Are Labrador Retrievers Hypoallergenic? Complete Guide with Preventions

When people think about the perfect family dog, there’s a good chance it’s a Labrador Retriever. Friendly, loyal, and just amazing with kids, these are perhaps one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. Many prospective pet owners ask: Are Labrador Retrievers hypoallergenic dogs?

 

But for those suffering from allergies, finding the right dog breed takes on an even greater sense of urgency.

This article will explore if Labrador Retrievers are hypoallergenic dogs and what this might mean for allergy patients. 

We will also review different types of Labrador Retrievers, including the Labrador Retriever puppy, Black Lab, and Chocolate Lab, to see if any variety of Labrador might be more allergy-friendly for you. Some extra management of pet allergies, if you want to pursue a Labrador, will also be explored.

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

Before we discuss whether Labrador Retrievers are hypoallergenic, we need to define what the word means. “Hypoallergenic” simply means something that is not likely to cause an allergic reaction. 

In the case of pet dogs, a hypoallergenic breed of dog produces fewer allergens compared to other breeds, hence making it easier for the allergic person to be exposed to them.

Although a perfectly hypoallergenic dogs breed cannot be achieved, there are some breeds that are definitely more tolerable for allergy sufferers than others.

Labrador Retrievers Hypoallergenic?

No, Labrador Retrievers are not hypoallergenic dogs. Such a short answer, however it is known that the main source of pet allergens Labrador Retrievers, as well as most other breeds, shed fur and produce dander. 

Friendly Labrador Retrievers shed plenty, especially during seasonal changes, but this makes them unsuitable for highly sensitive individuals in terms of dog dander.

Why Labrador Retrievers Are Not Hypoallergenic

To explain why Labrador Retrievers aren’t hypoallergenic dogs, it’s first useful to consider what makes allergies in dogs. 

Generally speaking, people allergic to dogs have an allergy to proteins within a dog’s saliva, urine, and dander–dead skin cells. When a dog sheds, these proteins go into the air, and one experiences an allergic reaction.

1. Shedding: Labrador Retrievers are classified as moderate to heavy shedding dogs. Their coats make up a thick double coat that sheds continuously throughout the year and more heavily in spring and fall.

2. Dander Production: All dogs produce dander, though because of their shedding tendencies, Labrador Retrievers throw off a lot of the stuff into the air to be inhaled by allergy sufferer.

3. Saliva: Like other breeds, salivation is an allergy in Labradors. When they lick you, saliva allergies result through their saliva as allergens pass through.

Different Types of Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are found in three primary colour variations: Black Lab, Chocolate Lab, and Yellow Lab. 

Each type of Labrador has the same lovable temperament and physical characteristics, though their colours set them apart. However, when it comes to allergens, all three types shed and produce dander, so none are inherently hypoallergenic.

Let’s dig a little deeper into each of these Labrador Retriever varieties to discern whether one is distinctly different from the other in a way that may help those with allergies.

Black Lab

The most recognizable of the three Labrador Retriever breeds is probably the Black Lab. Black Labs are prized for their glossy black coats and friendly, outgoing personalities. 

They make excellent service and guide dogs because of their trainability and intelligence, but like all types of Labrador Retrievers, they shed profusely and do not provide an advantage for people with allergies.

Chocolate Lab

Chocolate Lab comes with an incredibly stunning brown coat. Chocolate Labs are not any less friendly and active as the rest of the Labrador Retrievers. They shed quite heavily and moderately. That makes them not fit for anyone looking for a hypoallergenic dog. 

Labrador Retriever Puppy

If you are to bring a Labrador Retriever puppy, be prepared to deal with more shedding. Labradors do not shed much during puppyhood, but mature dogs begin regular shedding. 

The puppy may seem like a less allergenic alternative, but, of course, it will grow up to be a shedding dog, as does any other Labrador Retriever.

Why Choose a Labrador Retriever Despite Allergies?

Despite the fact that these dogs shed and have a lot of dander, many people with mild allergies go ahead and choose Labrador Retrievers simply because of their wonderful nature, intelligence, and loyalty. 

If your allergies are at a level where you could tolerate living with a Labrador, then you may be pleasantly surprised at how well this works with some accommodations.

Tips to Manage Allergies with a Labrador Retriever

If you want a Labrador Retriever, here are some ways to minimise your exposure to allergens and deal with your allergies:

1. Regular Grooming: Brush your Labrador Retriever regularly to minimise shedding. Use a good quality brush that is designed for dogs with double coats. Brushing outside can also prevent fur and dander from spreading indoors.

