Dog lovers often ask, when considering Schnauer’s fur, “Are Standard Schnauzers hypoallergenic?” In my opinion, such dogs don’t exist. If you have allergies and want a dog as a pet, it’s important to keep reading.
Standard Schnauzers Are Not 100% Hypoallergenic
First, let’s define what hypoallergenic means. This term refers to something less likely to cause an allergic reaction. In the case of dogs, it usually means that certain breeds produce specific proteins that can end up in our bodies through dandruff and hair, which are common allergens.
However, there is no utterly hypoallergenic dog. All dogs produce proteins, which end up in our body through hair and dandruff and can cause allergies in some people, but certain breeds may be more suitable for individuals with allergies than others.
Why Are Standard Schnauzers a Good Choice?
Although Schnauzers shed less than other breeds, they produce proteins like any other dog. These same proteins are also present in their saliva and urine.
Therefore, individuals with severe allergies may still experience symptoms when they come into contact with Schnauzer. However, Standard Schnauzer may be a better option for those with milder allergies than other breeds.
Additionally, regular grooming and care can help reduce allergens and maintain the Schnauzer’s coat in top condition. Because of their minimal shedding, many people believe they are the best choice because of their hypoallergenic qualities.
There are three different types of schnauzers: miniature, standard, and giant. All are equally adorable but have slight differences in appearance and temperament. So, if you are considering bringing one of these cute puppies home but have concerns about allergies, keep reading!
Not All Dogs Are The Same!
Another factor to consider is that hypoallergenic properties can vary among individual dogs, even though it’s the same breed. Many dogs may produce more proteins than others, so spending time with a potential new pet is essential before deciding.
When people have a dog, they often want to put their face in fur and kiss them, and if they don’t have an allergic reaction, we say the dog is hypoallergenic. Probably, that dog suits you, but that doesn’t mean that you are not allergic to other dogs of the same breed, and it also doesn’t mean that you can’t have an allergic reaction to that breed.
I would like to use myself as an example. My daughter has allergies and suffers from severe allergy problems, but she is not allergic to our Schnauzer. If that means that our dog is hypoallergenic, then it truly is.
Before we had a Schnauzer, we owned a poodle, and if I could say that any dog is 99% hypoallergenic, then it would be a poodle. The fur is almost invisible, even if you are wearing black clothes.
The apricot poodle did not leave the smallest trace on our clothes during long playing and cuddling sessions in our laps. However, like with a Schnauzer, the fur still falls off, although to a lesser extent.
Briefly About The Coat Of a Standard Schnauzer
We know the Schnauzer has a double coat. The coat comprises the undercoat, which keeps it warm, and the outer coat, which protects it from external influence. The structures of these two coats are different.
Schnauzers do not shed, so it is necessary to regularly remove the undercoat that becomes tangled within the short and soft fur, which is like wool. Of course, the undercoat also collects dander and other impurities that the dog picks up during playing and walking.
What is very important if we don’t remove the undercoat is that it can also cause skin allergies in dogs because the airflow to the skin is reduced, and the skin can’t breathe. Removing the undercoat is done with combs specially designed for removing the undercoat.
The upper part of the coat is solid and greasy, and the length changes over time until it reaches maturity. When it matures, we must pluck the coat off using a method called hand stripping.
If we do not pluck off the upper coat but shave it with a clipper, the fur will become matted, turn gray, and lose its intended purpose over time. I perform this method every three months because that’s approximately how long the upper coat matures.
I remove my dog’s undercoat once a month, but it also depends on the season. Removing more undercoats than necessary in the winter or when we should cool him down in the summer is not good.
Regularly maintaining your dog’s fur is important for him and your health.
How Can We Reduce The Potential Allergic Reaction?
Because of their double coat, Schnauzers shed less hair on furniture than other dogs that are prone to shedding.
However, their hair still falls out at approximately the same rate as human hair. In this case, we should regularly groom our dog to remove dead hair and dandruff that has accumulated.
We should do this using appropriate brushes and combs. Of course, regular hair trimming will also minimize shedding and dandruff.
Exposing children to dogs in their early years can also help overcome and reduce allergic reactions. Many scientific studies have shown that children who grow up with dogs have better immunity to respiratory tract infections.
Regularly walking your dog and cleaning the house will also reduce the amount of hair and dandruff in your home, which minimizes allergic reactions.
In conclusion, “Are Standard Schnauzers hypoallergenic?” While there is no completely hypoallergenic dog, some breeds, like Schnauzers, may be more suitable for people with allergies because of their low-shedding coats.
However, it is essential to remember that each dog is unique, and reactions can vary from person to person.
So, if you are considering bringing a Standard Schnauzer into your family but have concerns about allergies, research and spend time with the puppy before deciding.
And who knows, you may discover that the love and companionship of a Standard Schnauzer are worth the occasional sneezing or runny nose!
I would love to hear your thoughts on this post and hear about any personal experiences you had with your pet. Please leave them in the comments section below!