If you‘re a dog lover who suffers from allergies, you may have wondered if Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies) are a hypoallergenic breed that you can safely bring into your home. The internet is full of lists proclaiming the "best dogs for allergies" and Yorkies are almost always included. But are Yorkies truly hypoallergenic? As a veterinarian, I‘ll break down the science behind dog allergies and shed some light on whether a Yorkie is a good choice for your family.
What Causes Dog Allergies?
First, it‘s important to understand what causes allergic reactions to dogs. Many people think it‘s a dog‘s fur that triggers allergies, but the real culprits are proteins called Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3, and Can f 4. These allergens are found in a dog‘s dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine. When a dog sheds hair or fur, the attached dander spreads the allergens around the home where they can be inhaled or come into contact with the eyes and nose.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, up to 30% of people with allergies have reactions to cats and dogs. Dog allergies specifically affect 5-10% of the allergy-suffering population. With numbers that high, it‘s no wonder that people are seeking out dog breeds that are less likely to trigger allergy symptoms.
Why Are Some Breeds Called Hypoallergenic?
While no dog is 100% allergen-free, breeds that shed minimally are often labeled hypoallergenic because they spread less dander around the home compared to heavy shedders. Dogs with continuously growing hair coats, like Poodles and Bichon Frises, are typically better for allergy sufferers than double-coated breeds that shed heavily, like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers.
The Yorkshire Terrier‘s unique coat and petite size have earned it a spot on many "best dog breeds for allergy sufferers" lists. The American Kennel Club, which doesn‘t have an official hypoallergenic breed list, calls the Yorkie a "great choice for allergy sufferers" who want an affectionate, easy-to-train small dog.
So why is the Yorkie‘s coat considered more allergy-friendly? Let‘s take a closer look.
The Yorkshire Terrier Coat
Yorkshire Terriers have a single layer of hair that‘s more similar to human hair than to the double layer of fur and undercoat that most dogs have. This hair grows continuously, meaning that while Yorkies shed very minimally year-round, they don‘t have a heavy seasonal shed like double-coated breeds.
Because the hair grows long, though, Yorkies do require frequent grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Most Yorkie owners keep their dogs in a shorter "puppy cut" which necessitates going to the groomer about every 6-8 weeks. For allergy sufferers, this consistent grooming can actually be an advantage because it removes dander from the hair before it has a chance to shed around the home.
Veterinary dermatologist Dr. Molly Spaulding of the Coastal Veterinary Dermatology Center in San Clemente, California says that in her experience, even if a breed like a Yorkie is considered hypoallergenic, regular grooming is still key. "I educate my clients that when we discuss a hypoallergenic pet, it is truly the grooming that is the most important factor that will benefit the allergy sufferer. The allergens are held in the dead layer of the epidermis, so removing that layer by brushing and bathing will help to remove the allergens."
That said, the act of grooming itself can cause a flare up of allergy symptoms. If you‘re very sensitive to dog allergens, you may need to wear a mask while grooming your Yorkie, have a non-allergic family member handle the brushing, or take the dog to a professional groomer to limit your exposure.
Other Factors to Consider
While coat type makes a big difference in dander levels, there are other factors that affect a dog‘s allergen production. According to a 2013 study published in the journal PLOS One, obese and male dogs tend to have higher Can f 1 allergen levels in their hair than female and normal weight dogs. More research is needed to determine why, but it‘s an important factor to consider when choosing a dog as an allergy sufferer.
It‘s also critical to realize that individual Yorkies may vary in the amount of allergens they produce, just as individual allergy sufferers vary in their sensitivity. Even among purebred Yorkshire Terriers, one dog may cause more of an allergic reaction than another. And some people who are highly allergic may not be able to tolerate any dog, no matter the breed.
Dr. John McKnight, an allergist at Allergy & Asthma Center of Western Colorado, says that while he believes there are some breeds that tend to be better for his patients with dog allergies, "the only real way to know is to spend time with the specific dog and monitor for an allergic response before bringing the dog home permanently."