2. Bathing: Ensure you bathe your Labrador Retriever every several weeks in order to reduce dander. You can use gentle dog shampoo to keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy. Over-bathing might irritate the skin.

3. Vacuum Often: Labrador Retrievers shed copiously. Thorough vacuum cleaning would help remove pet hair and dander from carpets, furniture, and floors. It would be best to get a vacuum with HEPA filters that trap most allergens.

4. Air purifier: It can be used along with a HEPA filter to filter out huge airborne allergens that can make it easier for you to live around your labrador.

5. Restrict entry to particular areas: One easy way of minimizing allergen exposure is to restrict the entry of your labrador retriever to your bedroom or the other “allergy free” zones.

6. Wash Hands and Change Clothes: As soon as you touch the Labrador Retriever or engage in play with it so that you don’t transmute allergens on your face or any other surfaces.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Labrador Retriever

Let’s conclude the pros and cons of having a Labrador Retriever if you are an allergy patient.

Pros

• Friendly and Social: Labrador Retrievers are friendly and loyal and, hence, a great family pet.

• Intelligent and Trainable: Labradors are quite easy to train and that is the reason that often they are used as a guide dog, therapy dog, and search-and-rescue dog.

• Great with Kids: Labradors are very easygoing and friendly; hence, they excel as buddies for kids.

• Variety of Color: You can go for either Black Lab or Chocolate Lab or Yellow Lab; so, you have an option as regards appearance.

For Bonus tips: Understanding Labrador Retriever’s Health And Habits: Complete Guide .

Cons

• Not Hypo-Allergenic: The Labrador Retriever dogs do not belong to non-hypo-allergenic category. In other words, if there is one who suffers with major allergic issues then it would hardly be suitable for them at all.

• Shedding: Labrador Retriever sheds throughout the year; hence, perfect grooming is really required with coats.

• Size and Energy: Labradors are large and high-energy dogs that require lots of space and exercise, so they might not be suitable for every living situation.

Read more at Disadvantages of Owning a Labrador Retriever: Complete Guide .

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Alternatives to Labrador Retrievers for Allergy Sufferers

If you love Labrador Retrievers but have awful allergies, you may consider some alternative breeds, which are reportedly more allergy-friendly:

1. Poodle: There are different sizes of Poodles, and they have a curly coat that sheds very little; hence, it is perfect for allergy patients.

2. Bichon Frise: They are small dogs with a soft, curly coat that sheds very little, which makes them an excellent option for people who suffer from allergies.

3. Portuguese Water Dog: Similar in size and temperament to Labradors, Portuguese Water Dogs have a non-shedding coat and are highly recommended for allergy sufferers.

Final Thoughts 

Although Labrador Retrievers are not hypoallergenic dogs, so many people with mild to moderate allergies find ways to manage the symptoms with these wonderful dogs. 

There is a reason why Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds: loving nature, intelligence, and versatility make them a treasure to be cherished by the family.

If you are going to bring a Labrador Retriever puppy or an adult Labrador into your home, you should be prepared for regular grooming, cleaning, and other measures to keep allergens in check. All Labradors, whether Black Lab, Chocolate Lab, or Yellow Lab, require the same care to manage allergens.

Ultimately, the decision to own a Labrador Retriever comes down to your tolerance for allergens and commitment to managing them. As much as they are not hypoallergenic, with proper care and preventive measures, many people find living with a Labrador Retriever well worth it.

FAQs

1. Is a Labrador Retriever hypoallergenic?

No, they are not. The Lab sheds fur and makes dander, which in the end causes allergies.

2. Do different types of Labrador Retrievers, like Black Labs or Chocolate Labs, cause fewer allergies?

No, all colours of Labradors—Black Lab, Chocolate Lab, and Yellow Lab—shed and produce the same amount of dander, so none are better for allergies than the others.

3. How can I reduce allergy symptoms if I own a Labrador Retriever?

Regular grooming, frequent vacuuming, and using an air purifier can help manage allergens. Bathing your dog and keeping them out of certain rooms can also reduce exposure.

4. Is a Labrador Retriever puppy less allergenic than an adult?

A Labrador Retriever puppy may shed less than an adult at first, but as they grow up, they will really shed more and generate about the same level of dander.

5. Are there any allergy-friendly alternatives to Labrador Retrievers?

There are breeds that do better for those allergic to dogs, like Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, are low shedders.

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