Are Samoyeds Hypoallergenic? Debunking the Myth for Allergy-Prone Dog Lovers

Rocky Kanaka |

May 22, 2023

For dog enthusiasts who suffer from allergies, finding a four-legged companion that won’t trigger sneezing fits or itchy eyes can seem like an elusive dream. Among the numerous breeds claiming hypoallergenic qualities, Samoyeds have garnered attention for their beautiful, fluffy coats and friendly nature. But is there truth behind the notion that these majestic dogs are hypoallergenic? In this article, we delve into the facts and dispel the myths surrounding Samoyeds and their hypoallergenic status, providing invaluable insights for those seeking a compatible and allergy-friendly canine companion.

Understanding Hypoallergenic Breeds

Before we address the hypoallergenic nature of Samoyeds, it’s essential to grasp the concept of hypoallergenic breeds. While no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic, some breeds are considered more allergy-friendly than others. These breeds typically produce fewer allergens, such as dander and hair, which are the primary triggers for allergies in susceptible individuals. Hypoallergenic breeds often have hair instead of fur and may shed less, mitigating the spread of allergenic particles in the environment.

Is Hypoallergenic Really Even a Thing?

Dr. Sarah Johnson, a renowned veterinarian specializing in allergies, shares her expertise on hypoallergenic dogs:

“No dog breed is entirely allergen-free”
Dr. Sarah Johnson, Veterinarian

“Hypoallergenic is a term often associated with certain dog breeds, but it’s important to understand that no dog breed is entirely allergen-free. While some breeds may produce fewer allergens or cause milder reactions in allergic individuals, it ultimately depends on the person’s specific allergies and sensitivities. It’s crucial for potential dog owners with allergies to spend time with the breed they are considering and gauge their personal response before making a decision.”

Several popular dog breeds are called hypoallergenic, including poodles, bichon frises, Yorkshire terriers, and schnauzers. Do these popular dogs actually reduce allergic reactions? Unfortunately, no dog breed causes zero allergic responses.

According to one study, there is a lack of data showing that so-called hypoallergenic dog breeds actually reduce allergic reactions. Every dog produces proteins in saliva and dead skin cells that cause allergies, so even hairless breeds can cause allergies.

What Can Trigger Dog Allergies in Humans?

People with allergies to dogs are actually allergic to proteins made by the dog. There are several different dog proteins. Sometimes a person can be allergic to one kind of protein, but not others.

One example is the dog protein Can f 5. There is research showing that this protein is only made by male dogs. If you are allergic to this protein, you can avoid it by adopting female dogs only. However, it isn’t always that simple.

Sometimes it is difficult to know what proteins you are allergic to. It can be saliva, or dander. There are a few things dog allergy sufferers should try to avoid. Saliva and urine, fur, dead skin flakes, and carpets and furniture covered with dog hair should all be avoided if possible. High dander levels and fur in your home is a common trigger.

The hypoallergenic nature of these dogs varies depending on your specific allergies and the severity of your reactions. If you have a strong allergy to dander, it’s possible that you may still experience a reaction to a Samoyed. On the other hand, if you have a mild allergy, you might not experience any symptoms at all. However, if you’re sensitive to dog saliva, that aspect is unlikely to change.

Top Tips for Dog Owners With Allergies

What can you do if you are allergic to your Samoyed? There are several things you can do so that you can keep your canine companion even though you have allergies. Try some of the following things to reduce your allergic responses:

Use a high quality air filter in your home

Conduct regular house cleaning sessions
Vacuum regularly to get rid of pet hair
Keep over-the-counter allergy medication on hand for allergic reactions
Consider choosing a dog breed that sheds less
Ask your doctor about getting allergy shots to reduce attacks
Wash your dog frequently. Not sure how often, here’s a quick quiz you can take to determine how often you should wash your dog.

Are Samoyed Dogs Hypoallergenic?

Regrettably, Samoyeds do not fall into the hypoallergenic breed category despite rumors on the internet that they are.

They have a thick double coat that consists of a dense, soft undercoat and a longer, harsher outer coat. This double coat helps them withstand the extreme cold of their Arctic origins but also results in regular shedding throughout the year.

“Samoyeds produce allergens from fur and saliva, but not dander”
Reddit user Sapphire the fuzzbutt

“So I’ve seen from multiple sources that Samoyeds are actually hypoallergenic. Seeing how fluffy these dogs are, I was rather surprised to read about that,” said a reddit user.

“I’m a huge samoyed fan but unfortunately am quite allergic to dogs in general. I’d love to own a samoyed in the distant future, but was trying to gather information on just how good or bad they realistically are for people with dog allergies.”

The responses from Samoyed owners varied:

“Samoyeds do not produce the dander allergens common to most dog breeds, which is also the most common source of dog allergies, but they do produce the allergens from fur and saliva,” commented Reddit user Sapphire the fuzzbutt.

