hypoallergenic dogs like german shepherds

Are German Shepherds Hypoallergenic? Facts & Allergy Care Tips

Hypoallergenic dogs are supposed to be suitable for allergy sufferers. Usually, dogs that do not shed much are described as hypoallergenic. By this definition,German Shepherds are not hypoallergenic. However, the term hypoallergenic is quite misleading, as we will discuss in this article.

German Shepherds are not hypoallergenic by any means, but you cant say that any breed is completely hypoallergenic.

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

Many people assume that since some dogs do not shed much hair, the hair will not bother those with allergies. However, it is not the hair that affects those with allergies.

Instead, theyre bothered by the saliva and skin of the dog. Since there is no saliva- and skin-less dog, there is no hypoallergenic dog either. All dogs with saliva and skin will bother those with allergies. Its the proteins of the dog, not the dogs hair.

Therefore, getting any dog labeled as hypoallergenic wont work for someone with a severe allergy. However, dogs that shed a lot release more saliva and skin cells into the air. The loose hair works as a transport for all the proteins that cause allergies, like those on dead skin cells.

Therefore, heavy shedders can be harder to tolerate for allergy sufferers. However, that doesnt mean that low-shedding dogs will not cause allergies.

The Type of Allergy Matters

Even if youre allergic to dogs, you may be able to own a German Shepherd with little to no reaction. Research has shown that the type of dog allergy you have matters. Some dogs do not have the same proteins as others. Therefore, if youre only allergic to a specific protein, you may be able to get a dog that doesnt have that protein.

Recent research shows that only intact male dogs create the protein called Can f 5. Therefore, if you are allergic to it, you can get a female German Shepherd. Six different proteins can cause reactions in people with dog allergies. Can f 5 is only made in a males prostate gland.

However, the allergy affects only 30% of those with dog allergies.

The 7 Ways to Manage Allergies

Suppose you are still set on keeping a German Shepherd even though you have dog allergies. There are a few things you can do to prevent an allergic reaction.

1. Use Air Cleaners

A high-efficiency particulate air cleaner can remove allergens from the air, which can significantly reduce your allergic response. While any air filter will likely work, a HEPA filter usually works the best. You can find vacuums with HEPA filters, which can reduce the amount of dander that has built-up around your home.

Usually, those with allergies react to the dander in the air. Because a HEPA filter reduces the dander, it can also reduce the number of reactions.

2. Have Pet-Free Areas

The dogs dander will accumulate in the places where your pet spends the most time. Therefore, if you restrict your dog to certain areas, you can also control where the dander is to some extent. For instance, we recommend keeping your dog out of your bedroom.

You spend a lot of time in your bedroom, so reducing the number of allergens in your bedroom can significantly limit the number of allergic reactions you experience.Furthermore, if there is little to no dander in your room, youll be able to sleep much better.

You wont have allergic reactions in the middle of the night when youre trying to sleep.You should also keep your dog off the furniture. Instead, limit your dogs sleeping to a specific pet area, like the dog bed.

German Shepherds are a very trainable breed, so it should be easy to train them to avoid specific areas.

3. Regular Grooming

When it comes to a German Shepherd, you will need someone else to take over the grooming. It is essential to brush the German Shepherd every day. Awell-groomed dog wont have as much dander to lose, which can further reduce the number of reactions you have.

For monthly baths, use a good shampoo that is designed to moisturize their skin. Dry skin will result in more dander, which can cause more reactions. A well-groomed dog will leave much less dander and fur lying around.

4. Medication

There are also several medications you can take to reduce your allergy response.

Here is a list of some of the most common dog allergy medications:

• These medications block the production of histamines, which is the chemical response that causes allergic reactions. For example, histamines cause itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
• These medications shrink swollen nasal passages, which may swell when interacting with dog hair. However, they are not safe for everyone. Those with underlying conditions should not take it.
• These are steroids that reduce some allergy symptoms, like inflammation.
• Leukotriene modifiers. This medication will need to be prescribed by your doctor. It affects your immune response at its source, blocking your immune system from attacking the dog protein.

In some cases, immunotherapy may be an option. However, it usually takes quite a while and is very time-consuming. It is a permanent fix to the allergy, however. Depending on how badly you want a German Shepherd, it may be worth it.

Usually, it involves having an injection every 2 to 4 weeks for a few years. Each injection contains a small amount of the allergen. The point is to slowly get your body used to the allergen, eventually lessening or even getting rid of your allergies altogether.

5. Get Rid of the Carpet

Carpets absorb dirt, debris, and pet dander. Therefore, you may want to remove the carpet in your home since it can increase the number of allergens in your air. Installing hardwood floors can reduce the number of allergens, especially if youre using HEPA filters and high-quality vacuums. When cleaning your floors, wear a mask to prevent air particles from flying up into your face and causing problems.

Pet dander can also stick to blankets and rugs, so be sure to clean them often. Everything should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week to reduce the pet dander.

