Whenever newcomers to the Pomeranian ownership circle start discussing the shedding tendencies of these dogs, they consistently end up asking a few fundamental questions: Are Pomeranians genuinely hypoallergenic, do they suit people with allergies well, and is it fair to consider Pomeranians a good choice for those susceptible to allergic reactions?
Pomeranian is a toy dog breed of the Spitz type that is named for the Pomerania region of North-West Poland and North-East Germany in Central Europe. Because of their tiny size, Pomeranians are classified as dog breeds, descending from the Pomeranian Spitz family of a large dog type, particularly German Spitz.
A Pomeranian is a great lap dog but also enjoys fun play sessions and going for walks. When they are outside, be sure to keep an eye on them. Predator birds and animals frequently mistake these small dogs for squirrels or rabbits. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at whether Pomeranian dogs are hypoallergenic dogs or not.
What is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
Before we can learn the answer to the question, are Pomeranians hypoallergenic dogs, we must first understand what ‘hypoallergenic’ means. Many people assume that a hypoallergenic dog will not cause an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, this is not true. The real meaning of hypoallergenic is if something is labeled ‘hypoallergenic’ it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
In the USA, for instance, about 10 percent of the American population have presumably researched hypoallergenic dogs. As tackled above, these are canines that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction versus a bred confirmed not to trigger allergies.
All dogs experience some level of shedding and dander, and, as a result, may trigger allergies. The reason behind a pet allergy is exposure to dander or saliva, often on animal hair that they have shed. And a Pomeranian dog is not a heavy shedder.
While no breed is 100% hypoallergenic, there are various breeds that do well with allergy sufferers. These breeds likely have a non-shedding coat that produces less dander. According to the list from AKC, the best breeds for someone with allergies include:
Irish Water Spaniel, Chinese Crested, Peruvian Inca Orchid, Afghan Hound, Bichon Frise, American Hairless Terrier, Maltese, Bedlington Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, Kerry Blue Terrier, Lagotto Romagnolo, Poodle, Giant Schnauzer, Xoloitzcuintli, Coton de Tulear, Standard Schnauzer, and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic?
Now that we’ve touched upon the meaning of hypoallergenic and some allergy-friendly breeds, it’s time to know, are Pomeranian hypoallergenic? The Pomeranian dog is not a hypoallergenic dog despite its short fur. There are two main reasons why this is so.
The first reason is that Pomeranians shed their fur everywhere. Hypoallergenic animals tend to have fur that does not shed a lot. On the contrary, the reason why other animals shed so much is that they have a double coat. Their coats consist of a regular coat and an undercoat whereas hypoallergenic dogs commonly have only one coat.
The second reason why Pomeranians are not considered hypoallergenic dogs is that they produce gobs of dander. Dander is fleck of dead skin cells that mammals commonly carry which are naked to the human eyes. The cause of pet allergies is the pet’s dander, not animal hair.
The animals that produce dander are dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and other small animals. The amount of dander a canine produces is associated with its breed. This is why dogs are categorized into two breeds: hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic.
There is no way to minimize the amount of dander that animal emits. It is released directly from the animal’s own body. The only way to control and monitor dander is to keep your dog bathed and brushed. If they have too much, you can also trim their fur.
As stated, Pomeranian dogs do not shed very much. So if you have a Pomeranian already at home and your allergy is burning, there are certain steps to help you stop the irritating side effects.
The first step is grooming. Before your home’s habitats are exhausted, brush your Pomeranian coat as often as possible so you have a fighting chance of collecting fur and dander. Pomeranian dogs have a thick, double coat and will shed twice a year.
They are a much better option for pets with allergies than smooth-coated breeds that shed their fur every day. Brush your Pomeranian every day and regular decoration will help to tear clothes off but don’t over-bathe your pet as it will cause excessive shaking and dry skin.
So, are pomeranian dogs hypoallergenic? No, technically Pomeranians are not considered hypoallergenic because they produce dander and shed often. They have a double coat and are medium shedding breeds.
Hypoallergenic Alternatives to Pomeranians
We’ve established in the question, is a Pomeranian hypoallergenic, that a Pomeranian dog is not hypoallergenic. This may be a major disappointment to a lot of people. However, there are several other toy size dogs that are hypoallergenic.
