Belgian Malinois aren’t hypoallergenic.
These Belgian dogs are considered to be world-class workers in a number of different fields.
The Belgian Malinois originate from the north western region of Belgium in a city called Malines (French)/Mechelen (Flemish).
While they may excel as police or military dogs, they shed a lot so they’re not considered hypoallergenic.
However, the Belgian Malinois has relatively low grooming requirements in comparison to some other breeds.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. There's no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog in spite of claims that breeders might make. It’s always best to speak with your vet or your doctor before deciding to get a dog if you suspect you may have allergies to pets.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at why Belgian Malinois aren’t hypoallergenic, how much they shed, whether they’ve got a lot of care needs and what breeds are hypoallergenic.
We’ll break this article on Belgian Malinois into the following sections:
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What does hypoallergenic mean?
The first thing we need to do is take a look at the word, hypoallergenic.
This term was first coined by the cosmetic industry in the 1950s to denote a beauty product that is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. These hypoallergenic products were important for potential consumers who had sensitive skin. Although hypoallergenic products are less likely to cause an allergic reaction, there’s no guarantee an allergic reaction won’t occur.
There’s a good chance if you’ve ever been shopping in a store that sells beauty products, you may have spotted the word hypoallergenic on some items.
Respected website WebMD.com provide a clear definition of hypoallergenic on their website:
If you see “hypoallergenic” on makeup or a skin care label, it means that that maker claims its product causes fewer allergic reactions than other ones. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is allergy-proof or gentler for your skin. The U.S. government doesn’t have standards that products must meet in order to put “hypoallergenic” on the label.
In the 21st century, the word hypoallergenic isn’t purely used in conjunction with cosmetic products. You’ll spot it alongside an array of different products.
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
A hypoallergenic dog is one that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction with regards to someone who suffers with allergies to pooches.
There’s a fairly good chance you may know someone allergic to cats or dogs. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology report that almost 10 percent of the American population are allergic to dogs. When you consider that nearly 90 of 320 million people in the USA own dogs, that’s means presumably quite a lot of people with canine companions are allergic to their pets.
A quick search on Google shows over 23.5 million results for hypoallergenic dogs. If you research a particular breed, one of the first results will be whether they’re hypoallergenic.
While there are some breeds that are considered hypoallergenic, the American Kennel Club make it clear on their website that there’s no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog breed:
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there are a variety of breeds that do well with allergy sufferers. These dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat which produces less dander.
So while you can’t find a 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog, there are some breeds that have earned reputations for being excellent companions for humans with dog allergies. The American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club in the UK suggest a number of breeds that have hypoallergenic qualities.
What causes an allergy to dogs?
There are a number of potential triggers for dog allergies.
The one that springs to mind immediately is dog hair. Hence, why low-shedding dogs tend to be popular with allergy sufferers.
Dog hair is a contributor to dog allergies but usually the biggest trigger is dander.
Here’s the American Lung Association to explain what dog dander is:
Pet dander is composed of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers.
Some dogs will have coats that can retain most of their dander until bath time. Other breeds have fur that can easily be washed so as to remove the dander. Alternatively, hairless dogs just need a wipe down to get rid of the dead skin.
What are the symptoms?
If you suspect you may have allergies to dogs, there’s a number of symptoms that you’ll want to keep an eye on. If you suspect you have allergies to dogs, you should book an appointment with your local doctor as soon as possible.
Some of the usual symptoms that will be present if someone is allergic to dogs:
• Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose.
• Facial pain (from nasal congestion)
• Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
• Watery, red or itchy eyes.
• Skin rash or hives.
However, this article is no substitute for professional, medical advice. So if you love dogs but you’re worried you’ve got allergies, go visit the doctor.
Are Belgian Malinois hypoallergenic?
Belgian Malinois (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Belgian Malinois aren’t considered a hypoallergenic dog breed, They’ve got a coat that sheds, so they may not be a good fit for someone who suffers with allergies to dogs.
Do Belgian Malinois shed a lot?
Typically, Belgian Malinois don’t shed a lot throughout most of the year. However, they do shed twice a year at the changing of the seasons. They’ll need daily brushing during this time to get rid of dead hair or loose hair in their coat.
They’ve got a short, straight, weather-resistant coat that is very versatile. They’ve got a dense undercoat that sheds seasonally twice a year.
Belgian Malinois grooming
The American Kennel Club suggest using a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool to maintain the appearance, health and good condition of their coats.
Belgian Malinois care
Belgian Malinois are active dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs like to be doing a task or serving a purpose. Due to their high energy levels, their nails can often wear down. Their nails will need to be checked regularly.
The AKC recommend basic care needs such as checking their ears for signs of infection and brushing their teeth regularly.
Hypoallergenic dog breeds
The American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club in the UK are great resources for anyone looking to learn more about hypoallergenic dog breeds.
The AKC list 19 dog breeds on their website as hypoallergenic:
The American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club in the UK are great resources for anyone looking to learn more about hypoallergenic dog breeds.
The AKC list 19 dog breeds on their website as hypoallergenic:
• Affenpinchser
• Afghan Hound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Barbet
• Bedlington Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Giant Schnauzer
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Maltese
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Poodle
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Schnauzer
• Xoloitzcuintli
Kennel Club goes even further with 31 different hypoallergenic breeds:
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Spanish Water Dog
• Bouvier des Flandres
• Giant Schnauzer
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russian Black Terrier
• Hungarian Puli
• Komondor
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Lhasa Apso
• Intermediate Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Mexican Hairless
• Standard Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Standard Poodle
• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Anything else to consider?
If you’ve got any questions about any dog regarding their shedding patterns, you should ask your breeder to provide you with further information.
For dog lovers who want to get a pup but suffer with allergies, you should speak to your vet before you go out and buy a pet.
In conclusion
Belgian Malinois in the woods (Photo: Adobe Stock)
So there you have it, we’ve reached the end of our article on Belgian Malinois and whether they’re hypoallergenic.
Unfortunately these working dogs aren’t considered hypoallergenic as they shed twice a year at the changing of the seasons.
