Pomeranians are adorable little dogs. They can definitely be classified as a big dog in a tiny body. But with all that hair and their small size what is the allergy situation like.
Are Pomeranians hypoallergenic? No, technically they are not considered hypoallergenic because they shed frequently and produce dander.
However, there are several great hypoallergenic dog breeds available.
Table of Contents
Pomeranian Snapshot
Pomeranians are curious, alert, perky, and lively. They can make great family dogs too. Especially when well socialized.
Pomeranians are great lap dogs but also enjoy going for walks and fun play sessions. Be sure to keep an eye on them when they are outside.
Predator birds and animals often mistake these little dogs as rabbits or squirrels.
Pomeranians do well with positive reinforcement training. They can excel in competitions like agility, rally, and obedience. House training can sometimes be a challenge.
Pomeranians can be fairly high maintenance as far as grooming goes. They do well with weekly or more brushings, be sure to get down to the skin when brushing.
They have a double coat and are considered medium shedding dogs.
What is Hypoallergenic?
Before we can understand if a Pomeranian is hypoallergenic we must first learn what the word means. A lot of people assume that a hypoallergenic dog will not cause an allergic reaction.
This, unfortunately, is not true. The true meaning hypoallergenic is that the thing labeled hypoallergenic is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
So What Causes the Allergic Reaction?
Dogs have a certain type of protein that they produce. This is what people have a reaction to. The protein is concentrated in the saliva, urine, and dander of dogs. Thus, fur can be a culprit of allergic reactions because dander often sticks to it.
Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic Then?
Usually, dogs that shed less, like a poodle, or are hairless, like a Chinese crested are considered hypoallergenic.
However, with the description we now have of hypoallergenic a Pomeranian might be considered to be hypoallergenic, but technically it is not.
This is due to their diminutive size. Since they are so small, 6-7 inches tall, they certainly produce less dander than a Newfoundland.
But they still shed and product allergens that trigger people’s allergies.
How to Minimize the Chances of Allergic Reaction?
There are several steps that you can take to reduce the amount of dander.
- Brush your dog daily, outside
- Vacuum daily
- Don’t let your dog lick you
- Don’t let your dog on the furniture or in bed with you
- Don’t touch your eyes or mouth after petting a dog
- Have some dog-free rooms so you can get away if needed
- Get a HEPA air filter
- Replace carpet with smooth floors
Conclusion
Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic? No, they are not because they shed and still produce and shed plenty of dander.
Pomeranians may be considered hypoallergenic due to their small size. However, each dog and each person are different and you might have a reaction to a Pomeranian.
The sad truth is there are no dogs out there that will absolutely not cause an allergic reaction. All dogs create this protein, it’s part of what makes them a dog.
Resources:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pomeranian/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321420.php#medical-treatment
https://www.archviewlabradoodles.com/2018/09/06/the-truth-about-hypoallergenic-dogs/
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/132/supplement_1/s12.1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1364166/
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/hypoallergenic-dogs-dog-myths-debunked
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/hypoallergenic-dog-breeds/