Are Border Collies Hypoallergenic?
You are reading this because you are wondering if Border Collies are hypoallergenic. They are not! Although they are a great dog breed, they have hair that is similar to other breeds of dogs and will still cause allergies in some people. If you are considering adopting a Border Collie, please be aware that there are many factors that impact how allergic a human will be to them.
Are Border Collies Hypoallergenic?
Border Collies are not a hypoallergenic dog breed. Many people are familiar with the term "hypoallergenic," which refers to dogs that are less likely than other breeds to cause an allergy in humans. Border Collie is just one of many canine breeds, and there are no guarantees it will have allergen levels lower than any others. That means border collies can still produce symptoms like sneezing and eczema for some individuals who are allergic or prone to allergies because they come into contact with them regularly. Allergens found in these animals include dander (dead skin cells), saliva, urine, and feces particles - even if it's bathed regularly! Dogs also shed their fur, but Border Collies are groomed regularly to cut down on shedding.
What is a Border Collie?
Border Collies are a medium-sized breed of dog, typically weighing 45 to 65 pounds. They are thought to originate from the time when black and white sheepdogs were crossed with local herding dogs, which are now extinct. A Border Collie is extremely active and intelligent; they require at least one hour per day of exercise to stay happy. In general, their hair sheds very little and does not cause allergies like other breeds may do. This makes them an ideal pet for people who suffer from canine allergies or are allergic to cats. You must brush your Border collies regularly so that their coat doesn't mat up too much because this can lead to skin problems.
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
According to the American Kennel Club, when a dog is said to be hypoallergenic they are less likely than other breeds of dogs to produce an allergic reaction in people. Dogs who are considered more predisposed to create allergens are hound dogs like Bassets and Beagles because their coats are longer which creates more dander. For this reason, Border Collies are not considered "hypoallergenic".
A major misconception about Border Collies is that they shed very little or don't shed at all. This couldn't be further from the truth as anyone with a black dress can attest! Some believe long-coated Border Collies have just as many shedding issues as any other breed of dog.
The Border Collie is a herding breed that originated in the Scottish Borders where they are used to herd sheep and other livestock. They are high-energy, intelligent dogs who are loyal to their owners.
How to care for a border collie if you have allergies
If you are allergic to dogs, Border Collies are not a good choice. However, if your allergies are mild and only manifest in the form of hay fever then they may be an option for you. The best way to keep them out of reach is by keeping them outside or confining them on one side of the house with a baby gate (provided that the dog has been trained).
As long as it's well-groomed most people won't react badly but some might have reactions when exposed to their fur over time so make sure all family members are aware before bringing home this kind of breed.
The key thing about hypoallergenic breeds is that no two humans are alike: while certain things will cause an allergic reaction for some, they are not a guarantee that they will have the same effect on all humans.
Benadryl for dogs as well as for the owner for the dog can help to alleviate some common allergy symptoms.
Common misconceptions about Border Collies and their owners with allergies
Border Collies are not at fault for triggering allergic reactions in people with dog allergies, it is the dander (dead skin cells) that can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, stuffy nose, or watery eyes. Their hair does have a finer feel to it than other breeds but they are still an animal just like any other and produce dander themselves.
The misconception that border collies are not hypoallergenic comes from some dogs shedding less because of being raised by someone who has pet allergies - this doesn't mean there will be no allergy triggers present on them either! If you have sensitive skin already then chances are you are allergic to more than one thing, but a Border Collie is not going to be the culprit.
This breed sheds little due to their short coat and they are considered clean pets as well which means they require much less grooming time in general. They do shed seasonally like other breeds but it is far less often and for shorter periods so keeping allergens at bay should come with ease.
The breed of the animal that has hair or fur (no matter how short), dander from skin cells which can trigger an allergy, pollen in air which triggers environmental allergens, and finally dust mites because they produce droppings with proteins that cause reactions. The last two are just as relevant for dogs like Border Collies as they are for other pets such as cats.
The best way to find out if you are allergic to a dog is by taking the time and spending some money on getting an allergy test done. If your allergies are severe enough that living with dogs or cats could pose a serious health risk, consult your doctor for more information about treatment options.
Benefits of owning a Border Collie
The breed is also generally good-natured, playful, intelligent, and easy to train. That means they are excellent at meeting physical needs (like fetching) as well as mental ones (such as obedience).
Generally speaking, owning a Border Collie is going to be an enjoyable experience because of these traits alone. But there are even more benefits associated with this wonderful canine companion: increased intelligence levels in children; stronger social bonds between owners and pets; decreased stress levels among owners.
But are Border Collies hypoallergenic? Well, there are certain breeds of dogs that may be better for someone with allergies to pet dander: the Bichon Frise and poodle come to mind due to their lack of fur (although they do produce a lot more dander).
So no - Border Collies are not hypoallergenic, but it doesn't mean they can't make excellent pets! They are just one breed out of many that could suit all sorts of owners in terms of looks, temperament, and health concerns.