6. Have Pet-Specific Clothing

When you interact with your pet, wear pet-specific clothing. It can be as simple as something you put on over your clothes, which will prevent them from getting dirty and covered with pet dander.

Be careful when washing your pets clothes. You dont want to end up with dander all over your clothes, so be sure to wash your pets clothes separately.

7. Wash Your Hands Often

Its best to wash your hands whenever you touch something with a pet-dander on it. Allergic reactions usually arent apparent until you get dander on your face, which can occur by touching your face with a dander-infected hand. If you wash your hands frequently, you can avoid it. Also, avoid touching your face when you havent washed your hands.

If youve rolled around on the ground with your dog, you may want to take a quick shower. It isnt always necessary for every interaction, but it can be helpful whenever you have been heavily exposed to dander.

Are German Shepherds the right choice for those with allergies?

While there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, German Shepherds are not particularly good pets for those with allergies. They have a double coat, which means they shed far more than most dogs. They also produce a lot of dander.

Can German Shepherd hybrids be hypoallergenic?

Some German Shepherd hybrids may not shed as much as a purebred German Shepherd. For instance, a German Shepherd-Poodle mix may not produce as much loose hair, helping those with allergens. However, they will still produce proteins, which is the real source of the allergic reaction. Therefore, they will still cause reactions in those with allergies.

However, the major problem with mixes is that you never know exactly what you will get. Sometimes, you may get a dog that doesnt shed at all, but other mixes shed just as much as a German Shepherd. Since you cant predict how a mixed breed will turn out, they usually dont make excellent dogs for those with allergies.

Pet breeders or websites that promote hypoallergenic German Shepherd mixes are misleading. Yes, some dogs from a particular mixed breed may shed less. However, they will all still produce dander, and there is no way a breeder can predict which puppies will shed and which wont.

Furthermore, dogs shed according to the seasons and their hormones. A dog that sheds very little may suddenly shed a lot when the seasons change.The last thing you want is for your beloved dog to become dangerous for you suddenly. Therefore, it is usually best not to purchase a mixed breed with the assumption that they wont shed. You never know when the dog may start shedding.

Are German Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

German Shepherds shed a lot, but they produce about the same amount of dander as similar breeds. Though low-shedding breeds are often labeled as hypoallergenic, all dogs have dander, and they will all cause an allergic reaction.

However, the high-shedding breeds like the German Shepherd tend to spread their dander further. The hair acts as a vehicle for the dander to move around, which can cause severe reactions in allergy sufferers.

Featured Image: New Africa, Shutterstock

10 Dog Breeds Similar to German Shepherds (With Pictures)

German Shepherds routinely rank as one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the German Shepherd is the fourth most popular dog breed in the country. There are millions of German Shepherd lovers in the world. This fascination with German Shepherds has driven many people to seek out dogs that are similar to German Shepherds or even breed their own. There are many dogs that share similar histories and DNA to the German Shepherd. These 10 dogs are the most similar breeds to German Shepherds in the world and are sure to appeal to anyone who is interested in German Shepherds.

The 10 Dog Breeds Similar to German Shepherds

1. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is one of the most strikingly similar dogs to the German Shepherd. In many cases, people cannot tell the two breeds apart. They share a very similar heritage, and they both come from the same region of the world. The German Shepherd was bred in Germany, while the Belgian Malinois was bred in nearby Belgium. Both dogs were bred for a similar purpose, and they are still used in similar roles today. You can find both German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois working for police departments and government agencies around the world. The Belgian Malinois is highly intelligent and incredibly driven, making it a fantastic working dog.

2. Belgian Tervuren Shepherd

The Belgian Tervuren Shepherd is another Belgian herding dog that has a lot in common with the German Shepherd. Like German Shepherds, Belgian Tervuren Shepherds are extremely versatile, hardworking, and loved by their owners. They are marked by a long, luscious coat and a sharp intelligence. Belgian Tervuren Shepherds need to work, and thrive when they are given a job and extensive training. These dogs do not like to be cooped up inside, and they dont make great house dogs. In this way, they are similar to Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds, which are also both working dogs cut from the same cloth. According to the AKC, Belgian Tervuren Shepherds are the 104th most popular dog in the United States out of 200 tracked breeds.

3. Bohemian Shepherd

The Bohemian Shepherd is a European herding dog bred to work. These dogs are highly intelligent and are driven to complete a job. Bohemian Shepherds are not as well known or common as German Shepherds, but they can fill similar roles. Like German Shepherds, Bohemian Shepherds can work in agility, search and rescue, tracking, pastoral work, obedience, therapy, and as service dogs. These dogs can make excellent family dogs, but they are most commonly found in niche breeding circles and in the Bohemian region of Europe, where they originated from. Bohemian Shepherds closely resemble long haired German Shepherds.

