Looks can be deceiving
You might think that Frenchies’ short coats make them a great breed for anyone allergic to dogs…
Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
French Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic.
Did you know that 10-20% of the world’s population suffers from pet allergies?!
Do you think you’re allergic to your Frenchie?
If you think you’re allergic to your French Bulldog, don’t worry!
There are tons of things you can do TODAY to minimize your allergy symptoms around your Frenchie.
What exactly is a Hypoallergenic dog?
A hypoallergenic dog breed is a breed that is less likely to cause allergy symptoms in those allergic to dogs.
Dogs that are hypoallergenic typically:
- Shed less than most breeds: some might even be hairless
- Are a smaller breed: they have less hair to shed & carry dander
- Produce less saliva: their saliva contains lots of allergens
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic
It’s important to note that no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic— some breeds just cause less allergies than others.
With that being said, there are many ways that you can reduce your allergies without having to social-distance.
Signs you’re allergic to your Frenchie
If you can relate to the following, you should talk to your doctor about an allergy test.
- You get a stuffy/runny nose or start sneezing after being close to your Frenchie
- You have a persistent dry cough that gets worse around your dog. If you let your Frenchie sleep on your bed, does the cough get worse at night?
- Your eyes get itchy, watery, and red around your dog
- You get rashes and/or itchiness on your skin– especially after touching your dog, their toys, or anything else they’ve come in close contact with
Just because you have allergy symptoms doesn’t always mean they’re caused by your dog– get allergy testing to confirm
if you are allergic to dogs.
Tips for Minimizing Allergies around your Frenchie
If you’re noticing signs that you’re allergic to your dog, there are fortunately a few simple things you can try to minimize your allergies.
- Frequent grooming
- Daily brushing
- Deshedding treatments
- Lifestyle changes
- Environment changes
It’s best to have a well-rounded approach to reducing household allergens–you might be allergic to more than just your dog!
1. Frequent grooming
Simply bathing your Frenchie once a week can significantly reduce their dander— the same dander that gets stuck on your clothes, furniture, and carpets and cause those annoying allergy symptoms.
2. Daily wiping/brushing
In between baths, using a damp cloth to wipe down your dog is another easy way to get rid of some of their dander.
I’d recommend brushing your Frenchie every day or two because the dander & loose hair builds up quickly.
3. Deshedding treatments
Some groomers offer deshedding treatments—
A deshedding treatment typically consists of an anti-shed shampoo, a blowout of loose fur, and
removal of even more loose hair using something like the FURminator.
One popular groomer that offers such a service is PetSmart.
Deshedding at home
While it can be convenient to take your Frenchie to the groomers, it can also get pretty pricey– especially when you get the deshedding treatment as well!
Anybody can do it
Fortunately, giving your Frenchie the same deshedding treatment at home is simple.
All you need is: the right grooming supplies, some free time, and a cooperative Frenchie (the hardest part).
Essential Grooming Supplies
Control your dog's shedding with this pH-balanced, soap-free shampoo.
It contains aloe vera, shea butter, green tea extract, and other natural ingredients to nourish skin.
- Gentle on their skin
- Controls shedding, dander, and allergens
- Moisturizes skin with Shea Butter & Omega Fatty Acids
All dogs shed to some degree— you can't change that...
But the FURminator can significantly reduce loose hair and minimize shedding.
With a curved edge that conforms to your dog's body for comfort, there's no risk of cutting their skin or damaging their coat.
- Safe— won't cut skin or damage coat
- Effective— reduces loose shedded hair
- Easy to use— just gently brush their coat
Sure, Frenchies don't need to be groomed every week, but they still get messy.
These grooming wipes are perfect for keeping your Frenchie fresh in between grooming.
Use to wipe away any odors, dirt, and dander from your Frenchie's coat.
- All-natural— free of any hard ingredients
- Hypoallergenic— won't irritate sensitive skin
- Easily removes odors
Helps soothe nose issues like cracking and dryness— keep your Frenchie's nose looking as cute as possible (and comfortable for them).