“I’m terribly allergic to the proteins in oily coated dogs, but I’ve had 2 samoyeds and without the oily coat, I can hug these fluff balls all day long without trouble. Any dog that’s coat can be described as ‘shiny’ will knock me for a loop just by standing nearby… Retrievers, labs, rotts… Any oily-coated dog… but sammies? No trouble at all,” said Samoyed owner Vincent Takeda.

If you really want a samoyed but think you have allergies:

An anecdote serves as a cautionary tale: I personally know someone who unknowingly developed a severe dog allergy. They acquired a Samoyed puppy, but unfortunately, the puppy’s presence caused them to break out in hives and nearly required a hospital visit.

If you have a genuine interest in Samoyeds, your best course of action is to seek out a reputable breeder or an individual in your local area who exclusively owns Samoyeds.

It is crucial to ensure that they do not have a cat as well, as this could skew the test results. Spend several hours with them, allowing the dog to lick you, bury your face in its fur, and observe the outcome if the dog accidentally scratches you.

If everything proceeds favorably, consider discussing the possibility of borrowing one of the breeder’s dogs for an afternoon or even overnight to gauge your reaction in a more extended timeframe.

Do Samoyeds Shed?

When it comes to shedding, Samoyeds are known for being quite the furry companions. Their double coat, consisting of a dense undercoat and longer outer coat, means that shedding is a regular occurrence. So, do Samoyeds shed a lot? The answer is yes. Samoyeds are considered heavy shedders, especially during seasonal blows when they shed their undercoat more heavily. These major shedding periods typically happen twice a year, usually in spring and autumn. During these times, you can expect a significant amount of loose fur to be floating around your home.

Outside of the seasonal blows, Samoyeds still shed to some extent throughout the year. Routine brushing is crucial to manage their shedding and keep their coat healthy. Brushing them at least a few times a week helps remove loose hair, preventing it from accumulating and forming mats.

It’s worth noting that intact female Samoyeds may experience additional shedding due to hormonal changes during their heat cycles. While Samoyeds do shed a lot, many owners find that their affectionate nature and captivating beauty make up for the extra fur maintenance required. With proper care and grooming, you can keep your Samoyed’s shedding under control and enjoy the company of these wonderful dogs.

How can I Reduce my Allergy Triggers to a Samoyed?

Just because you have dog allergies, doesn’t mean you can’t have a Samoyed. There are a few ways you can help reduce your allergies and still have one as a pet. Follow this advice if you are allergic to Samoyeds:

1. Make sure you bath the dog regularly

Bathing helps get rid of dead skin cells

2. Keep him groomed and brushed regularly

3. Do your grooming outside, and use gloves if needed

4. Stay on top of pests; more scratching means more dander flying everywhere

Husky scratches himself - Are Huskies Hypoallergenic?

5. Vacuum your carpet and furniture often

What Dog Breeds are the Most Hypoallergenic?

These dog breeds are considered to be the most hypoallergenic, according to the AKC.

Poodle
Maltese
Chinese crested
Coton de Tulear
Schnauzer
Irish water spaniel
American hairless terrier
Barbado da Terceira
Barbet
Bedlington terrier
Affenpinscher
Afghan hound

What Dog Breeds are the Least Hypoallergenic?

Some dog breeds are not recommended for allergy sufferers. Most of these breeds shed or drool a lot. Breeds to avoid if you have dog allergies include:

Basset hound
Boston Terrier
Bulldog
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Labrador Retriever
Pekingese
Pug
Saint Bernard
Siberian Husky

FAQ

What’s the best food for my Samoyed?

What is the best food for your dog?

The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are:
1. The Farmer’s Dog.

This is a fresh-frozen food that’s delivered to your home in just the right amounts for your dog. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. The Farmer’s Dog came up the winner with my picky dogs. You can see the fresh frozen food test here.

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2. Sundays Food For Dogs

This is an air-dried food. It has the convenience of kibble (just pour it in the bow) but is much much healthier. It’s like little pieces of jerky, so dogs go crazy for it. There are a number of air-dried foods on the market. My dogs tested 3 of them. You can see the results of the air-dried food test here.

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3. We Feed Raw.

This raw food for dogs comes delivered to your home is perfectly sized portions for your pup. They primarily source their ingredients from trusted U.S. farmers, with two exceptions: venison and lamb. These ingredients are sourced from New Zealand, where some of the highest-quality and most ethically raised venison and lamb can be found. Pasture-raised and grass-fed and finished, we highly recommend trying these formulas if you’re interested in the best-quality ingredients. Save 25% on your first order.

Supplements:

I highly recommend using a supplement on your dog’s food, not matter what you feed them, to ensure the meal is balanced and they are getting all the right supplements to help them stay healthy. The supplement I use is called The One from Front of the Pack. It has 12 ingredients that have been clinically-proven to keep your dog’s joints, skin, heart, digestion, and even their breath in tip-top shape. It’s also a powder, so easy to sprinkle on your dog’s food. For a limited time, when you buy one month you get a second month free.