Reducing Allergens in Your Home
If you do decide that a Yorkshire Terrier is right for your family, there are steps you can take to reduce the allergen load in your home:
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Bathe your Yorkie regularly, either at home or at a professional groomer, to wash away dander. Look for a dander-reducing shampoo like Allerpet Dog Dander Remover or Nature‘s Specialties Hypo-Allergenic Pet Shampoo.
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Limit your dog‘s access to bedrooms and keep them off of furniture to minimize the spread of allergens. Consider using baby gates or closing doors to the rooms where you spend the most time.
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Use a HEPA air purifier to remove dander from the air. The Rabbit Air MinusA2 and the Alen BreatheSmart Classic are both highly rated for pet allergies.
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Vacuum regularly with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter, like the Dyson Ball Animal 2 or the Shark Navigator Lift-Away. Don‘t forget to vacuum upholstery, too.
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Wash your dog‘s bed and toys frequently in hot water to kill dust mites and remove built-up dander. Use allergen-proof covers on your own mattress and pillows.
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Talk to your doctor about allergy medication and immunotherapy options. Over-the-counter antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra can help control mild symptoms, while prescription medications and allergy shots may be necessary for more severe allergies.
Is a Yorkie Mix Hypoallergenic?
With the popularity of designer dog breeds, you may be wondering about Yorkshire Terrier mixes like Yorkie-Poos (Yorkshire Terrier-Poodle mixes) or Morkie-Poos (Maltese-Yorkie-Poodle mixes). Breeders often market these crosses as the ultimate hypoallergenic dogs because they combine two low-shedding breeds.
However, there‘s no guarantee that a mixed breed dog will be hypoallergenic, even if both parent breeds are on the low-shed list. When two different breeds are crossed, their offspring can inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed or end up with an unpredictable combination. A Yorkie-Poo may have a very Poodle-like low-shedding coat or may shed more than a purebred Yorkshire Terrier.
If you‘re considering a Yorkie mix to reduce allergy symptoms, spend plenty of time with the individual puppy before bringing them home to assess your own reaction. Be prepared for some variability even within the same litter.
A Dog Lover‘s Dream
For many dog lovers who happen to be allergic, finding the right hypoallergenic breed can feel like the search for the holy grail. A devoted canine companion who doesn‘t make you sneeze and wheeze seems like an impossible dream.
But as Yorkshire Terrier owner and mild allergy sufferer Laura K. says, it‘s a dream that can come true with a Yorkie. "I wanted a dog for years but my allergies always held me back," she says. "When I discovered Yorkies and did my research on their coats, I decided to give it a shot. I fell in love with my dog Bella and while I still have some mild symptoms, they‘re manageable. Having her companionship is so worth a little extra vacuuming and a daily Zyrtec!"
No dog is perfect and no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. Yorkshire Terriers, like all dogs, require a forever commitment and plenty of care. But for dog lovers with allergies who long for the affection, joy, and fun of a canine companion, a Yorkie can be a wonderful choice.
As a veterinarian, my best advice is to do your research, spend time with the breed, and consult your doctor to create an allergy management plan. With some extra thought and care, even the most allergic dog lover may be able to share their heart and home with a devoted Yorkshire Terrier.
Sources
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Pet Allergy: Are You Allergic to Dogs or Cats? Retrieved from https://www.aafa.org/pet-dog-cat-allergies/
- Nicholas, C. E., Wegienka, G. R., Havstad, S. L., Zoratti, E. M., Ownby, D. R., & Johnson, C. C. (2011). Dog allergen levels in homes with hypoallergenic compared with nonhypoallergenic dogs. American journal of rhinology & allergy, 25(4), 252–256. https://doi.org/10.2500/ajra.2011.25.3606
- Vredegoor, D. W., Willemse, T., Chapman, M. D., Heederik, D. J., & Krop, E. J. (2012). Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 130(4), 904–9.e7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2012.05.013
- Nicholas, C. E., Wegienka, G. R., Havstad, S. L., Ownby, D. R., & Johnson, C. C. (2013). Influence of cat characteristics on Can f 1 levels in the home. Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, 110(1), 47–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2012.10.017
- Spaulding, Molly. Coastal Veterinary Dermatology Center. Personal interview. 11 May 2023.
- McKnight, John. Allergy & Asthma Center of Western Colorado. Personal interview. 8 May 2023.
