Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Hypoallergenic?

September 25, 2022

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can make great family pets and companion dogs. They are affectionate, friendly, gentle and always up for a play and a run. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also quick to learn and it is no surprise they are a popular dog breed.

However, many people wonder if the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a hypoallergenic dog. Allergy sufferers may be looking at this lovely dog breed and wonder if they could live together with them.

Unfortunately, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not classed as a hypoallergenic dog. So if you are looking for a hypoallergenic furry friend, Cavalier Spaniel might not be it. But is it still possible to live with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel if you have dog allergies?

Who is a Hypoallergenic Dog?

First, it is worth remembering that according to American Kennel Club, no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic. Therefore, there is no perfect hypoallergenic dog.

Secondly, it is not the hair that causes an allergic reaction, it is often the pet dander that comes when the dog sheds. It can also be the urine or dog saliva that can be the reason people have allergies around their pets.

Hypoallergenic dog breeds like Bichon Frise are normally the ones with minimal hair or even a hairless breed, and dogs who do not shed hair that much.

Most allergy sufferers do not need to sit next to a pet for it to trigger allergic reactions. If you visit the home of someone with a dog, it is likely that there can be loose hair and pet's dander around the house. This can lead to symptoms appearing.

Symptoms of Allergy

There are many symptoms that can show that you have a dog allergy. Bare in mind, these are no different from other allergy symptoms.

Symptoms can be:

  • Sneezing
  • Itchy throat and skin allergies
  • Watery eyes
  • A runny nose

If you only have these symptoms when you are around dogs or pet owners, it is possible that this is the cause.

Hypoallergenic Breed

It is hard to say who are the best hypoallergenic dogs, however, there are many dog breeds to choose from.

The below are considered hypoallergenic dogs:

  • Bichon Frise
  • Border Terrier
  • Chinese Crested
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Poodles
  • Cockapoo
  • Maltese
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Shih Tzu

The worst dogs for people with pet allergies can be Akita, Labrador Retriever and Pomerian. These popular dog breeds can be super cute, but can be either shedding a lot or prone to dander.

Why Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is Not Hypoallergenic?

King Charles can be a great fur baby, but they are not hypoallergenic. They can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Dander

Dander is dead skin cells that come off dog's fur. It can also be one of the main causes of allergic reactions.

King Charles Spaniel does not produce as much dander as some other dog breeds. However, due to the dander production, it cannot be considered hypoallergenic.

Shedding

King Charles has a medium-length coat that sheds throughout the year. The silky coat is beautiful, but the dog's hair can cause allergies in pet parents.

However, while they have a dense coat, they do not shed a lot, so it may not be an issue.

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Drool?

One cause of allergies can be saliva. So, dog licks and drooling can result in allergy symptoms.

King Charles Spaniel does not drool often. However, it does depend on how allergic a person is because even small amounts can cause symptoms.

How to Reduce Allergic Reaction and Keep your Dog?

Now, you might already have a dog at home and have noticed typical allergy symptoms. There are some things you can do to manage allergies.

Grooming

As a lot of the issues can come from dog hair shedding. So, it is important to groom your dog regularly.

Regular grooming will help to minimise hair and dander. Brush your dog daily, keep the hair short and ensure they get washed with high-quality shampoo.

Most dogs will learn to enjoy brushing when introduced from a young age.

Cleaning

Keeping your home dust and hair free will make managing allergies easier.

Vacuum and dust daily to remove dander and hair from the ground. Also, wash the dog bedding and play area often.

Ensure your home is well ventilated and invest in an air purifier. All these things can make a noticeable difference.

Medication

In some cases, allergy medications like antihistamines can help. However, please talk to your doctor to ensure they can suggest the most suitable option.

Maybe you can also do an allergy test to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Off Limits Areas

One of the ways to minimise allergies is to keep some areas off-limits. It is also easier to clean if you know exactly where your dog has been.

For example, do not let your pup into the bedroom. This means the area where you sleep and rest is completely pet dander and saliva free.

Reduce Contact

It can be difficult to stop from cuddling your little buddy, but if you do have difficulty, it may be beneficial to reduce contact with your pet.

The little dog can still be a family companion, however, you will keep him off the sofa and do not offer cuddles as much as you would like.

The main thing is finding out what exactly causes reactions in you and how allergic you are to the little dog.

Can My Dog Be Allergic?

Yes, a Cavalier can also get an allergy. Symptoms of an allergy can be itchy skin, sneezing and inflamed skin. These allergies can cause a lot of discomfort to the pet.

Quite often these can be food allergies or reactions to certain products or items.

You will need to re-evaluate your dog's diet or see if they have been in contact with a chemical or item that has caused the reaction.

It is beneficial to visit a vet who can help to provide support and guidance to find the cause.

Conclusion

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, with its fluffy ears, silky coat and happy personality can be a great choice of a pet.

However, some people suffer from allergies and are in search of hypoallergenic breeds. Unfortunately, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not hypoallergenic.

While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, some dogs shed less and are even hairless as well as do not have much saliva production.

This spaniel breed cannot be considered hypoallergenic as he sheds as well as can have dander and saliva.

Regular cleaning, grooming and potentially taking medication can help to live with a dog that causes allergies.

This means it is not impossible to live with a King Charles Spaniel when allergic, even though they are not hypoallergenic.

Allan  Noble
Hi, my name is Allan! I am the owner of Spaniel Advisor and I've got over seven years experience of owning Spaniels.  
I hope this article was helpful for you! 
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