Are Basset Hounds Hypoallergenic? A Veterinarian‘s Comprehensive Guide

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I know that choosing the right breed is one of the most important decisions you‘ll make when bringing home a new canine companion. For the estimated 10-20% of the population that suffers from dog allergies, this choice can be especially fraught. While no dog is ever truly hypoallergenic, some breeds are much less likely to trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin reactions than others. So where do basset hounds fall on the spectrum? I‘m sorry to say that if you‘re an allergy sufferer, this droopy-eyed charmer is likely not the hound for you.

Why Basset Hounds and Allergies Don‘t Mix

There are three main canine sources of human allergies: dander, saliva, and urine. The specific triggers are proteins found in these secretions, notably Can f 1 in skin and dander and Can f 2 in saliva. When a sensitized person is exposed to these proteins, their immune system launches an allergic reaction resulting in symptoms like:

• Sneezing and runny nose
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes
• Skin rash or hives
• Tightness in the chest or shortness of breath
• Coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing

While all dogs produce potential allergens, basset hounds have several strikes against them in the allergy department:

1. Prodigious Shedding

Despite their short, smooth coat, bassets are prolific year-round shedders. They have a dense undercoat that sheds out regularly, littering your home with small, prickly hairs that spread dander everywhere. According to the American Kennel Club, basset hounds score a 4 out of 5 for shedding propensity.

2. Epic Drooling

The only creatures that give bassets a run for their money in the slobber department are Saint Bernards and Mastiffs. With their loose jowls and droopy lips, heavy drooling is par for the course for this breed. Since dog saliva contains potent allergens, basset drool can be kryptonite for sensitive individuals.

3. Oily, Dander-Prone Skin

Bassets are prone to having oily, sometimes stinky skin that produces a lot of allergy-triggering dander. They also tend to have skin fold dermatitis and other skin issues that can further increase dander production. Weekly baths are often necessary just to keep the oil and smell under control.

Dr. Anna Kogan, a veterinary dermatologist at the Animal Dermatology Center in Studio City, California sums it up: "Basset hounds are one of the absolute worst breeds for people with dog allergies. Their constant shedding, profuse drooling, and propensity for skin issues make them a triple threat."

The Science of Hypoallergenic Dogs

So what exactly makes a dog breed more or less allergenic? According to Dr. Lakiea Wright, an allergist at Brigham and Women‘s Hospital in Boston, "The concept of a truly hypoallergenic dog is a myth. All dogs produce allergens to some degree. However, some individual dogs within a breed may be better tolerated by allergic people than others."

Factors that can influence a dog‘s allergenicity include:

• Coat type – Dogs with continuously-growing hair that sheds minimally (like poodles and bichon frises) tend to spread less dander than heavy shedders. However, they still produce dander that can collect on their hair and skin.

• Size – Smaller dogs produce less allergen volume overall than larger breeds simply because they have less surface area. They also tend to shed less.

• Sex – Male dogs of any breed produce more of the Can f 5 allergen in their urine than females.

• Skin health – Dogs with underlying skin conditions like allergies or seborrhea can produce more dander than normal. Regularly bathing and treating any skin issues can reduce dander production.

A 2011 study published in the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy found that homes with a supposedly "hypoallergenic" dog (e.g. poodle, labradoodle) had lower levels of Can f 1 in their household dust than those with a shedding dog. However, the hypoallergenic homes still had higher allergen levels than those with no dog at all.

Researchers have attempted to breed truly hypoallergenic dogs by selecting for absence of the Can f 1 gene or the protein itself. However, it is not yet possible to completely eliminate allergen production. Some companies sell crossbred "designer dogs" marketed as hypoallergenic, like labradoodles and maltipoos. However, there is no guarantee that these mixes won‘t inherit the higher-shedding traits of their non-hypoallergenic parent.

The takeaway? While some breeds are more allergy-friendly than others, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Basset hounds, with their heavy shedding and drooling, are decidedly on the high-allergen end of the spectrum.

Living with Dog Allergies: Tips from an Allergist

If your allergies are severe, it‘s best to choose a breed from the lower end of the allergen scale like a poodle, schnauzer, bichon frise, or Maltese. However, if you already have a basset hound or you‘re determined to make it work with an allergenic breed, there are ways to minimize your misery.

I consulted with Dr. Janna Tuck, an allergist and spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology for her tips on cohabitating with a dander factory like a basset:

1. Make your bedroom a dog-free zone – Keeping your basset out of your bedroom will ensure you have at least one allergen-safe space for sleeping. Consider a HEPA air purifier for your bedroom as well.

2. Ramp up your cleaning routine – Vacuum all carpets, upholstery, and pet beds at least twice weekly using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Mop hard floors and wipe surfaces with a microfiber cloth daily.

3. Opt for hard flooring and washable fabrics – Carpets trap dander, fur, and dust. Swapping to hard flooring surfaces and low-pile, washable rugs can make a big difference. Choose furniture with leather, vinyl, or tightly-woven fabric upholstery that can be wiped clean.

4. Brush and bathe your basset regularly – Brushing your dog daily will help remove loose fur and dander before it has a chance to spread. Bathing your basset every 1-2 weeks with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo can also reduce dander and dried saliva in their coat.

5. Try allergen-reducing sprays and wipes – Applying an anti-allergen spray to your dog‘s coat after a bath can help neutralize dander. Wiping their coat and paws with hypoallergenic grooming wipes after walks can remove pollen and outdoor allergens.

6. Consider immunotherapy – If your dog allergies are severe, ask your allergist about allergen immunotherapy. This involves getting regular shots to gradually desensitize your immune system to the proteins you‘re allergic to. While it takes time, immunotherapy can significantly reduce your dog allergy symptoms.

Even with these modifications, living with a basset hound as an allergy sufferer will be an uphill battle. I once had a patient with severe asthma who was adamant about keeping her two beloved bassets. Even with a strict cleaning regimen, daily antihistamines, and thrice-weekly immunotherapy injections, we could never get her symptoms under good control. Ultimately, she made the difficult decision to rehome her dogs to a basset rescue for the sake of her health.

Basset Hounds: Is This the Right Breed for You?

Allergies aside, basset hounds can make wonderful companions for the right person. As a basset owner myself, I adore their goofy, laid-back personalities and loyal nature. They are extremely affectionate with their families and generally good with polite children. Bassets tend to be low-energy and are content to spend most of the day snoozing on the sofa, making them a good choice for people who want a calm, low-maintenance dog.

However, bassets are stubborn and notoriously difficult to train. They are scent hounds with a strong prey drive, so they can never be trusted off-leash. Their tendency to follow their nose and wander means they need a securely fenced yard and leashed walks. With their short legs and long spines, bassets are also prone to back problems and joint issues that can be expensive to treat.

As with any purebred dog, be sure to research common health issues in the breed and choose a responsible breeder who conducts health screenings on their dogs. A well-bred basset hound puppy from a reputable breeder will cost anywhere from $800 to $1,500+, so be prepared to invest both time and money into your new hound.

The Bottom Line

As much as I love basset hounds, I cannot recommend this breed to anyone who suffers from dog allergies. Their heavy shedding, drooling, and dander make them one of the worst choices for allergy sufferers. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, there are many breeds that are better suited for sensitive individuals, like poodles, bichon frises, and miniature schnauzers.

If you‘re dead set on a basset despite your allergies, be prepared to put in extra work managing your symptoms and keeping your home as dander-free as possible. I strongly advise spending time around adult basset hounds before committing to the breed to see how you react. Even better, foster a basset through a local rescue group to get a realistic sense of living with one full-time.

Ultimately, only you can decide if the joys of basset ownership are worth the itchy eyes, runny nose, and extra Hoovering. As a dog lover myself, I know what it‘s like to have your heart set on a specific breed. But when it comes to your health and quality of life, it pays to be pragmatic. Trust me, there are plenty of equally charming and lovable hypoallergenic hounds out there just waiting to steal your heart.

References:

1. Butt A, Rashid D, Lockey RF. Do hypoallergenic dogs and cats exist? Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 2012 Apr.
2. Nicholas CE, Wegienka GR, Havstad SL, Zoratti EM, Ownby DR, Johnson CC. Dog allergen levels in homes with hypoallergenic compared with nonhypoallergenic dogs. American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy. 2011 Jul-Aug;25(4):252-6.
3. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Dog Allergy. https://acaai.org/allergies/types/pet-allergy/dog
4. American Kennel Club. Basset Hound. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/basset-hound/