# Are English Mastiffs Hypoallergenic? A Dog Lover‘s Guide to Allergies and This Gentle Giant Breed

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- Published: 2024-02-26
- Author: Savanna Read
- Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/)

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As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I know firsthand the incredible bond that can form between a person and their canine companion. Dogs offer us unconditional love, emotional support, and endless joy. But for the estimated 10-20% of the population that suffers from dog allergies[^1], the dream of dog ownership can seem out of reach.

If you‘ve got your heart set on a gentle giant like an English Mastiff, you may be wondering if this breed is hypoallergenic and safe for allergy sufferers. As much as I wish I could tell you that Mastiffs are allergy-friendly, the truth is that they are moderate to heavy shedders and are more likely to trigger allergies than some other breeds. However, that doesn‘t necessarily mean you can‘t make it work if you have mild allergies and are willing to put in some extra effort. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll delve into the science behind dog allergies, explore where Mastiffs fall on the hypoallergenic spectrum, and provide actionable tips to help you reduce allergens in your home.

## What Causes Dog Allergies?

Though many people assume it‘s the fur that triggers allergies, the real culprits are proteins called Can F1 and Can F2 that are found in a dog‘s dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and sweat[^2]. When a dog sheds fur or dander, these tiny proteins become airborne and spread throughout the environment. Inhaling or coming into contact with these particles can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.

The most common symptoms of dog allergies include[^3]:

- Sneezing (experienced by 72% of dog allergy sufferers)
- Runny or stuffy nose (72%)
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes (64%)
- Coughing (43%)
- Shortness of breath or wheezing (29%)
- Skin rash or hives (10%)

For some, these symptoms are merely a nuisance. But for others, dog allergies can significantly impact quality of life. In fact, studies show that dog allergy sufferers spend an average of $500 per year on medications and doctor visits to manage their symptoms[^4]. Severe reactions can even lead to dangerous asthma attacks or anaphylaxis in rare cases.

## Are Short-Haired Dogs Hypoallergenic?

One common misconception is that short-haired dogs like English Mastiffs are automatically better for allergy sufferers. However, a dog‘s coat length has little to do with how much dander and allergens they produce. In fact, some short-haired breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs are among the worst offenders when it comes to triggering allergies[^5].

So where do Mastiffs fall on the hypoallergenic spectrum? Unfortunately, these majestic giants are moderate to heavy shedders due to their dense double coats. Mastiffs tend to shed year-round, with even heavier shedding seasons in the spring and fall as their coats adapt to changing temperatures.

While Mastiffs may not leave visible tumbleweeds of fur around your home like some long-haired breeds, their shedding can release a significant amount of allergy-triggering dander into the air. A recent study found that homes with Mastiffs had up to 10 times more Can F1 in the environment compared to homes with breeds like Poodles or Bichon Frises[^6]. This dander is so tiny and lightweight that it can remain airborne for long periods before eventually settling on surfaces throughout your home.

## Living with a Mastiff When You Have Allergies

If you have mild dog allergies but are determined to welcome an English Mastiff into your life, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure to allergens:

1. **Choose a female:** Female dogs produce 30-50% less Can F1 and Can F2 proteins compared to males[^7]. While you may still experience allergy symptoms with a female Mastiff, they may be less severe.
2. **Brush frequently:** Brushing your Mastiff at least 2-3 times per week will help capture dander and loose fur before it has a chance to spread through your home. During peak shedding seasons, aim for daily brushing sessions. Use a brush specifically designed for short, dense coats like the FURminator or Kong ZoomGroom.
3. **Set up dog-free zones:** Designate your bedroom (and other rooms where you spend a lot of time) as dog-free spaces to ensure you have an allergen-free retreat. Use a baby gate or keep doors closed to maintain boundaries.
4. **Purify your air:** Running a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter can remove up to 99.97% of airborne allergens[^8]. Place purifiers in the rooms where your Mastiff spends the most time for maximum impact. I recommend the Rabbit Air MinusA2 or Alen BreatheSmart 45i for their powerful filtration and pet-specific features.
5. **Clean regularly:** Vacuuming carpets and upholstery at least 1-2 times per week can help keep allergen levels in check. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter and consider investing in a robot vacuum like the iRobot Roomba i7+ to help you stay on top of shedding. Don‘t forget to wash your Mastiff‘s bed, blankets, and toys frequently as well.
6. **Bathe your dog:** Washing your Mastiff every 2-4 weeks (or more often with guidance from your vet) can help remove dander, dried saliva, and other allergens that have accumulated on their skin and fur. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo like Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic or 4-Legger Organic Dog Shampoo to avoid irritating your pup‘s skin.
7. **Consider immunotherapy:** If your allergies persist despite your best efforts, talk to your doctor about immunotherapy. This treatment involves getting a series of injections to help your immune system build up a tolerance to dog allergens over time. One study found that immunotherapy successfully reduced symptoms in 60-80% of dog allergy sufferers[^9].

