Labradoodles are among the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. After all, you’re mixing a poodle and a Labrador retriever, which are two breeds that are known for being smart, loyal, playful, and easy to care for. That said, you may be wondering if this cross of breeds has solved the dog allergy problem that millions of people around the world struggle with; these are known as hypoallergenic dog breeds.
So, are labradoodles hypoallergenic? Well, the short answer is no, but that doesn’t mean they’re not a great fit for people who have pet allergies. After all, no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic.
Learn more about whether or not labradoodles are hypoallergenic in our guide.
What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
A hypoallergenic dog is a dog that causes fewer allergic reactions than other dog breeds. Due to humans being allergic to hair and saliva from animals, it’s not always possible for a dog to be 100% hypoallergenic. In fact, no dog really is, so the goal is to compare how hypoallergenic one dog breed is compared to another.
Factors that influence whether or not a dog is hypoallergenic tend to include the coat type and the specific dog breed.
Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, no, labradoodles aren’t hypoallergenic. While this may be the case, no dog breed is hypoallergenic, so let’s not pump the brakes on the labradoodle right away. In fact, you’ll find that this breed is one of the best breeds out there for people who have dog allergies.
So, why is that? Well, you’ll find that labradoodles have a curly coat that may not shed often, so shedding shouldn’t be too much of an issue. That said, whether or not a labradoodle is hypoallergenic may vary based on the specific dog and the genes that they inherit.
Factors That Impact How Hypoallergenic a Labradoodle Is
As we mentioned earlier, you’ll find that labradoodles are hypoallergenic to an extent. That extent is determined by several factors. The most common one being the genes that the dog inherits.
Of course, there are a handful of additional factors that may influence how hypoallergenic a labradoodle can be. Learn more about each of these factors below.
The Type of Labradoodle
First and foremost, the type of labradoodle is one of the biggest factors to consider. You want to find a labradoodle that’s more poodle than Labrador retriever; the more poodle the better. Make sure you aim for a target of around 75% poodle to 25% Labrador retriever. For this reason F1B labradoodles tend to be the most sought-after for their hypoallergenic benefits.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find a good breeder who has F1B labradoodles or their puppies. Luckily, Dog Academy will help you find the best breeders for these labradoodles in your area.
Grooming
Another major factor that determines how hypoallergenic your labradoodle can be is how frequently you groom them. Brushing them daily can help you remove dandruff from their coats, and this prevents dandruff and other particles from getting on your furniture.
The result? Fewer allergens floating around your home and less sneezing for anyone who’s allergic to dogs. We also recommend bathing them to remove any excess dander, dandruff, and other particles from their coats.
The Individual
Last but not least, every individual is unique. For this reason, you’ll find that some people react differently to different dogs. Therefore, one of the best ways to mitigate issues is to simply meet with the labradoodle before you bring them home. In other words, spend a lot of time with them and get to learn more about how your body reacts to them.
While rare, you may find that breeders have labradoodles that bother you, while other puppies in a similar litter don’t. So, don’t forget to keep this in mind before you commit to a labradoodle.
Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? Our Final Verdict
So, are labradoodles hypoallergenic? While they’re not one hundred percent hypoallergenic, you’ll find that no dog breeds really are. In fact, even their saliva can cause allergies, so it’s important to keep this in mind before you plan on buying or adopting a labradoodle.
The good news? Labradoodles aren’t usually terrible for people who have pet allergies. As long as they’re the right type of labradoodle and you keep your home clean whenever they do shed, you shouldn’t have too many issues with this unique dog breed.