What does it mean for a dog breed to be hypoallergenic?

Hypoallergenic dog breeds are those that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to pet allergens.

Are Samoyeds considered a hypoallergenic dog breed?

No, Samoyeds are not considered a hypoallergenic dog breed.

What causes allergic reactions to dogs?

Allergic reactions to dogs are caused by exposure to the proteins found in their skin cells (dander), saliva, and urine.

Is it the dog’s fur or dander that causes allergic reactions in people?

Both the dog’s fur and dander can cause allergic reactions in people, but it is primarily the dander that causes the most problems.

What is dander, and why is it a problem for people with allergies?

Dander is made up of tiny flakes of dead skin that dogs shed naturally. For people with allergies, exposure to these flakes can trigger an immune system response that leads to allergy symptoms.

Are there any breeds of dogs that are completely hypoallergenic?

No dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, but some breeds are less likely to cause allergic reactions in people than others.

Are there any dogs that are better for people with allergies than others?

Yes, some dog breeds that are less likely to cause allergic reactions in people include Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Portuguese Water Dogs.

Do Samoyeds shed a lot of fur?

Yes, Samoyeds shed a lot of fur, especially during seasonal changes.

Can Samoyeds be groomed to reduce the amount of dander they produce?

Regular grooming can help reduce the amount of dander that Samoyeds produce, but it cannot eliminate it completely.

What are some common symptoms of dog allergies?

Common symptoms of dog allergies include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and skin rashes.

Can people with dog allergies develop immunity over time?

Some people with dog allergies may develop a tolerance or immunity over time, but this is not guaranteed and may not be the case for everyone.

Are there any medications that can help alleviate dog allergy symptoms?

Yes, there are medications such as antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids that can help alleviate dog allergy symptoms.

What should someone with allergies do if they want to adopt a Samoyed?

Someone with allergies who wants to adopt a Samoyed should spend time with the dog before adopting to see if they have an allergic reaction. They should also be prepared to take allergy medications and to groom the dog regularly to reduce dander.

Are there any other factors to consider besides allergies when deciding whether to adopt a Samoyed?

Yes, Samoyeds are an active and high-energy breed that require a lot of exercise and training. They also shed heavily and may not be a good fit for people who are sensitive to dog hair.

What are some other breeds of dogs that are good for people with allergies?

Other dog breeds that are good for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Schnauzer.

What can people with allergies do if they want to adopt a Samoyed?

People with allergies who want to adopt a Samoyed should spend time with the dog before adopting to see if they have an allergic reaction. They should also be prepared to take allergy medications and to groom the dog regularly to reduce dander. If someone has severe allergies, it may not be advisable to adopt a Samoyed or any dog breed that is known to trigger allergies.

Are Samoyeds suitable for dog owners with allergies?

While no dog breed can be considered completely hypoallergenic, Samoyeds are not typically recommended for individuals with pet allergies. Their thick coat and shedding tendencies can release allergens into the environment, potentially triggering allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. If you have allergies, it is advisable to spend time with Samoyeds or other breeds to assess your personal tolerance before making a decision.

What is the origin of the Samoyed dog breed?

The Samoyed dog breed traces its origin to the Arctic regions of Siberia, specifically among the Samoyede people, who were nomadic reindeer herders and hunters. These indigenous people, also known as the Samoyedic or Samoyed people, relied on these dogs for a variety of purposes, including herding reindeer, pulling sleds, guarding their camps, and providing warmth during cold nights.

Do Samoyeds require regular grooming?

Yes, Samoyeds have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in optimal condition. Their dense fur can easily become matted and tangled if not properly maintained. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and to remove loose hair. In addition, Samoyeds may benefit from occasional professional grooming to help manage their coat.

Can individuals allergic to dogs be allergic to Samoyeds?

Yes, individuals who are allergic to dogs may also experience allergic reactions to Samoyeds. Despite the misconception that certain breeds are hypoallergenic, it is important to note that allergies are typically triggered by specific allergens, such as dog dander and saliva proteins, rather than by the breed itself. As Samoyed have thick fur and shed, they can potentially produce allergens that can cause allergies in sensitive individuals.

Are Samoyeds a large dog breed?

Yes, Samoyeds are considered a large dog breed. They typically have a sturdy and solid build, with males weighing between 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) and females ranging from 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg). Their size, combined with their strong and independent nature, requires responsible ownership and appropriate space to accommodate their needs.

While Samoyeds are undoubtedly captivating and charismatic companions, their hypoallergenic status remains a myth. As a breed with a thick double coat that sheds heavily, they are not suitable for individuals with allergies seeking a hypoallergenic dog. It’s crucial for prospective dog owners to research and spend time with specific breeds or individual dogs to assess their tolerance level before making a decision. Consulting with healthcare professionals or allergists can provide valuable insights into individual allergies and guide the selection process toward a breed that will be compatible with an individual’s specific needs and health concerns.