Chihuahuas are one of the most popular dog breeds, but they’re also one of the most misunderstood. Hypoallergenic Chihuahuas are a common topic of discussion among dog owners and lovers. People with pet allergies often want to know if they should get a hypoallergenic dog.

Chihuahuas aren’t actually hypoallergenic, but they usually don’t cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to dogs. Chihuahuas can be a good choice for someone with allergies, but there are considerations to make before bringing home a new puppy.

In this article, we’ll look at what makes a dog hypoallergenic, and why you need to have a canine friend with this characteristic. We’ll also give you some facts about Chihuahuas, and guide you on what you should know about the Chihuahua breed. Read on to find all you need to know about Chihuahuas! 

Understanding Allergies to Dogs

Pet allergies are common. It’s estimated that ten percent of the United States’ population has pet allergies. Symptoms include itchy eyes, nose, and throat, and often sneezing. 

Allergies can range from mild to severe, and doctors can prescribe medication if your allergies are overly-troublesome. Some allergies aren’t just limited to summer months: people have year-round allergies, dog dander being one of the biggest triggers.

Some people may experience allergies only when around dogs that shed fur or lick their faces. Other people are sensitive to pet dander that hangs in the air after a dog sheds its coat. Still others develop an allergy after being bitten by fleas or coming into contact with saliva, since many dogs lick themselves. 

Are you someone who has allergies? Read on to discover if a Chihuahua is right for you. 

What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?

Hypoallergenic dogs are also referred to as non-shedding. This means they shed less than other breeds. Hypoallergenic dogs have low levels of pet dander, saliva, skin scales, and hair.

The main reason why a dog is considered hypoallergenic is that it does not produce proteins that cause allergic reactions. Dander, or dead skin cells, is one of these proteins. If you have allergies, your body may be reacting to these proteins when they are released by your dog’s skin or fur in response to stress or an infection, such as fleas or ticks.

Some breeds produce less dander than others, which makes them better-suited for people who suffer from allergies caused by pet allergens (pet-related atopy.) Here is an overview of some of the most hypoallergenic dog breeds:

• Poodles
• Bichon Frise
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Pug

Are Chihuahuas Hypoallergenic?

Chihuahuas are not hypoallergenic. They shed just like any other dog, but there is low shedding. It’s true that some people are allergic to dogs, but this isn’t because of their breed or size – it’s because of a dog’s hair and dander.

Dander is the tiny dead skin cells that fall off your pet’s body and get carried around in the air. Dander can be found on furniture, carpets, clothes, and even your bedding! All dogs have dander and shed hair, which are allergens for many people. If your dog has short hair and doesn’t shed much, it might be easier for you to keep your home clean of allergens than if it had long hair that sheds more frequently. 

If you’re allergic to cats or other pets, you may be able to tolerate a short-haired chihuahua. Their low-shedding coats mean less dander for your body to react to when you’re cuddled up with them.

Hypoallergenic dogs have been bred specifically to have less dander and less shedding than regular breeds. However, they can still cause an allergic reaction in some people—even those who aren’t allergic to other dogs! So while owning a hypoallergenic dog might reduce your chances of contracting an allergy from them, you might want to be aware that dander can still give you an allergic reaction.

Why Do Chihuahuas Not Shed So Much?

Chihuahuas have a very short coat with very little hair growth. This means they don’t need to shed their coats as often as other breeds do. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t shed at all. In fact, most Chihuahuas will lose their undercoat twice per year – around springtime and early fall, or again during the winter months if temperatures drop below freezing. 

Another reason why Chihuahuas don’t shed as much as other breeds is because of their fur type. Their fur is fine, straight, and soft, rather than coarse or curly like many other breeds’ fur types. Even though they still have hair follicles (which produce hair,) there aren’t enough of them to produce enough hair to create a noticeable amount of shedding on your floors or furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Chihuahuas hypoallergenic?

No, Chihuahuas are not hypoallergenic. The short and smooth coat of the Chihuahua sheds very little, but it may still cause someone who suffers from allergies to have adverse reactions to the dander. Chihuahuas have less of the protein that causes allergies in people, which may be why some people might consider them hypoallergenic. According to the American Kennel Club, “purebred Chihuahua” is one of the most popular types of dogs in America.

Can I get allergies from my Chihuahua?

Though Chihuahuas produce less dander than other dogs, some people still develop allergies to them. They have thick coats that have to be groomed regularly. If you think the coat may affect you, talk to your doctor before bringing home a new pup.

Why are some breeds more likely to cause allergies?

Some dog breeds are more likely than others to cause allergies due to their tendency to shed a lot of hair. This means if you already suffer from allergies or asthma, it might not be a good idea to adopt these types of dogs. If there’s something specific about these breeds that interests you, do some research on the breed. See what other people have said about how it affects them before making your decision.

What’s the best way to care for my Chihuahua’s coat?

The short answer is: with a lot of care, love, and attention. It’s important that you brush your pup regularly in order to keep its coat shiny and healthy. Most people will brush their dog once or twice a week. But if you have more time on your hands (or just like to do it more often), you can brush it daily!

How often should I bathe my Chihuahua?

Whether it’s necessary to bathe your Chihuahua depends on how often it gets dirty in the first place. You may want to consider bathing your puppy once every two weeks at most if it spends most of its time indoors with you. This is because indoor air quality tends to be better than outdoor air quality (and therefore won’t cause as much dirt buildup). Otherwise, you can bathe your dog as often as every few months if it’s going outside often.

To bathe your Chihuahua, it’s recommended to brush first: this takes off any dandruff, dander, and hair that has fallen off its skin. When washing a Chihuahua, there are some tips and tricks to give your dog a healthy appearance. Groomers recommend bathing your Chihuahua twice, first to clear any dirt from his coat, and second to wash the hair. Groomers say that the hair can lose hydration and would need a second bath – whether you like to use just shampoo or conditioner on the coat, it’s up to you! 

While gently washing your pup, we advise to prevent the room from getting too cold, so your Chihuahua doesn’t seem chilly. It’s important to use cool or lukewarm water, because anything too hot or cold could negatively affect the puppy. Groomers will recommend utilizing a conditioner for a dog that holds in moisture, provides essential oils for its coat, and can reduce static electricity. 

Conclusion

The term hypoallergenic means a dog has very few allergens present in its skin and hair. Are Chihuahuas hypoallergenic? Although Chihuahuas can be just as much of an allergy trigger for some people as any other breed of dog, these dogs are usually low-allergen! It might be a good idea to check with your doctor before buying a dog, but if you want an affectionate little companion who doesn’t shed much fur (or even at all,) and you don’t have allergies, then this might be the perfect dog for you!