Beagles are among the most well-known dog breeds on the planet. They are scent hounds and were originally developed in the UK as a hunting dogs. These small, Lab-looking short-haired dogs are very gentle, even-tempered, and loyal.
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Are Beagles Hypoallergenic?
The beautiful Beagle is not a hypoallergenic breed. Despite their short coat, they are not compatible with owners or households that have allergy concerns.
Let’s take a few moments to learn more about Beagles, their grooming requirements and tips on how to minimize Beagle dog allergies if you are still determined to adopt one.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
The term hypoallergenic means a slightly or below-average chance of causing a reaction. This term has been around since the early 1950s and is used to refer to a variety of things that are generally considered safe for people with specific sensitivities.
In terms of animals such as dogs, the meaning of hypoallergenic gets a bit more specific.
No animal is non-allergenic, but some breeds are considered hypoallergenic.
This is because certain animals, such as certain dog breeds will generate a lower number of allergens. In the case of dogs, it means that they will have little to no dander and moderate to minimal shedding. The saliva and urine can also cause a reaction, and hypoallergenic pets will have lower concentrations of triggering proteins in their body.
Is a Beagle Hypoallergenic?
These adorable scent hounds are good for a lot of things, but sadly, they are not suitable for people with pet allergies.
Beagles are not hypoallergenic, in fact, this breed produces one of the highest concentrations of dander for their breed size. Despite being small dogs, they shed both hair and dander excessively.
Sadly, if you have a pet allergy, then a Beagle may not be the right pet to add to your family.
Do stay tuned for similar sized breeds that shed minimally and may be more suitable for you and your household which we outline later on for you.
Do Beagles Shed Much?
Beagles as a breed tend to shed often, however, their hair shedding is not a common trigger for those with pet allergies. They shed every single day and are considered to shed a moderate amount.
During the peak shedding season, they are able to rid themselves of their whole coat within a few weeks.
Their shedding seasons are just around the start of summer when the weather begins to turn hot.
It is important to groom a Beagle several times a week to reduce the amount of hair on their coat and around your home.
We will cover grooming for a Beagle in more detail later on.
Do Beagles Have an Odor? Why?
Most dogs will have a distinctly canine scent, but some breeds may be more noticeable than others.
Beagles specifically have a very peculiar scent that is decidedly not doglike. The scent can easily be described as that of a corn chip. If you have ever eaten the popular brand Fritos, then you can identify the smell quite quickly.
The scent is produced from the oil, dirt, and debris that mix together on the coat of the dog creating a unique odor.
Do Beagles Have Dander?
Pet dander is basically the dead skin cells that fall off of the dog’s coat.
In most cases, the dander will fall off when the dog sheds their hair, but it can also come off on its own. The proteins in the dog's urine, saliva, and skin are what trigger allergic reactions in some people.
This dander is what causes people to start sneezing, itching, having runny noses, and other allergic reactions. Dander can sit on surfaces or float in the air.
With Beagles, they feature a double coat that allows for a more moderate amount of shedding, but a rather high level of pet dander.
How to Minimize Beagle Dog Allergies
Beagles are not hypoallergenic, but if you are determined to get one, there are some ways you can reduce allergen exposure. We detail a few of the most common ways to reduce pet dander for those who suffer from pet allergies.
1. Proper Grooming of a Beagle
Beagles do shed every day, during the shedding season they will increase the volume of their shedding dramatically. One of the best ways to reduce shedding and dander is through proper grooming.
You will need to brush their hair every other day to reduce excess hair. Washing them with a moisturizing dog wash for allergen control every 2-3 weeks is also recommended.
They do have a double coat, though they have short hair. This means they will be lower maintenance than a dog with long hair, but still need proper grooming to reduce dander efficiently.
2. Bathing Your Beagle
Washing your Beagle on a regular basis will help cut down on the amount of pet dander they shed around the house.
Most dogs can go for 2-3 weeks without a deep scrub, if your dog loves to frolic outdoors, you may need to wash them more often.
It is important that you use a moisturizing dog wash that won’t dry out their hair and skin. This will help keep them clean while also ensuring their body has enough oils to reduce dander production. Unless your dog gets dirty, avoid overwashing it.
3. Diet
One of the most effective ways to reduce allergen production is by paying close attention to your dog’s diet.
Feeding them a balanced meal with products will ensure their coat and their body is as healthy as possible.
If you want to dress up their meals, add par-boil chunks of fresh vegetables for added nutrients. As a snack, you can also safely feed your dog fruit. This will add to the health of their hair and reduce dander.
Keep your Beagle active and within a healthy weight range since Beagles are prone to weight gain. If you have a yard make sure they get plenty of time to explore, but taking them walking each day will also suffice.
4. Thorough Home Hygiene
You will need to take care of your home as much as you care for your Beagle in order to reduce allergy attacks.
The room where you sleep should be off-limits to your pet, and even to those who have been interacting with other animals.
Consider installing hardwood and tile in your home to reduce dander on the floor.
You can cover your furniture with pet-safe covers but train your dog to stay firmly on the ground. If you can’t keep them off the bed, consider using a pet cover.
It’s a given that you will clean your home on a regular basis, but when you are dealing with a pet allergy, you need to be extra vigilant.
If you do have carpets, make sure to clean them using a specialized vacuum for pet hair - and vacuum every couple of days to prevent a buildup of hair and dander.
Consider using HEPA filters in your HVAC system or using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce airborne indoor pollution.
6 Medium Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (That Much)
Pet allergies should not keep you from experiencing the job of being a pet parent.
There are several medium-sized dog breeds to choose from that don’t shed that much. Some, if not all of the medium dogs on this list are also hypoallergenic which makes them great candidates for allergy-prone families.
1. Kerry Blue Terrier
This is a medium-sized breed that has a very low level of shedding. They are very loyal dogs that do well with children and tend to have an adventurous nature. The best thing about these gentle creatures is that they are also hypoallergenic.
2. Poogle
The Poogle this breed is a mix between a Poodle and a Beagle. Poodles are low shedding hypoallergenic dogs which makes them perfect for this pairing. This hypoallergenic mixed breed is quirky and loyal to a fault. They do require regular grooming to prevent matting, but their shedding is minimal.
3. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotoo Romagnolo is medium-sized breed is not only hypoallergenic but is also hyper-affectionate. The curios breed comes from Italy, and it is a form of water dog. They tend to live for 15 to 17 years and are very easy to train. They make great pets for families, older owners, or even first-time pet parents.
4. Whippet
Along with being a fun dog to own, the Whippet also has minimal shedding. It is a medium-sized dog that is best suited for homes with mature owners. Though loyal to a fault, this breed is rather quiet and prefers a steady pace as opposed to a fast-moving lifestyle.
5. Irish Water Spaniel
It may seem hard to fathom that such a curly-haired dog won’t aggravate pet allergies. However, this breed is hypoallergenic. Their curly hair sets them apart from other dogs and their goofy nature keeps pet parents entertained. They have a limited amount of shedding which is perfect for allergy-prone homes.
6. Standard Xoloitzcuintli
This medium-size breed is naturally hairless and therefore faces no issues with shedding. Also called the Mexican hairless, this breed is also considered hypoallergenic. Don’t let the unique appearance of this dog fool you, it is always ready and willing to defend its territory from intruders. Just make sure you live in a moderate climate as too much cold or heat can be bad for the dog's health.
