Are Shihpoo Hypoallergenic? The Facts About Pet Allergies

Shih Poo, are they hypoallergenic? This is a common concern that a lot of future dog owners have, especially with particular breeds. 

With Shihpoo being the result of designer breeding between two established dog breeds, the Poodle and the Shih Tzu, it already sounds like the ideal choice for your household. A Shih Tzu Poodle borrows the physical characteristics of its parents, the Poodle and Shih Tzu, and have you ending up with a uniquely charming pet. 

Poodles and Shih Tzus are also well-known for their safer coats so, naturally, Shih Poos have the potential to possess hypoallergenic qualities as well. This fact and their small size have contributed to their popularity and made them the ideal companion dog. So, are Shih Poos hypoallergenic? We’re here to answer that question and more.

What Does It Mean To Be ‘Hypoallergenic?’

‘Hypoallergenic’ is a term coined by cosmetic manufacturers. It was used to label makeup and skincare products that caused lesser allergic reactions compared to other products of the same type. 

Medical websites state that although a product may claim to be hypoallergenic, it does not guarantee that it’s completely free from allergic reactions. It simply means that those products are less likely to trigger an allergy.

What Is A ‘Hypoallergenic’ Dog?

As you’re aware of already, the term ‘hypoallergenic’ is not limited to the makeup and cosmetics industry. It can apply to pets as well. 

Usually, the number one reason a lot of people are unable to adopt pets, no matter how much they want to, is because of the allergic reactions they can cause. This is usually common with people who want dogs. It then becomes especially tempting to adopt one when a dog breeder claims a dog to be fully hypoallergenic.

Unfortunately, several allergy experts have expressed that a fully hypoallergenic dog does not exist.

But there are certain dog breeds that trigger fewer allergic reactions than others. A Poodle is a popular example of a hypoallergenic dog breed. This is because of its low-shedding coat that catches dander that its curls secrete, therefore mitigating and limiting the risk of allergies on exposure. 

What Usually Triggers An Allergic Reaction To Dogs?

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) reported that around 10 million people experience allergic reactions to their pets.

What could be the reason for this? ACAAI further explains that allergic reactions are because the immune system of some people reacts differently to the allergens in the dog’s fur, saliva, and dander. 

If you are unaware of what dander is, WebMD describes it as flakes of dead skin. They are usually shed by dogs, cats, or any animals with fur or feathers.

While most people are right to think that dog hair is the culprit, it’s important to know that there are other factors that cause this allergy. So, even if your dog has a low-shedding coat, it doesn’t completely remove the risk of an allergic reaction. 

Are Shihpoo Hypoallergenic?

So, now that you are more familiar with what hypoallergenic dogs are, the real question is: are Shih Poo dogs hypoallergenic?

If you want a dog with no risk factors, then you may struggle to find one because there is still the risk of dander even if the dog doesn’t shed a lot. However, given that a Shihpoo’s parents are considered to be hypoallergenic, there’s no doubt that the Shihpoo also possesses hypoallergenic qualities. 

The hair types of the Shih Tzu and the Poodle allow lesser allergy risks in their offspring.

The coat of a Shih Tzu is composed of long hair that is similar to that of the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier, which means it doesn’t possess allergy risks or hold allergens and dirt the way a fur coat does. Poodles on the other hand have denser, water-resistant curls that also don’t carry any dirt or allergens. 

Crossing a Shih Tzu and a Poodle then will result in a hypoallergenic dog. Shih Poo puppies usually have variations on their coats, as some of them might take after their Poodle parent while others may resemble their Shih Tzu parent more. They might also have different colorations and patterns in their coat.

However, the appearance of their coat does not affect its condition or the hypoallergenic qualities they possess. So, is a Shih Poo hypoallergenic? The short answer is yes, they are.

Do Shih Poo Dogs Shed A Lot?

With the Shihpoo being a crossbreed of two breeds with a low-shedding coat, there’s also a good chance that the Shihpoo won’t end up leaving hair all over your household. 

But dogs do need to shed their fur to some extent. Otherwise, they’d have no way of replacing old dead hair with new and healthy ones. 

So, you can expect your Shih Poo to shed a bit, but it won’t be to the same degree as other dogs. This minimal shedding is why Shih Poo dogs are an ideal pet choice for those who have pet allergies. 

It’s also important to remember that even though the Shih Poo does not shed as much, they still need to be groomed regularly, particularly every four to six weeks. 

Of course, if you still have concerns about the risks of allergic reactions to shed fur and dander, then there are always steps you can take to minimize and reduce the risks. 

The Shih Poo was bred to not only be a hypoallergenic companion but also a lap dog that will readily cuddle you and curl up in your lap at the end of the day. So, minimizing contact with your Shih Poo to mitigate any risks of allergy can only go so far.

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you won’t have to wonder ‘are Shih Poo puppies hypoallergenic?’ They are but there are also no guarantees. They’re designer dogs that were crossbred to be the ideal companion in your household. Fluffy, adorable, and the perfect cuddle buddies, what more could you ask for?

If you would like to know more about the Shih Poo breed, you can always reach out to Shih Poo owners. Generally, dog owners are always more than happy to offer their insights and help potential owners. So, are you interested in becoming a potential owner of a Shih Poo? Leave a comment and let us know!