Chihuahuas are a popular dog in the United States and Mexico, along with other areas around the world. However, these dogs are not ideal to have for people who suffer from allergies.
But they could be a good pet for someone who only suffers from seasonal allergies. They carry dander in their fur.
Are Chihuahuas Hypoallergenic?
Because of the popularity of chihuahuas in North America, you would think that many people have this type of dog because of their fur. Many different breeds of chihuahuas have extremely short fur, which may prevent people who have allergies from becoming sick. But this is not the reason why they are so popular.
Their popularity comes from how small and cute they are. Many places that do not allow large dogs will allow Chihuahuas to stay as long as they are potty trained.
However, a Chihuahua is not a 100% hypoallergenic dog. People who suffer from severe pet dander related allergies should not have a Chihuahua as a pet. This may be surprising to any people looking forward to owning and living their lives with a chihuahua.
Not all short-haired dogs are hypoallergenic, and a chihuahua can cause allergic reactions.
However, if a person suffers from other types of allergens like pollen or grass, they may be able to handle caring for this type of dog in their home. The less intense a person’s allergies are, the more likely they will be able to handle a chihuahua. Their ability to induce allergic reactions may weaken if they are bathed often.
If a person with very light allergies is interested in adopting a Chihuahua, they can always test their reaction by asking one of their friends who owns a Chihuahua to allow them to spend time with it. It would be better if the person went to that person’s house where the chihuahuas live, so they can see how a house with a dog like a chihuahua would be and if they could handle it.
Do They Shed a Lot?
Many people who are interested in this dog like them because they do not think they shed. Chihuahuas fur is extremely short, so it isn’t easy to see if they shed or not. However, this dog does shed. But they do so during different times of the year.
In the early spring to early summer is when they shed the most fur. They shed during these seasons because their winter coat is falling out, and their summer coat is coming in so they’ll be able to withstand the heat.
If a person has a chihuahua in their home, they may have to take a pet fur roller stick and roll it over their furniture to see if the chihuahua shed any fur or not. Depending on the type of fur your chihuahua has, it may be beneficial to brush them once a day. But if they have extremely short fur, then this might not help very much.
Bathing a Chihuahua
If a person with very light allergies wishes to have a Chihuahua, then bathing them is a good idea. Bathing your dog regularly removes any dirt and excessive pet dander that is embedded in their fur. The amount of baths a Chihuahua needs in a week depends on if they spend a lot of time outside or not.
If they go outside every day or if you have a backyard that has a lot of dirt and flowers, then they should be bathed 2 to 3 times a week. If they are mostly inside dogs that go outside every once in a while, then a bath every 7 to 10 days is good.
The owner of a Chihuahua can also just wait until their allergies start to act up, and take that as a sign that it’s time to bathe their dog.
Why Are Chihuahuas Not Considered Hypoallergenic?
Many dogs who are hypoallergenic are either short hair dogs, nearly hairless dogs, or long-coated dogs that do not have an undercoat. A Chihuahua is a dog that has short fur, yet it is not considered to be hypoallergenic. So why are they not good for people with allergies?
Many types of dogs who are not allergenic carry a lot of pet dander in their fur. Pet dander is a protein produced by the animal skin or part of their fur. The amount of pet dander a dog produces is the main reason why some dogs can trigger people with allergies.
A dog that naturally produces a lot of pet dander is not able to be altered or changed. No amount of bathing, brushing, or trimming and shaving will stop them from producing pet dander. So it is best to get a dog that produces a low amount of pet dander.
However, there are many different types of Chihuahuas and small toy dogs. If you consult a veterinarian or do a lot of research online, you may find a Chihuahua breed that does not produce a lot of pet dander.
Alternative Dogs that Are Hypoallergenic
It is unfortunate that a Chihuahua is not hypoallergenic since they are so popular and a great choice for families who have young children. But there are other dogs that you can choose from that are just as small and low maintenance as a chihuahua.
- Toy Poodles – this dog is just as small as a Chihuahua and maybe ten times as adorable. They do not create a lot of dander despite their thick fur
- Griffin Bruxellois – if you are a pug lover, then this dog is perfect for you. They look remarkably similar to a pug, but they are furrier and can live up to 15 years.
Conclusion
- Chihuahuas are not hypoallergenic dogs, despite their short fur.
- Their bodies produce a lot of dander which causes allergic reactions in people
- If they are bathed often, a person who only has light allergies may be able to own a chihuahua
- There are other tiny dogs that are great hypoallergenic alternatives
- There are a few breeds of chihuahuas that are considered hypoallergenic.
