Are Beagles Hypoallergenic? Is This Dog Breed 100% Non-Allergenic?

Getting a beagle for a pet makes perfect sense if you are someone who’s looking for an adorable, funny, and happy-go-lucky furry companion. Then again, you might think twice if you have pet allergies. And so you ask: Are beagles hypoallergenic? Do they shed a lot?

If you’re among the many dog lovers who can’t stand fur but would love to have a beagle for a pet, then you’ve come to the right page. Because here, you can expect to find the answer that you seek plus more must-know facts about beagle shedding, pet allergies, and hypoallergenic dog breeds.

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

Hypoallergenic is used to describe things and products that are unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction. Stuff tagged as hypoallergenic contains relatively few allergy-causing ingredients. 

When it comes to dogs, a hypoallergenic breed has to do with dogs that produce zero to little allergens and are suitable for people who suffer from allergies. These so-called hypoallergenic breeds used to refer to hairless dogs or dogs that shed less. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Read on to find out why.

Are There Dog Breeds That Are 100% Allergy-Safe?

Those who can’t stand being far from dogs but find themselves sneezing and having watery eyes when near them would most likely look for a hypoallergenic dog breed. After all, a lot of breeders claim that such a dog exists.

Sadly, there is no such thing as a dog breed that is 100% hypoallergenic. Even the American Kennel Club  backs this up. Now, don’t feel too downhearted if you’re among the 20% of the US population that is allergic to dogs because there is still hope.

Remember that allergies are different from person to person, ranging from mild to severe. Besides that, each individual’s response also varies. If you’re someone with mild or seasonal allergies, you might just be lucky enough to be a future dog owner someday. 

Are Beagles Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Outgoing and friendly, beagles are truly great household pets. This is why they’re among the most popular dog breeds in the US and worldwide. 

Since word gets around easily, some beagle lovers may have heard or read from somewhere that beagles are hypoallergenic given their short coats. But, is it true that beagles are hypoallergenic?

The short answer is NO. 

Yes, you read it right. Like a German Shepherd, Beagles are not hypoallergenic dogs. Besides not being 100% allergy-safe (which applies to all dogs), beagles produce allergens like most dogs and are not considered hypoallergenic by AKC.

Dog Allergies & Its Causes

Are beagles hypoallergenic? No. They may be low-maintenance dogs with short hair but they still carry allergy-causing particles that can trigger an allergic reaction.

To understand this better, let’s take a quick detour and discuss what the causes of dog allergy are.

As mentioned, people with allergies can still get allergic reactions even if your dog is naturally hairless or even if you shave your dog bald. That’s because most allergies are not mainly caused by dog fur but by something else.

So what is the common cause of allergic reaction to dogs if it’s not pet hair? 

The culprit behind various allergic symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, skin rash, and the like is often the proteins found in your dog’s skin cells, aka “dander,” as well as the proteins present in your dog’s urine, saliva, and feces.

Dander is the most common allergen and will usually cause an allergic reaction. Dander pertains to the microscopic, jagged-shaped dead skin cells that your dog sheds off regularly. This often becomes airborne and lingers in your home’s beddings and furniture causing allergies to those allergic to dogs.

Beagles & Why They’re Not Non-Allergenic

Now that you know the answer to the question “Are beagles hypoallergenic” and the real culprit behind allergic reactions, let’s find out why beagles are not the hypoallergenic pup some thought them to be.

Like Your Average Dog, Beagles Also Produce Dander

That’s right. Beagles shed skin cells like many dog breeds. As mentioned, dead skin cells are equivalent to dander – something that is best avoided if you have severe allergic reactions. 

Beagles Are Moderate Shedders

It’s easy to assume that beagles are among the low-shedding dogs since these dogs have short fur. However, despite the short hair, this breed of dog sheds. 

They may not shed a lot compared to other breeds, but they shed all year round. Besides that, they’re also seasonal shedders. You can expect these cuties to shed more during spring since their dense double coat tends to get thicker come fall or winter. 

So what does this mean? Dander often sticks to dead hairs. So, when beagles shed hair, they also shed dander, and you know what happens next.

What To Do To Keep Allergies At Bay

Want a beagle badly, but you or a few of your family members are allergic? You might be able to keep your beagle (or a dog from another breed) while reducing the occurrence of allergy symptoms by doing the best allergen control methods mentioned below. 

Remember, though, that allergies are different for everybody. So to be safe, it’s best to seek medical advice. If you could, you can also get tested for allergies. 

Nowadays, some allergy tests can pinpoint the specific type of allergen causing your symptoms. Who knows, you’re probably someone who can tolerate allergens produced by female dogs and have a female beagle dog without problems. 

Dander-Proof Your Home

Surfaces like curtains, upholstered furniture, rugs, and carpets tend to trap allergens (think dander). You’d want to minimize these since the presence of dander can cause an allergic reaction. Instead of carpets, you can use hardwood floors. Instead of curtains, use blinds.

Make Cleaning A Habit

Your goal is for your home to be beagle hair- and dander-free. To do this, dog owners will need to clean their homes regularly. 

This includes wiping off the surfaces clean, vacuuming your couches, dog beds, and other things that your dog often comes in contact with. You might also want to use an air filtration system in your home to reduce allergens.

Bathe & Groom Your Dog Regularly

Hypoallergenic beagles may not exist, but you can keep the dander at a minimum by bathing and grooming your dog frequently. 

Brushing your dog’s coat regularly will not only help keep your dog’s coat healthy but will also get rid of loose hair and dander. Aside from that, bathing and brushing can also help your dog not shed as much hair.

Frequent Hand Washing

Dander can also stick to your hands when you pet your dog. So make sure to get those hands cleaned before touching anything else that someone with allergies might touch.

Get Your Male Dog Neutered

Some people are allergic to a protein known as Can f 5, which is only found in male dogs. A recent study shows that neutering your dog can help reduce the occurrence of allergy symptoms caused by the Can f 5 protein.

Use Of Allergy Treatment

If all else fails, you can consider various treatments that are recommended by your doctor. This includes allergy medications that can help relieve the symptoms. 

Nasal sprays, eye drops, and decongestants may also help. Besides that, you can consider taking allergy shots. But again, this should only be taken with your doctor’s consent.

Other Hypoallergenic Dogs To Choose From 

If beagles are not a suitable match for you, you might want to try your luck by getting a “hypoallergenic” dog. There are a couple of dog breeds recommended by AKC since they are less allergenic than other dogs. The list includes the following:

• Affenpinscher
• Afghan Hound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Maltese
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Poodle (mini, standard, and toy)
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Shih Tzu
• Yorkshire Terrier

Final Verdict

To sum it up, the answer to your question: “Are beagles hypoallergenic” is No. This breed of dog may not shed a lot, but they’re known to be moderate shedders that produce average amounts of dander. 

So, if you’re among the many pet owners who like to have a beagle, you might want to think twice before getting one. This is especially true if you or someone in your family suffers from severe allergies. 

As always, since every individual might react differently, there's no harm in trying. One thing you can do is to interact with the dog at different times and see if you will develop any symptoms. The one-on-one interaction will tell if the beagle is a suitable pet. 

If not, you can always check other dogs or even mixed breeds. There’s probably one or even more that wouldn’t make your nose and eyes itchy. Whether it’s a beagle or not, it’s alright. A furry companion, regardless of breed, will always be a pet worthy of your TLC.

NOTE: For concerns about your pet’s health, seek expert advice from a licensed veterinarian. Dog Food Guide does not constitute pet medical advice.