Many people with allergies to dogs are happy to discover breeds commonly thought to cause less allergic reactions than other breeds. These are often referred to as “hypoallergenic” breeds. Dog-breeders have discovered new markets for dogs bred as hybrids of two different breeds, commonly referred to as “Designer” breeds.

Hypoallergenic Controversy

A controversy exists about whether these breeds are hypoallergenic or not. Specialists in allergy and immunology define hypoallergenic as causing fewer allergic reactions. This term is often confused by the average consumer to mean non-allergenic, as in, it does not cause any allergic reactions at all. “Hypo” simply means less, not none. Additionally, a study from the

Journal of Allergy and Immunology found there was no significant differences between supposed hypoallergenic breeds and other breeds. This because the dander (which comes from dead skin), saliva, and urine contain the allergens which cause the reaction. Some breeds have hair rather than fur, and some breeds shed less than others. However; there is no scientific proof of these breeds being hypoallergenic. Individual responses to specific dogs are more likely to be a determinant than a specific breed. Smaller pets have less skin surface area so this could explain less allergic reaction to the smaller breeds. Bathing frequently or swimming also reduces allergens on these pets.

Designer “Hybrids”

According to the UK DailyMail, one breeder, with the help of a geneticist, was able to cross-breed a Cava-Poo-Chon from a mixture of a cavalier spaniel, a poodle, and a bichon-frise. These are all dog breeds the AKC recommends for those who have allergies. Other examples of hybrids are the “labradoodle”, a cross between a Labrador and a poodle, and the “goldendoodle”, a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle. It is not clear such cross-breeding results in a better hypoallergenic dog.

The idea of this cross-breeding for the expression of only positive traits does not consider any breeding may also express negative traits from the parents. Gene suppression in the offspring may produce the exact opposite of the parents’ traits. Hybrids produce unpredictable results with no guarantee of creating a hypoallergenic breed from the cross-breeding.

Conclusion

There is no scientific basis to support that hybrid breeds are more hypoallergenic than other breeds.

Sources:  Cava-Poo-Chon http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2510745/Is-cava-poo-chon-perfect-dog-The-smart-healthy-hypoallergenic-new-breed-NEVER-loses-puppy-face.html  Journal of Allergy and Immunology http://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749%2812%2900793-2/abstract