Poochon are often dubbed hypoallergenic dogs.
The American Kennel Club state clearly on their website that there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog.
However, some breeds have hypoallergenic qualities, such as a low-shedding coat or producing minimal dander.
The AKC suggest 19 breeds that could be suited to someone looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
The Bichon Frise and the Poodle are two of the 19 breeds put forward by the organization.
The Poochon is a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Poodle so it’s likely that this designer breed will be low-shedding canines.
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.
We’ll take a closer look at why Poochon are considered hypoallergenic in this article, examining their shedding patterns and whether they need regular grooming.
A number of Poochon owners will give us an insight into the hypoallergenic qualities of these designer dogs, including George (@poochongeorge) and Bear (@bear.thepoochon).
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What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
Hypoallergenic was a term first coined by the cosmetic industry in the 1950s to denote a product that was less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
These hypoallergenic products don’t guarantee a person’s allergies wouldn’t flare up, it just meant it was less likely.
They’ll have less allergy-producing substances called allergens than other cosmetic products within a range.
We can take a look at WebMD’s thorough definition of the word hypoallergenic to ensure you’ve got a clear understanding of it’s meaning before we take a look at some hypoallergenic dogs.
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.
What Are Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Bichon Frise soaks up the sun (Photo: Adobe Stock)
If you’ve got allergies to dogs, you’ll almost certainly have researched hypoallergenic dog breeds if you’ve got your heart set on owning a furry pooch.
The American Kennel Club write clearly on their website that there’s no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog in spite of claims that breeders might make.
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.
Just like hypoallergenic cosmetic products, hypoallergenic dogs typically produce less allergens than other varieties of dogs. Remember, just because a breed is considered hypoallergenic, there’s no guarantee an allergic reaction won’t occur.
The AKC list 19 different breeds on their website that are hypoallergenic, while the respected Kennel Club in the UK name over 30 varieties of dogs that could be a fit for pet lovers with allergies.
While there are some breeds that are considered hypoallergenic, the list grows longer when you consider these hypoallergenic breeds could be mixed together or with other non-hypoallergenic breeds to create a hybrid dog with some hypoallergenic qualities. The Poochon is one such example.
It’s important to remember that even if you cross a dog with a hypoallergenic dog, there’s no guarantee the hybrid dog will inherit the hypoallergenic traits.
What Causes An Allergy To Dogs?
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America state on their website that as many as three in ten people have allergies to pet hair.
However, there are over 90 million dog owners in the USA so we can deduce that there must be quite a demand of hypoallergenic dog breeds. Even breeds that have hypoallergenic qualities could still trigger a person’s allergies. The AAFA reiterate this point on their website.
People with dog allergies may be more sensitive to some breeds of dogs than others. Some people may be allergic to all dogs. People may think certain breeds of dogs are “hypoallergenic,” but a truly non-allergic dog or cat does not exist.
When you think about dog allergies, you’ll probably pinpoint dog hair as the biggest culprit. However, you may be surprised to learn that the number one cause is usually pet dander.
The American Lung Association offer a definition of pet dander on their website to help dog lovers get a concise understanding of this allergen.
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.
Dogs can produce varying levels of dander. For example, the Poodle is a breed that doesn’t secrete much dander and the little that they do usually gets caught in their curly coat. Alternatively, the Mexican Hairless Dog can simply be wiped with a cloth to remove the dander on their skin.
While pet dander and hair are usually the main allergens that trigger allergic reactions, dog salvia and urine are also potential allergens. Your Poochon could carry allergens in their coat such as pollen.
What Are The Symptoms?
If you’re thinking about getting a dog but you suspect you may suffer with pet allergies, you should contact your local doctor to ask for advice before you adopt a canine companion.
Mayo Clinic write on their website that dog allergies are usually triggered by dander or pet hair. Here are some of the symptoms that the respected medical website write:
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Facial pressure and pain
• Frequent awakening
• Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
• In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose
Are Poochons Hypoallergenic?
Bear the Poochon (Photo: @bear.thepoochon / Instagram)
Poochons are considered a hypoallergenic dog breed because both parents have low-shedding coats. The American Kennel Club list the Bichon Frise and Poodle as two of their 19 breeds that they consider to be hypoallergenic. Even though the Poochon is considered hypoallergenic, this Doodle mix can still bring in allergens on their coat.
Do Poochons Shed A Lot?
George the Poochon (Photo: @poochongeorge / Instagram)
Neither the Bichon Frise nor the Poodle are big shedders, so the Poochon is usually a low-shedding cross breed. Also known as the Bich-poo, they can shed a little but not as much as most other breeds or mixes.
Bear (@bear.thepoochon), for example, doesn’t shed much at all.
They are not meant to shed as the Poochon is a mix of two hypoallergenic dog breeds. The only time when Bear would shed a bit is when I brush her but nothing major.
Poochons Care And Grooming
Bear the Poochon (Photo: @bear.thepoochon / Instagram)
While you won’t have to get the vacuum out every day unlike German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever owners, Poochons don’t really shed. Their low-shedding coats are a big plus for lots of dog owners. However, Poochon parents will need to commit to a regular grooming schedule.
Poochon will need to be regularly brushed to ensure their coat doesn’t become matted or tangled. By daily brushing, you can help maintain their coat’s appearance and prevent against potential skin infections.
The Bichon Frise Poodle cross will need to have a haircut every couple of months to prevent their hair from becoming too long or too curly. They’ll need a bath every 12 weeks or so.
We asked Bear’s mom (@bear.thepoochon) about her grooming routine for her Poochon.
Poochons are quite high maintenance when it comes to grooming. They do not shed their hair but generally have thick, curly coats which need brushing every day to prevent matting. Depending on the style of grooming, they will need their fur clipping every 6 weeks or so, which can be expensive.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Poodle’s are the second smartest dogs in the world (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The American Kennel Club and the British Kennel Club offer a number of different breeds that have hypoallergenic qualities.
The AKC list 19 different varieties of dogs on their website.
• 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
The Kennel Club offer a more exhaustive list of 31 types of dogs:
• 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 an allergy to dogs, you should speak to your doctor before you decide to adopt a canine. This article doesn’t constitute medical or professional advice.
We find that speaking to current Poochon owners to learn more about the cross breed, particularly whether they shed a lot and their grooming requirements.
In Conclusion
George the Poochon (Photo: @poochongeorge / Instagram)
We’ve reached the end of our feature on whether Poochon are hypoallergenic.
Poochon are a cross breed that don’t shed a lot given the influence of their Bichon Frise and Poodle parents.
The AKC and Kennel Club consider the Bichon Frise and the Poodle to be hypoallergenic breeds.
While Poochons are minimal shedders, they’ll require a lot of grooming to maintain their coat’s appearance and health.
