Pet allergies are not uncommon, and for those who love animals, they can be rather frustrating. When giving up on owning a dog is not an option, people instead look for a dog that hopefully won’t irritate their allergies.
Enter the cavachon, a mixed breed that many websites claim is hypoallergenic. Is there any truth to this statement? Today, we’ll expose the truth about hypoallergenic dog breeds and explain whether or not the cavachon will trigger allergy symptoms.
What Is a Cavachon?
A cavachon is created by mixing a bichon frise and a cavalier King Charles spaniel. Cavachons can also be bred with other cavachons, with King Charles spaniels, or with bichon frises depending on the goal of the breeder.
The initial purpose of this pairing was to create a small companion dog with a low-shedding coat and a healthier constitution than either of the parent breeds. By bringing together the cavalier King Charles spaniel and the bichon frise, a dog that is affectionate, easy to train, and low-shedding is born. You can read more about the breed and how to care for it in this guide.
The Hypoallergenic Myth
If you suffer from pet allergies but you want to own a dog, then you’ve probably heard of so-called hypoallergenic breeds. We’re sorry to burst your bubble, but no such thing exists. When people talk about “hypoallergenic dogs,” what they really mean is dogs that do not shed a lot.
The true meaning of the word hypoallergenic, according to Google, is “unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.” The thing is, even low-shedding dogs, like cavachons, can cause allergic reactions.
This is because people are not allergic to fur. They are allergic to dander, saliva, urine, and sweat. It is true that these allergens can be carried on fur (dogs do lick themselves, after all), but studies have found that there isn’t a measurable difference in the amount of allergens shed by “hypoallergenic” versus non hypoallergenic dogs.
That is to say, a poodle can shed just as many allergens as a Labrador retriever, even though the Labrador leaves a whole lot more fur around the house. Surprisingly, one study found that Labradors seemed to shed fewer allergens than poodles, but more research still needs to be done.
Since hypoallergenic dogs don’t exist, those with pet allergies will always be taking a risk when going near or adopting dogs. If you have pet allergies and you notice some dogs bother you more than others, you’re not imagining it.
Some dogs naturally shed fewer allergens, but so far, this cannot be linked to a specific breed and happens on an individual basis, making it harder for those with allergies to choose a dog that doesn’t trigger symptoms.
Allergies vs Sensitivities
Some people think they are allergic to dogs, but they aren’t. We’re not trying to say your allergist is wrong – if you’ve been tested, then you’re probably allergic to dogs. There are some people, though, who don’t bother getting a test because their symptoms seem obvious.
However, pet fur can be an irritant to some and the symptoms often mimic those of an allergic reaction. We’d recommend getting an allergy test done. If it turns out that you aren’t allergic to dogs but being around them causes allergy-like symptoms, then getting a low-shedding breed might actually work for you.
Are Cavachons Hypoallergenic?
So, are Cavachons hypoallergenic? The answer is no, but they are often low-shedding. However, as a mixed breed, a cavachon could take after the cavalier King Charles spaniel more than the bichon frise, the former of which is a moderate shedder.
If you have allergies, there’s no guarantee that a cavachon won’t irritate them. If you’re still interested in the breed, try meeting adoptable cavachons in a one-on-one scenario in an area that hasn’t been visited by other dogs. This way, you can see if the cavachon will trigger symptoms or not.
No Dog Is Hypoallergenic
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. When used to refer to dogs, hypoallergenic simply means “low shedding.” If you’re looking for a low-shedding dog, then the cavachon is likely to fit the bill, but there’s no guarantee that this breed won’t trigger allergy symptoms.
The best way to deal with pet allergies is to seek help from a doctor, keep the house clean, bathe your pets weekly, and avoid using cleaning tools that will send allergens airborne like brooms. With proper management, it can be possible to live with a dog, even one that sheds a lot.
