Are Beagles hypoallergenic? No. But, the unfortunate truth is that no dog is completely allergen-free, including Beagles.
Beagles, like all dog breeds, produce allergens in their saliva. When they lick themselves, they spread these allergens all over their fur.
The upside is beagles are really easy to clean and don’t require a great deal of grooming.
Table of Contents
What Do People Mean When They Say Hypoallergenic?
Most of us are familiar with the sniffles we catch seasonally from airborne allergens such as pollen.
These so-called allergens can cause many uncomfortable symptoms.
Including shortness of breath, congestion, and skin rash. In the most extreme cases, allergy symptoms can be life-threatening.
Animals are an incredibly common source of allergens. Typically, in the form of small proteins in their saliva, fur, or shed skin cells also known as “dander”.
Approximately, 10 to 20% of people just like you and me are allergic to dogs and/or cats.
Because of this, we’ve seen some breeders making claims that their animals are hypoallergenic. In technical terms, these are dogs that produce little to no allergens.
Which Dog-Breeds, If Any, Are Hypoallergenic?
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, there are no cat or dog is truly ‘hypoallergenic’.
Different dog-breeds produce varying levels of allergic response in humans depending on a couple of factors.
- A person’s sensitivity.
- The type of proteins shed by that dog.
- How much they shed.
- If you clean your dog regularly, you can reduce the effect of their allergens.
But, if you bathe your dog too often, you risk washing away all of the natural oils in their skin and drying them out. So, how can a person who loves dogs but has horrible allergies avoid having an adverse reaction? Stay away from dogs.
You can also help mitigate the allergic fallout in your home by not only bathing your pet but also keeping a clean house. But, if you are extremely allergic, the best idea is to just not have a dog.
However, if your symptoms are manageable, take heart, there are some viable breed options for you.
What About Beagles?
Beagles are super-cute, active, and friendly dogs. So, who wouldn’t want one as a pet? But, owning one will involve spending a great deal of time in close quarters with a dog.
It would be irresponsible to bring a dog home if you know you’ll need to give them up. Or, if you’ll be forced to keep them outside the house and away from all the love. Dogs love snuggles.
If you already own a beagle and a family member has new or more severe allergy symptoms, such as asthma, seek medical advice immediately.
Taking action quickly will increase your chances of limiting or stopping the allergy so you can keep your pet.
Treating allergic symptoms with immunotherapy has been effective in reducing symptoms in certain cases.
Are Beagles Hypoallergenic?
No. Beagles, are not hypoallergenic. But technically no dogs are truly hypoallergenic according to mayo clinic.
But there are breeds that shed less that are less likely to trigger allergies, these breeds are listed in our hypoallergenic dogs list.
Hypoallergenic claims are usually made about hairless dogs. E.g., Chinese Crested. Or dogs with a coarse or woolly coat like poodles, i.e. dogs that don’t shed very much.
However, a majority of the allergens produced by all pets, including dogs, are produced in the saliva.
Beagles are commonly used in laboratory tests. They are often used to create dog-produced allergens for research use which insinuates that they are not hypoallergenic.
Allergen Production
Beagles generally produce an average amount of dog allergens.
The most important thing for us to note is that most dog breeds produce similar levels of allergens.
In fact, most research indicates that homes with “hypoallergenic” dogs do not have a lower level of allergens than homes with “non-hypoallergenic” dogs.
Essentially, the only thing that can effectively alter the levels of allergens in your home is how often and how thoroughly you clean.
Are Beagles Low Shedding?
Beagles have short hair, but that doesn’t mean that they shed any more or less than any other dog. They are average shedders.
Best Practices for Grooming Your Beagle
The best way for you to reduce you and your family’s exposure to allergens is by regularly grooming and bathing your dog.
You should also clean your dog’s bed with regularity, along with anything else your dog touches. It’s recommended that you do this at least twice a week.
If you are worried about allergens, then it is also recommended that you not have carpet. Carpet can not only trap dander in its fibers, but those allergens can seep through the carpet and become trapped in the padding underneath.
Avoid using harsh shampoos that may dry out your dog’s skin by removing the natural oils in their fur. Ask your veterinarian for any recommendations for shampoos that you can use more regularly.
Best Allergen Control Methods
If possible, grooming your Beagle away from allergy-sufferers or even outside can help.
- Brush your dog thoroughly after bathing.
- Blow them dry if possible.
- You can also pick up an air filtration machine at any major store that will help to reduce the number of airborne allergens in your home.
We recommend that you opt for a high-efficiency particulate air (“HEPA”) filtration device that can filter the largest interior space of your home.
Conventional wisdom and research agree that regular cleaning can reduce exposure to allergens. But, I cannot stress enough that you will always be at risk of exposure to allergens when living in a house with a dog.
Dogs Aren’t the Only Ones…
If you have a dog allergy, you should be cautious of other furry little critters too. Cats, rodents, and other animals may cause a similar reaction.
If you fall into this category, perhaps you should consider another type of pet such as fish or reptiles that do not produce dander.
Are Beagles Hypoallergenic? – Major Points
Just to sum things up – are Beagles hypoallergenic?
The Beagle is a low maintenance breed and does not require a large amount of grooming. However, this breed still produces a similar level of allergens to any other dog breed.
The Beagle is not hypoallergenic, nor does it shed more than any more or less than another dog breed.
According to most experts, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog.
If you already have a pet or you are often in contact with animals, you know your situation the best.
Remember to regularly bathe your pet, clean all surfaces in your home thoroughly, launder your dog’s bed, and shower your pooch with love.
Resources: