That labradoodle may not be hypoallergenic after all

Our family pet is a Labradoodle, the offspring of a Labrador retriever and a poodle. Like a lot of people, our interest in Labradoodles stems from pet allergies. Our son, Graeme, has asthma and severe contact and food allergies. When he is around cats, his skin breaks out and he has breathing issues. My wife's asthma also acts up around cats and certain dog breeds. And my eyes can water and swell nearly shut after contact with some animals.

The obvious way to solve this problem is to get a fish. The thing is, we like furry friends. So, our last two pets have been doodles. Poodles, along with other pure breeds, like Maltese, shih tzu, bichon frise, and some terriers and schnauzers, are said to be hypoallergenic (less likely to cause allergic reactions). That's because they shed less fur than other breeds.

Crossbreeds like Labradoodles are also popular with the allergy set because they combine the low-shedding benefits of purebreds with other desirable traits (a Labrador retriever's happy-go-lucky personality, for example).

But the dogs can get expensive. One breeder in our area charges thousands of dollars for a Labradoodle puppy, far more than breeders charge even for a purebred poodle.

Are they worth it? If your aim is a hypoallergenic dog, some research says Labradoodles might not be.

Understanding the science behind pet allergies

For starters, all dogs shed fur. And while doodles may shed less, they produce allergens just like their looser-haired cousins. People can be allergic to a dog’s dead skin cells (dander), oil secretions, saliva, or even its pee. Some dog allergens are released into the air and attach themselves to furniture, bed linens, walls, drapes, rugs, clothes, and other items, especially those with a soft or fabric surface. When an allergic person touches them, it can result in a range of reactions, from itchy eyes to hives to breathing problems.

Because of this, no dog can be considered 100 percent allergen-free, according to health organizations like the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, as well as major animal nonprofits such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

What’s more, some research suggests that hypoallergenic dogs produce just as many—or more—allergens than dogs that aren’t hypoallergenic.

Weighing the pros and cons of furry friends

So, truly hypoallergenic dogs don’t exist. But many people are able to keep dogs in their homes by following a few key guidelines.

• See an allergist. They can test you for allergies, prescribe medication or other treatments, and recommend additional strategies for keeping an animal.
• Look for a dog that produces fewer allergens. In addition to the dogs mentioned above, Portuguese water dogs and Irish water spaniels are among the dogs recommended by the AKC and ASPCA.
• Groom your dog well. Wash your pet often. If you groom at home, wear a mask and make sure to brush fur outdoors.
• Wash hands frequently. Especially after petting, scratching, washing, or handling a dog. Don’t touch your face before they’re clean.
• Keep living areas clean. Keep dogs out of bedrooms and off furniture. Vacuum, sweep, and wipe surfaces frequently with a wet cloth. Change air conditioning filters often. Try running an air cleaner with a HEPA filter for a few hours each day.
• Limit fabric surfaces. If your budget allows, remove carpets, limit rugs, and avoid heavy curtains. Choose non-upholstered furniture when possible.

In our house, we've never really seen much of a difference between reactions caused by our old Labrador retriever and chow chow (both now gone) and our more recent doodle additions. Allergies or not, without our Labradoodles, we'd all be sad puppies.