What Are Labradoodles?

Before we dive into the topic of labradoodles and allergies, let’s first cover the basics of what this breed is. Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle.

The goal of breeding these two dogs together was to create a dog that had the friendly personality of a Lab but also had the hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle. This idea was first proposed in Australia in the 1980s, and since then, labradoodles have become increasingly popular around the world.

One of the main reasons people are drawn to labradoodles is their unique coat. Labradoodles can have a variety of coat types, including fleece, wool, and hair, and they can be curly, wavy, or straight. This variance in coat type and texture makes labradoodles appealing to many people, as they can choose a coat that best suits their individual needs and preferences.

What Causes Allergies?

Before we can understand whether or not labradoodles are hypoallergenic, we need to first understand what causes allergies. Allergies occur when your body overreacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. When your body encounters these substances, it produces an immune response that can cause sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and other symptoms.

In the case of pet allergies, the culprit is usually a protein found in the animal’s skin cells, urine, or saliva. These proteins can become airborne and cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. While some dog breeds may produce less of these proteins than others, no breed is completely free of them.

Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?

As mentioned earlier, labradoodles are often marketed as hypoallergenic. While this label may be somewhat accurate for some individuals, it’s important to understand that no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic. Whether or not someone will have an allergic reaction to a dog depends on a variety of factors, including the individual’s sensitivity to pet dander, the type of coat the dog has, and how much the dog sheds.

While labradoodles do have a coat that is less likely to shed and produce dander than some other breeds, this doesn’t mean that they won’t cause allergies in some individuals. In fact, one study found that labradoodles still produced allergens, albeit at lower levels than other breeds.

So while labradoodles may be a good option for some people with allergies, it’s important to remember that there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog.

What to Consider If You Have Allergies

Now that we’ve established that labradoodles are not completely hypoallergenic, let’s talk about what you should consider if you’re thinking about getting a labradoodle but you or someone in your family has allergies.

• Visit a breeder or spend time with a labradoodle before getting one. This will allow you to see if you or a family member has an allergic reaction to the dog.
• Choose a labradoodle with a hypoallergenic coat type, such as a fleece or wool coat. These coats are less likely to shed and produce dander than hair coats.
• Consider getting an F1B labradoodle, which is a cross between a labradoodle and a Poodle. These dogs are more likely to have a hypoallergenic coat than F1 labradoodles, which are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle.
• Keep your labradoodle well-groomed and brushed regularly. This will help remove loose fur and dander and reduce the chance of allergic reactions.
• Invest in an air purifier and vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove allergens from the air and carpet.
• Keep your labradoodle out of certain areas of your home, such as bedrooms, to reduce exposure to allergens.
• Work with an allergist to manage any allergies you or a family member may have. They can recommend medication or other treatments to manage symptoms.

The Bottom Line

Labradoodles are adorable dogs with friendly personalities, but they are not completely hypoallergenic. While they may be a good option for some individuals with allergies, it’s important to understand that no dog breed is completely free of allergens.

If you are considering getting a labradoodle but have allergies, be sure to spend time with the dog before bringing one home, choose a dog with a hypoallergenic coat type, and work with an allergist to manage any symptoms.

With proper care and management, many people with allergies can successfully live with a labradoodle and enjoy all the love and companionship these dogs have to offer.