If you have allergies and you are planning to get a dog, you might want to consider hypoallergenic dog breeds. However, even though no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, there are certain dog breeds with have tolerable levels of allergens for allergy sufferers. Are boxer dogs hypoallergenic? Let’s find out in this article.
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What Causes Dog Allergies in Humans?
Dogs may trigger allergies in humans when they shed. Moreover, contrary to popular belief, it is not exactly the fur that causes allergies, but it is the dander attached to a dog’s fur when it is shed. That is why hypoallergenic dog breeds are the ones that shed the least or not at all.
The American Kennel Club recognizes several dog breeds as hypoallergenic, or at least they are the dog breeds that are less likely to trigger allergies according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Nevertheless, allergies vary in severity, so ask your doctor about allergy management medications before you get a dog, so you know can always have these prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet.
Boxer is not classified by the American Kennel Club as a hypoallergenic breed. However, since the coat of the boxer is short, its shedding can be managed with proper grooming. Since it is the dander that causes allergies, you might need to get rid of some furniture, curtains or carpets which hold fur and dander in your home. It might help with allergy management once you get a dog.
Boxer Coat Type
The boxer is a short-haired breed and no other coat types are recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, despite being short-haired, has a coat that occasionally sheds. Besides, since the coat sheds this requires brushing once or twice a week to prevent fur on your furniture, curtains, and carpets.
A rubbery brush might be what you need when you groom a boxer because of their short fur. Also, the boxer needs to be bathed occasionally to be clean. If your dog goes outside, you might want to consider bathing your dog more frequently since other allergens from outdoors may also get in the short fur of the boxer which might trigger allergies.
The boxer is a breed that requires minimal grooming. But, you still have to maintain the cleanliness of your dog’s fur and you still have to brush your dog regularly to prevent dander from triggering your allergic reactions. Despite having a short fur, the boxer still sheds occasionally and this is something to look out for if you are an allergy sufferer so you can brush your dog more frequently to remove the shed fur and dander.
Are Boxer Dogs Hypoallergenic?
No, boxers are not considered a hypoallergenic breed based on the list of the American Kennel Club. However, their short coat and occasional shedding might be tolerable for less severe allergy sufferers. Besides, there are several medications available to help manage your allergies, so you can comfortably own a dog, such as a boxer.
Other reasons may trigger your boxer to shed more than usual. If your boxer gets exposed to too much sunlight, it may begin to shed a lot. This is why sunlight exposure must be limited, to prevent excessive shedding of fur in boxers.
Diet may also influence the amount of fur that a boxer sheds. Always provide good food for your boxer and stay away from unhealthy dog food brands. Food that contains allergens such as corn and other plant allergens may increase shedding in boxers. Moreover, you might notice that with the change in diet, your boxer’s fur may also change in appearance and texture.
Boxers may not be considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. However, with proper grooming and nutrition, you might just be able to tolerate the presence of a boxer in your home. Dog allergies are mostly triggered by dog’s dander which can be spread throughout your house. Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner for pet hair which can help you tidy up the house to manage your allergies while owning a boxer.
How to Manage Allergies While Caring for a Boxer?
Even though the boxer is not hypoallergenic, you may groom it regularly to minimize allergens. Also, you can wear a face mask every time you brush your dog to avoid inhaling dander or fur that may trigger allergies. Choosing the right furniture, curtains and carpets might also help with your allergy management. Opt for furniture that is easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner. In addition, avoid curtains and carpets that may trap the dog’s hair and dander underneath.
Reasons to Get a Boxer Despite Your Allergies
The boxer may not be an entirely hypoallergenic dog, but what is? There is no such dog breed that is 100% hypoallergenic. Even hairless dog breeds are not an exception since it is the dog’s dander that causes allergies and not the fur.
You might still want to continue your plans of getting a boxer despite your allergies. Moreover, if you groom a boxer correctly and bathe your dog regularly, it might lessen the chances of allergic reactions to the breed. Here are some of the other reasons why you should own a boxer, despite your allergies:
- Boxers are easy to train
- Boxers are loyal
- Boxer dogs are protective
- Boxers are good with cats
- Boxers live an average of 10-12 years
Conclusion
Are boxer dogs hypoallergenic? The straight answer is no. However, no dog is entirely hypoallergenic. So, with the boxer, you might just need to take extra care with proper grooming and diet to prevent excessive shedding of their coat. The boxer has a lot of lovable qualities, so don’t let your allergies stop you from owning this dog breed.
