Are Pugs Hypoallergenic? Vet-Reviewed Dog Allergy Facts

Pugs are adorable little pups that make excellent pets for almost everyone. With their laidback temperament and entertaining personalities, you’re sure to have a blast with one of these dogs. However, if you’ve been considering adopting a Pug but are allergic to dogs, you need to know whether they are hypoallergenic or not.

Technically, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic; it’s just that some shed less hair and produce less dander than others, so they may be less allergenic for some people.¹ Unfortunately, the Pug is not hypoallergenic or even less allergenic. So, if you have intense allergies, the Pug—or in fact, any dog—might not be your best option. However, if your allergies are fairly mild, there are a few things that you can do to reduce your allergy symptoms around Pugs.

Dogs & Allergies

What causes a person to be allergic to a dog in the first place? Many think that it’s a dog’s hair, but the real culprit is proteins found in dog dander, saliva, and urine.

Dander is microscopic shed dead skin cells. As these are small and lightweight, they can remain in the air for a long time and can easily stick to furniture, bedding, and other household items. Dander is also attached to dog hair, so dogs that shed a lot will leave more dander in their wake (hence why people often believe that it’s the hair itself that causes allergies).

Saliva seems an odd thing for one to be allergic to, but your pet’s saliva holds certain proteins that can trigger your immune system.² So, when an animal grooms themselves or licks other objects, the saliva will dry and can then become airborne, causing a reaction when allergic people inhale it. Add in the fact that dogs are often keen on licking their humans and Pugs can be prone to drooling, and you could end up with saliva all over you, making things worse.

Why Pugs Aren’t Hypoallergenic

Pugs have short coats, which may lead one to think that they wouldn’t shed much, but unfortunately, a short coat doesn’t necessarily equate to a dog that sheds less. In fact, Pugs are pretty moderate shedders that shed all year round. Admittedly, due to their coat being smooth, they shed less than some other breeds (like Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds). But these small pups shed more than you think! That equals more dander and allergens in your home, which leads to more allergy symptoms.

How Can I Reduce Allergy Symptoms?

If you do have a Pug and mild allergies, there are ways you can ease your symptoms.

Hypoallergenic Alternatives

If you think your allergies won’t be able to handle a Pug, there are several other small dogs you might consider that may be less allergenic! Some dogs shed less and produce less dander, which might be easier on your allergies. However, it’s important to note there are different types of allergen proteins and different dogs produce different amounts, even if they are all from the same breed. Allergy sufferers react to different proteins, and recent research has shown that people who have dog allergies may not be allergic to all dogs. It’s not straightforward to predict what will trigger allergies!

Conclusion

Unfortunately, Pugs are not hypoallergenic and are instead rather prolific shedders. All that shedding means there’s more dog hair and dander flying around your home, which can induce allergy symptoms. Plus, some people are allergic to dog saliva, so that should be taken into account.

However, there are some ways you can ease allergy symptoms (if your allergies aren’t terribly bad). It’s important to consider your own health and how bad your dog allergies are before bringing a new dog into your family and home and committing to their lifelong care. Choosing a less allergenic breed with a low shedding or low dander coat may be a good option, but no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic.

Featured Image Credit: Lightfield, Shutterstock