggering an allergy. Pet dander refers to dead skin cells resembling dandruff furry animals like dogs shed from their bodies.
Dander gets attached to dog hair, so the more a dog sheds, the more dander it releases, which is the primary cause of allergies.
Simply put, all dogs shed dander. Being hypoallergenic does not mean a dog produces no dander; just not as much as a non hypoallergenic dog.
Are Labradoodles hypoallergenic?
The Poodle is classified as a hypoallergenic dog due to its tight and curly coat, which sheds and drools infrequently, far less than other dogs. In stark contrast, a Labrador Retriever is a double-coated dog that sheds heavily through the year, which triggers allergies and is deemed an allergenic breed.
Generally speaking, Labradoodles produce less dander and saliva due to their Poodle ancestry. And while there is no hypoallergenic dog in the literal sense as every dog sheds, some Labradoodles can be more allergy-friendly than others.
Breeds, including the Portuguese Water Dog and an Irish Water Spaniel, are some excellent examples of other dogs also deemed hypoallergenic as they shed little.
However, that largely depends on their coat and genetics. A Labradoodle puppy that inherits more Poodle-type coats will shed less, whereas puppies with Labrador-type coats will shed more.
Labradoodle Genetic Variations and Coat Types
Not all Labradoodles are equal when it comes to being allergy-friendly. Some Labradoodle coat types and generations are more hypoallergenic than others. A Labradoodle coat is typically divided into three main types:
Hair
A straight hair Labradoodle features a Labrador-type coat due to the predominant Labrador genes. Accordingly, it produces more dander and sheds more. It is easy to groom nonetheless, and is most common in a first-generation Labradoodle.
Fleece
Labradoodles with a fleece coat have wavy hair. They shed more than wool-coated doodles but less than those with a straight coat. They are low maintenance and suited for mild allergy sufferers.
Wool
A Labradoodle with a wool coat has thick, curly hair, similar to a Poodle. While it serves as the ideal choice for allergy sufferers, this non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat needs frequent grooming due to its dense fur.
However, a first-generation Labradoodle, which is simply a cross between a Labrador and a Standard Poodle, serves as no guarantee that a Labradoodle will acquire more of the hypoallergenic Poodle’s genes.
Some puppies in the litter might have a higher degree of Poodle or Labrador genes than others and may shed heavily or less. However, they typically have more similarities to the Labrador, having hair or fleece coats.
That brings us to the concept of backcrossing, which increases the likelihood of the Labradoodle acquiring a greater level of Poodle genes, including its coat.
To enhance the chances of achieving a Labradoodle with a curly, non-shed coat, many breeders breed a Labradoodle with a Poodle. The two most common backcross Labradoodle generations you can consider if you suffer from dog allergies include:
F1B Labradoodle
While a first-generation or F1 Labradoodle is an equal mix of a purebred Labrador and Poodle, a second-generation F1B Labradoodle is a cross between an F1 Labradoodle and a Poodle parent, with 75% poodle genes and 25% Labrador genes. This generation of Labradoodles can be suited for those with severe sensitivity to dog dander if they have the wool or fleece coat. There can be inconsistency within F1b Labradoodle coats, so you will want to work with a breeder that is good at recognizing coat types.
Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle
Also known as a multigen ALD, results from generations of breeding Labradoodle to Labradoodl, and typically come from the original bloodlines from Australia. Due to their consistency in coats across any given litter, they are known for having hypoallergenic traits.
Regardless of the dog, finding a reputable breeder is vital to finding a hypoallergenic dog compatible with your lifestyle. Look for someone knowledgeable who can predict the coat type the puppy will develop as it grows. Someone who can verify the dog’s parentage, such as by showing its pedigree documents, would be ideal.
Tips for Reducing Dander and Allergies from Labradoodles
As all dogs produce and shed dander, though some to a lesser extent than others.
There are several ways in which you can limit the risk of developing allergy symptoms by reducing dander. These include:
Using Air Filters
Air filters trap and eliminate airborne allergens, helping maintain healthy indoor air quality. A HEPA filter will significantly minimize the chances of developing an allergy as it will purify the environment by getting rid of dander.
Regular Grooming
Frequent grooming is perhaps the most effective method to make your dog more hypoallergenic.
Brushing your Labradoodle’s coat a few times a week, preferably every day, will keep its coat neat and clean. It will remove dead hair or loose strands that would otherwise spread around your living space, spreading dander and potentially triggering an allergy. Make sure to do it outdoors.
To further strengthen the grooming routine, consider bathing your dog to remove dead skin cells and extra hair while limiting the accumulation of dander and loosening the hair.
It is recommended to use a shampoo recommended by a vet.
Regular Cleaning
Cleaning your home frequently by mopping and dusting will prevent hair and pet dander from building up and causing potential allergic reactions. Make sure to specifically target areas where your Labradoodle sleeps or spends most of its time, as that is where it will likely shed the most.
For fabric items like sofas, run a vacuum followed by a thorough wipe-down using a microfiber cloth and cleaning liquid to trap maximum hair and dander. Likewise, use a scrub brush in combination with a vacuum to deep clean carpets.
Limiting Access to Bedrooms
Restrict your doodle from entering specific areas of your home. The bedroom is the best place to prevent access. That will minimize the amount of dander that spreads in your home, keeping it allergen-free as much as possible.
Improving Diet
A diet with insufficient healthy fats can lead to dander due to dry skin. If you believe you are providing your furry friend with a well-balanced diet, consider supplementing it with omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin by preventing flakes.
Final Thoughts
If you want a loyal, affable, and affectionate furry companion, a Labradoodle is a great choice without a second thought. But what if you have a dog allergy? Are Labradoodles hypoallergenic, or will they cause allergy symptoms commonly associated with pets? Are they the right choice for your health and lifestyle?
While there is no black-and-white answer to this, one thing is for certain. There is no 100% allergy-friendly dog breed out there. The term hypoallergenic is given to dogs that shed less than other dogs. In that sense, the Labradoodle is among the many hypoallergenic dogs you can get due to their low shedding coats.
However, due to their Labrador parentage, it can be an uphill task to predict the type of coat your puppy will develop as they grow and the amount of dander they produce. A wool or fleece coat can be a great type to keep your allergy symptoms in check.
The best you can do is to find a reputable breeder who has selectively bred these beautiful canines so that they adopt more of the correct coat type for the breed standard.
About Brasken Labradoodles
For almost two decades, Brasken Labradoodles has been recognized by the ALAA as one of the best Labradoodle breeders in California. The dedication of Kristin & Brandon to the well-being and care of their Labradoodles showcases their passion for these affectionate and intelligent animals, ensuring each puppy is raised with love and expertise. Their commitment reflects in the healthy, happy, and well-socialized puppies that become cherished members of their new families.