Besides Portuguese Water Dog or Spanish Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, and Bedlington Terrier, the following are just as adorable and energetic as them.
Maltese Shih Tzu
This type of breed is loyal, low energy, and just a pleasure to watch. The Maltese Shih Tzu mix breed is a great companion for people who just enjoy walking around the neighborhood and are not so active.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a type of small hypoallergenic dog breed that hardly drools or sheds. Due to their small size and considered a lively non-shedding dog, this breed is perfect for owners with dog allergies.
Poodle
This breed is, without exception, loyal and intelligent. Poodles even smell great, at least, compared to most breeds. The most hypoallergenic may be the large Standard Poodle. But the smallest, the mini Toy Poodle, will evidently produce less dander.
Chinese Crested
These small breeds aren’t hypoallergenic. Compared to other breeds, they’re just low shedders. Still, these dogs shed more than a person thinks a “hairless” pet would. And even the Hairless has apparent hair on its head, tail, and legs. Some allergic individuals are fine with the Hairless type, while others have no tolerance.
Grooming Tips to Decrease Pomeranian Allergens
Apart from knowing, is pomeranian hypoallergenic? There are some steps that you can take to reduce the amount of fur, dander, and other allergens [1].
Regular Grooming
Groom your Pomeranian daily. By doing this you will notably limit allergens, particularly if you’re using a product like Alaparte.
Keep it Out of the Bedroom
You may not like sleeping without your dog on the bed but if you prohibit it from entering your bedroom, it will be an area that is free of all allergens.
Have a Designated Sleeping Area
Rather than allowing your precious dog to climb over all the furniture and roaming the house, buy it a designated bed of its own.
Clean Your Home Regularly
Keep your home’s surfaces clean by frequently vacuuming potential dog hair. You could invest in a HEPA air filter that collects a lot of dander.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pomeranians shed a lot?
Yes, Pomeranians shed a lot. In fact, they shed everywhere and at least twice a year. One of the main concerns Pomeranian owners have about these pets is the amount of fur that they shed on a single day. It doesn’t take long for owners to find their blankets and furniture covered in hair.
If you carry a Pomeranian, your clothes will also be dressed in fur when you bring them down. Because of all their fur, Pomeranians must be brushed at least once a day. However, it would be better if owners can brush them in the morning and night. Usually, a Pomeranian blow out its coats twice a year at the changing of the seasons.
What causes allergic reactions to dogs?
To get a better comprehension of dog allergies, we need to examine what the potential triggers are that cause allergic reactions. You may promptly think of dog hair, that’s why low shedding breeds are usually depicted as being hypoallergenic.
But then, the biggest culprit is actually the dander instead of dog hair. Dander are small pieces of dead skin that are secreted by animals. They are microscopic in size that is impossible to be detected by the human eye. Pet dander is composed of puny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by rodents, dogs, cats, and other animals with feathers or fur.
These bits of skin can cause reactions in humans with allergies to these types of triggers.
Can I build immunity to dog allergies?
It depends. Some people report developing immunity to their pets. Other allergy sufferers grow out of it. However, don’t depend on it if you’re planning to get a new dog. It is likely that an allergic reaction worsens with greater exposure.
So if you have a pet allergy, you can still have a non-hypoallergenic dog if you can control your allergies and take positive actions to reduce the amount of dander and other allergens your pet secretes. You could try treatments.
There are kinds of treatments for allergies that are available for people who suffer from allergies such as steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays, immunotherapy (allergy shots), and antihistamine pills.
Conclusion
Are Pomeranians hypoallergenic? No, Pomeranians are not hypoallergenic because they shed a lot and still emits and shed bags of dander. Due to their small size, Pomeranians may be considered hypoallergenic. Then again, each breed and each person are different and you might have an allergic reaction to a Pomeranian.
The sad reality is there are no dogs out there that will definitely not cause allergic reactions. All canines create this protein, it is part of what makes them a dog. We hope we helped you discern the query, are Pomeranians hypoallergenic, in case you’re planning to bring one home.