4. Dutch Shepherd

The Dutch Shepherd is incredibly similar to the German Shepherd. It is a purebred dog recognized by the AKC, but it is not very common or popular. The Dutch Shepherd developed as a herding dog in the Netherlands. They have been used as an all-around farm dog, hunting dog, and herding dog for generations. As an athletic herding dog, the Dutch Shepherd can spend hours a day running, walking, and working. They are highly intelligent and hard-working. They can also be stubborn, obstinate, and hard to handle. The Dutch Shepherd is more wild, wily, and rural than the German Shepherd, which has been much more domesticated, especially in recent times. These dogs share a similar working history and a very similar appearance.

5. King Shepherd

The King Shepherd is a hybrid breed that is the result of trying to create a giant German Shepherd. King Shepherds are a mixture of Shiloh Shepherds and German Shepherds. That means that King Shepherds have a large amount of German Shepherd in their genetic makeup, which makes them very similar overall. King Shepherds can get very large and resemble an oversized German Shepherd. These dogs are very friendly and retain the intelligence of a German Shepherd. They also escape some of the congenital health issues that German Shepherds have, but they do suffer from some health issues that affect large dog breeds in general.

6. East European Shepherd

The East European Shepherd, or the Vostochno Evropeiskaya Ovcharka, is a special dog that was created in the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The East European Shepherd was bred to make a larger and more durable German Shepherd. Russia is cold, and Soviet breeders wanted to create a German Shepherd that had a thicker coat that could be used for outdoor work for the military and secret police. This dog is very similar to the German Shepherd because it was bred out of pure German Shepherd stock. These dogs are heavier than the German Shepherd and have thicker coats that allow them to endure in cold climates better than their German counterparts.

7. American Alsatian

The American Alsatian is a dog breed that came about from the idea of creating a dog that looks like a wolf but acts like a companion dog. The result was spectacular. The American Alsatian is a unique breed that looks like a wolf but behaves like a German Shepherd. The breed was created in the late 1980s before being refined during the 1990s. American Alsatians combine Mastiffs, Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherds, and Irish Wolfhounds into one breed. If this dog sounds incredible, it is, but you might have a hard time finding one for yourself. There are only two recognized breeders of the American Alsatian in the United States.

8. Northern Inuit Dog

The Northern Inuit Dog is a hybrid breed that was developed in the United Kingdom. These dogs were bred to try and create a domesticated dog that most closely resembles wolves. Northern Inuit Dogs are bred from the Tamaskan dog, the British Timber dog, and the Utonagan. The result is a powerful dog that closely resembles a wolf. You have likely seen Northern Inuit Dogs on television, where they are often used as show dogs to portray wild wolves. They are also often used as live mascots for teams and organizations that use wolves as their symbol. The Northern Inuit Dog has the same wolflike build as a German Shepherd and is highly intelligent, allowing people to work with them in multiple roles.

9. Romanian Carpathian Shepherd

The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd, also known as the Carpathian Shepherd Dog, is a shepherd bred in Romania for livestock protection. These dogs are large and fluffy. Around humans they are very docile, but they can turn on a dime if they think that their animals or their people are in danger. Like the German Shepherd, Romanian Carpathian Shepherds are intelligent working dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. These dogs are easy to train, and they can withstand cold temperatures and inclement weather. You can still find these dogs working as family protectors and livestock guardians in the Carpathian Mountains to this day.

10. Shiloh Shepherd

The Shiloh Shepherd is a hybrid breed that is a cross between a German Shepherd and an Alaskan Malamute. The breed was created by Tina Barber in New York in 1990. Tina Barber was a German Shepherd enthusiast who wanted to create a larger, fuzzier German Shepherd with a warmer personality. The breed is recognized by a number of breeding clubs, but it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Since these dogs have German Shepherds as ancestors, they share many characteristics with them as well as history. Shiloh Shepherds are larger than German Shepherds and more docile. Shiloh Shepherds have also been used to breed other hybrids like the King Shepherd.

Mixed Breed vs. Purebred Shepherd Offshoots

The dogs that most closely resemble German Shepherds are a mixture of purebred and hybrid dogs. Hybrid, or mixed breed, dogs are dogs that are bred from two purebred breeds for a specific purpose. Many mixed breed dogs are not recognized by major breeding organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC), but they are legitimate breeds in the eyes of many. Hybrid dogs have some benefits over purebred dogs. Mixed breed dogs are often healthier, more robust, and have longer lifespans than purebred dogs. However, mixed breed dogs can be more difficult to find than purebred dogs. For example, you will have an easier time finding a Belgian Malinois than you will a Northern Inuit Dog if you are looking for a breeder or a puppy.

Hybrid dogs often resemble German Shepherds because they have German Shepherds, or similar shepherds, in their lineage.

Conclusion

These dogs are some of the most similar to German Shepherds. Some of these dogs resemble German Shepherds in appearance, while others share a common heritage. All of these dogs have a wolf-like composition, thick coats, and are highly intelligent. If you are looking for a companion for a German Shepherd or a similar dog to change it up, one of these is sure to meet your needs. German Shepherds are some of the most popular dogs in the world for a reason, and these dogs are all adequate stand-ins for the popular German breed.

Featured Image Credit: JenniMack, Shutterstock