There’s nothing more annoying than being a dog lover who is plagued with allergies.
If this sounds like you, you might find yourself researching hypoallergenic dogs.
As a Schnauzer, I’m very pleased to let you know that we are in fact hypoallergenic dogs, and this is one of many great qualities we possess which makes us ideal pets.
What is a hypoallergenic dog?
Hypoallergenic dogs like us are marketed as shedding less or hardly at all – which makes us a hit with those who suffer from allergies.
Because we are less likely to shed, there’s less chance of allergy-causing dander being released into the air and around your home as it will with other breeds.
Are Schnauzers good for allergies?
Let’s get something straight: no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, however, what makes some dogs better than others for allergy sufferers is that they shed less, and less dander means fewer chances of allergies flaring up.
As Schnauzers, we’re considered to be good for allergy sufferers as we shed a lot less than some other breeds. We come in three varieties – standard, miniature, and giant.
As a miniature myself, I think it’s important to make the point that being smaller than the other two types of Schnauzer, we have less fur and, as a result, less dander and less chance of us spreading allergens around our home.
That said, my big brother the Standard Schnauzer, as well as my other big brother the Giant, are also mostly hypoallergenic as long as you groom them regularly to keep their fur allergen-free.
Can I get a dog if I’m allergic?
Yes, there’s still a possibility that you can get a dog even if you’re allergic to us, especially if you go for a hypoallergenic breed like a Schnauzer!
Everyone is different, and so is every dog, so your reaction will usually depend on how severe your allergy is and the breed of dog you have.
However, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of allergies flaring up:
- Regular grooming is important, as dander, pollen, mold spores, and other allergens are collected in our fur. It’s also a good idea to keep our hair short – although leave it to a professional groomer to judge this, as they know best! Don’t forget, grooming includes, bathing, trimming, and brushing!
- I hate having to say this, because I love snuggling up in bed with my human, but you should set some boundaries with your dog to limit allergens as much as possible. For example, letting us sleep in your bedroom is probably not the best idea, and we’re just as comfy in our own bed!
- Taking daytime allergy medication can also be a good idea as this way you can keep your allergies at bay. This will work best for those with less severe allergies, and, while I’m no doctor, it’s recommended that you find one that’s specified as being non-drowsy so you’re not falling asleep during the day! Only us dogs are allowed to do that!
- You should also avoid petting us and then touching your face afterward. Of course, you should still pet us and give us plenty of love, but before you touch anything else, wash your hands and forearms with soap and water to avoid spreading our pet dander.
Do schnauzers shed a lot?
Every dog sheds some hair, but we Schnauzers shed a lot less than some of our other canine friends.
Some of us may shed more hair than usual, and if this happens, it may be time for us to visit the vet, as it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Generally speaking though, we Schnauzers will not leave noticeable hair on your flooring, bedding, or furniture any more than you do.
We may shed slightly more at the beginning of new seasons, however, it’s unlikely that you’d even notice this.
That means you won’t need to hoover or steam your carpets continually as with some other breeds (not naming any names) – that’s right, we’re pretty much the dream dog when it comes to shedding.
Do schnauzers need haircuts?
Ah, now yes, we do require quite a bit of grooming, after all, our distinguished, handsome appearance won’t take care of itself!
We’re known for our double coat, which has a hard, wiry outer coat and a close, soft undercoat.
We’re not a “wash and wear” kind of dog. We require regular grooming every 4-6 weeks, as well as frequent brushing and combing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, as well as clipping or hand stripping to keep us looking our best.
We also need to be bathed frequently – either every week or no longer than every 6 weeks.
This helps us to maintain healthy skin and coat, as well as good hygiene, and of course, it will keep us smelling as fresh as a daisy!
Before bathing us, you may wish to use a high-power dryer all over our body to loosen any debris and dander from the skin. If we have any mats or tangles, this is also the time to try to loosen them.
Do Schnauzers have skin issues?
Just like humans, we Schnauzers can also be prone to skin conditions. As a miniature Schnauzer, I’m prone to something called Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome – a common skin disorder exclusive to Miniature Schnauzers – lucky us!
These skin lesions usually appear on our back and feel like small scabs; they’re similar to what you lot call “black heads” and are caused due to an inherited defect in the hair follicles of the skin.
This syndrome is usually diagnosed based on the breed, the location of the lesions, and their appearance, and they’re not usually painful for us unless they become infected – ouch.
This condition isn’t curable, but it’s manageable, and there are plenty of treatments out there, from antiseborrheic shampoos, antiseptic wipes, and/or oral antibiotics if the lesions are infected.
Daily to every other day cleansing of the area with a topical acne astringent also works well for some of us.
Severity differs between Schnauzers, and some of us will only suffer from occasional flare-ups, while others need constant attention to their skin.
However, if you look after us well, this condition cannot get in the way of us leading a normal, happy canine life.
