Beagles are NOT hypoallergenic dogs. In fact, new Beagle owners are often surprised to find out that these hunting dogs are moderate shedders that shed daily AND have annual coat sheds twice a year.
If you were to judge the Beagle by coat only, it is tempting to think that this short-haired pup would be great for allergy sufferers, but this is not the case. These baying beauties are social butterflies, so much of their shedding happens in close contact with their humans – bad news for allergy sufferers!
The Beagle Coat
The Beagle is a hunting breed with a smooth short double coat. The thick undercoat is smooth and insulating, where the outer coat is much coarser and repels water.
The Beagle’s soft undercoat helps retain warmth while out on the hunt, and the outer coat helps to repel water and keep the Beagle dry while running through undergrowth chasing prey.
Like most double-coated breeds, the Beagle sheds throughout the year, and, during the significant temperature changes in Spring and Fall, they “blow their coat.” “Blowing their coat” refers to the As their body prepares for the changing seasons, some dogs experience two major coat sheds. The number of daylight hours in a day is what triggers these two major sheds during the year.
Weekly brushing with a bristle brush or a “hound glove” is enough to remove dead and dull fur and skin from the Beagle’s coat. Brushing also helps to stimulate oil glands in the skin and spread natural oils over the coat, where they provide a natural protective barrier.
When brushing a Beagle, it is crucial not to use any tools that can strip the undercoat or destroy its integrity. For example, a shedding blade can seriously damage the undercoat and leave it patchy, which can cause significant issues for dogs that actively hunt as they lose body heat.
What does it mean for a dog to be hypoallergenic?
When someone calls a dog “hypoallergenic,” they are talking about a dog that is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction in someone who has allergies to dogs.
So, what makes a dog hypoallergenic? Many people believe that a dog’s fur is the prime cause of allergies. What causes allergy symptoms, however, is a protein that the dog produces. This protein is present in a dog’s saliva, urine, and skin cells.
Different dog breeds produce varied levels of allergy-inducing proteins – this is why some dog breeds cause a less severe allergic reaction in people who suffer from allergies.
Are Beagles Hypoallergenic?
No. The Beagle is not hypoallergenic, and with its frequent shedding, allergy sufferers are likely to feel miserable around this small pup!
Limiting Allergy Symptoms When You Own a Beagle
If you already own a Beagle or if you absolutely must have a Beagle despite your allergies, it is possible to limit your allergy symptoms by taking a few proactive steps.
Keeping up with a regular grooming schedule helps to keep your Beagle’s coat healthy, but it also reduces the amount of dog hair (and dander) that your dog sheds throughout your home. Less hair shed means fewer allergy symptoms, and it also means a cleaner house in general!
A poor diet influences many distinct aspects of your dog’s life, including skin and coat health. If your dog is not getting the nutrients that they need to be healthy, they will experience dry skin, hair loss, over-production of oils in the skin, rashes, and even skin infections. All these symptoms increase the amount of dander your dog leaves in their environment when they start scratching – or even MOVING!
Regular veterinary care is a necessary part of any pet’s life as it keeps them healthy and active and supports their body as they age. However, your dog is susceptible to many different medical problems – including flea infestations!
If you have ever had a dog with fleas, you know exactly how much damage fleas can do to your dog’s skin, and coat and all that itching drives plenty of dander up into the air.
Conclusion / Summary
The Beagle is not a hypoallergenic breed, and it makes a poor breed choice for anyone who suffers allergies simply due to its frequency of shedding. By maintaining a regular grooming schedule, providing a healthy and balanced diet, and keeping up with regular preventative veterinary care and annual veterinary visits, allergy sufferers can own Beagles with limited allergy symptoms!