If you suffer from allergies, you may be wondering if it’s possible to own a dog that won’t trigger your symptoms.
One breed that often comes up in conversations about hypoallergenic dogs is the English Springer Spaniel.
So, are English Springer Spaniels hypoallergenic? Let’s take a look at the facts.
English Springer spaniels are not hypoallergenic and will possibly trigger your allergies. Like many other breeds, they moult or shed their hair, which can be problematic for allergy sufferers.
What exactly is hypoallergenic?
When people refer to hypoallergenic dogs, they usually mean that the breed has a low propensity for triggering allergic reactions in humans.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a truly non-allergenic dog—even breeds that are thought of as being hypoallergenic will still produce dander, which is what triggers most pet allergies.
That said, some breeds do tend to cause fewer allergic reactions than others.
What causes dog allergies?
It’s important to understand what causes pet allergies before we can determine whether or not an English Springer Spaniel is hypoallergenic.
Pet allergies are caused by proteins found in saliva, skin glands (dander), and urine of dogs (and cats).
These proteins become airborne when dogs groom themselves, which means that all types of dogs—even those considered “hypoallergenic”—can cause allergic reactions in some people.
That being said, there are certain breeds that produce less of these allergens than others, which makes them better choices for those with severe allergies.
Grooming your Springer will reduce the risk of allergic reactions
English Springer spaniels and allergies
So, how do English Springer Spaniels stack up when it comes to allergy-friendly breeds?
Unfortunately, they don’t fare so well on this front.
While these beautiful dogs are undeniably lovable and loyal companions, their thick coats can produce quite a bit of loose hair and dander—which could be problematic for those with pet allergies.
However, it’s worth noting that not everyone reacts the same way to different breeds of dogs; while some may find an English Springer Spaniel triggers their allergies, others may find them perfectly tolerable.
Final Words
In short, while they may not be the best choice for someone with severe pet allergies or asthma, it’s possible that, with the right care, an English Springer Spaniel may still be suitable for someone with mild allergies or asthma—so long as proper grooming and allergen management strategies are employed.
Ultimately though, the only way to know for sure whether or not an English Springer Spaniel would trigger your allergies is to spend some time around one and see how your body reacts.