This is the easiest way to treat your Frenchie's dry nose!
- Easy to apply
- Non-toxic & fragrance-free
- Helps with broken skin, hyperkeratosis, and dry skin
How to groom your Frenchie
If you’re not exactly sure how to groom your Frenchie, this video from Best In Show Bitches is a very in-depth guide that walks you through grooming your Frenchie step-by-step.
The FURminator
I’ve tried tons of grooming brushes that claimed to get rid of loose hair and dander– none worked as well as the FURminator.
With the FURminator, you’ll want to gently run the brush through their coat– starting at the base of their neck & brushing to the tail.
Be sure to check out the official FURminator tutorial:
Grooming wipes
I also like to use grooming wipes— not only do they help with allergies, but they also keep your Frenchie smelling nice & clean!
Sure, Frenchies don't need to be groomed every week, but they still get messy.
These grooming wipes are perfect for keeping your Frenchie fresh in between grooming.
Use to wipe away any odors, dirt, and dander from your Frenchie's coat.
- All-natural— free of any hard ingredients
- Hypoallergenic— won't irritate sensitive skin
- Easily removes odors
4. Lifestyle changes
Things you can do now to improve allergy symptoms.
- Wear another shirt while playing with your dog: have you ever picked up your dog and seen your entire shirt covered in fur? That can’t be good at all for allergies!
- Wash your hands after touching your dog: loose hair and dander can stick to your hand & cause allergies if you touch your face
- Speak to your doctor about allergy shots: also known as immunotherapy– allergy shots can possibly eliminate your pet allergies as well as other things you’re allergic to
5. Environment changes that can help your allergies
These are some changes you can make around your living space to reduce your exposure to allergens.
- Don’t allow your dog on your furniture: their fur sticks to everything like a magnet!
- Don’t let your Frenchie sleep on your bed: I know this is hard for some dog owners, but allergy symptoms at night can definitely keep both you & your Frenchie up all night!
- Use an air purifier: great for all types of allergies– pet dander, dust, mold, pollen, smoke, and a bunch of other airborne particles.
- Flooring considerations: if you are looking for a new home or considering renovations, keep in mind that hardwood & tile floors are better for those with allergies because pet dander & fur doesn’t accumulate like it does with carpet.
- Set up dog-free zones: your bedroom should definitely be a Frenchie-free zone if you have dog allergies
- Vacuum carpets often: pet dander quickly builds up in carpets, cushions, and blankets–
Is there a mixed French Bulldog that is hypoallergenic?
Some are more or less hypoallergenic than others– but any dog mixed with a Frenchie is unlikely to be considered “hypoallergenic”.
With that being said, Frenchies that have been mixed with other hypoallergenic breeds such as the Poodle are said to be more hypoallergenic than your standard Frenchie.
There is lots of variation in allergens— even among the same breed.
For example, your friend’s Frenchie might aggravate your allergies
while your Frenchie barely gives you a sniffle
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular hypoallergenic dog breeds?
- Poodle
- Afghan Hound
- Bichon Frise
- Maltese
- Coton de Tulear
- Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
- Bedlington Terrier
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Giant Schnauzer
Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
No, French Bulldogs are not hypoallergenic.
In fact, they shed quite a bit and are known to suffer from allergies themselves.
Is there a mixed French Bulldog that is Hypoallergenic?
Yes and no.
Frenchies that have been mixed with other hypoallergenic breeds such as the Poodle are said to be more hypoallergenic than your standard Frenchie. No dog will be 100% hypoallergenic though (especially a Frenchie mix)
Am I allergic to my French Bulldog?
If you notice yourself getting a stuffy nose or sneezing after you’re around your Frenchie, you might be allergic.
You might also notice your skin get irritated & itchy after petting your Frenchie or a persistent dry cough.
Can I reduce my Frenchie’s shedding?
Yes, there are many de-shedding treatments that can be done to reduce your Frenchie’s shedding (and help relieve your allergies!)