## A Mastiff Owner‘s Experience

To provide a real-world perspective, I reached out to Sarah, a lifelong allergy sufferer who also happens to be the proud owner of an English Mastiff named Charlie.

"I‘ve always loved big dogs, but I knew my allergies would be a challenge," Sarah shared. "When I first brought Charlie home, there were definitely some rough patches. I was sneezing and congested a lot, especially when he would try to cuddle up next to me on the couch."

Sarah committed to a strict grooming and cleaning regimen to keep her allergies under control. "I brush Charlie every single day, sometimes twice a day during shedding season," she explained. "I also invested in a really good vacuum and run it almost daily. It‘s a lot of work, but it‘s worth it to be able to have Charlie in my life."

In addition to managing her environment, Sarah also worked with her allergist to find a medication regimen that worked for her. "I take a daily antihistamine and use a prescription nasal spray when my symptoms flare up," she said. "It‘s not always perfect, but it allows me to be comfortable living with Charlie."

## The Bottom Line

As much as I wish I could tell you that English Mastiffs are hypoallergenic, the reality is that they are more likely to trigger allergies than some other breeds due to their high rate of shedding. However, that doesn‘t mean you can‘t make it work if you‘re willing to put in the time and effort to manage your allergies and reduce allergens in your home.

If your dream is to welcome a Mastiff into your life, I encourage you to spend time around this breed before committing to see how your allergies respond. Work closely with your allergist to develop a personalized management plan that may include medication, immunotherapy, and environmental modifications. Most importantly, prioritize your health and quality of life. A deep bond with a loving canine companion is a beautiful thing – but not at the expense of your overall wellbeing.

At the end of the day, the incredible joy and unconditional love that a dog can bring is almost impossible to quantify. As veterinarian and public health expert Dr. Marty Becker puts it: "Dogs aren‘t our whole lives, but they do make our lives whole." If you have the determination and dedication to make it work with an English Mastiff despite your allergies, I have no doubt that the rewards will be immense. After all, life is just better with a dog by your side.

[^1]: Tjalvin, G., Sørgjerd, E. P., Skorpen, F., & Steen, T. (2022). Prevalence of dog allergy in a general adult population. _Clinical and Translational Allergy_, 12(8), e12159. [https://doi.org/10.1002/clt2.12159](https://doi.org/10.1002/clt2.12159)

[^2]: Zahradnik, E., & Raulf, M. (2020). Respiratory Allergens from Furred Mammals: Environmental and Occupational Exposure. _Veterinary Sciences_, 7(3), 95. [https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci7030095](https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci7030095)

[^3]: Chan, S. K., & Leung, D. Y. M. (2018). Dog and Cat Allergies: Current State of Diagnostic Approaches and Challenges. _Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research_, 10(2), 97–105. [https://doi.org/10.4168/aair.2018.10.2.97](https://doi.org/10.4168/aair.2018.10.2.97)

[^4]: Blaiss, M. S., Hammerby, E., Robinson, S., Kennedy-Martin, T., & Buchs, S. (2018). The burden of allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis on adolescents. _Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology_, 121(1), 43-52.e3. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2018.03.028](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2018.03.028)

[^5]: Vredegoor, D. W., Willemse, T., Chapman, M. D., Heederik, D. J., & Krop, E. J. (2012). Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: Lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic. _Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology_, 130(4), 904-912.e7. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2012.05.013](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2012.05.013)

[^6]: Nicholas, C. E., Wegienka, G. R., Havstad, S. L., Ownby, D. R., & Johnson, C. C. (2011). Influence of cat characteristics on Fel d 1 levels in the home. _Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology_, 106(1), 47–50. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2010.10.017](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2010.10.017)

[^7]: Gatto, H., Aruanno, B., & Burastero, S. (2020). The Gender Gap in Allergy: Towards Precision Medicine. _International Journal of Molecular Sciences_, 21(5), 1535. [https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21051535](https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21051535)

[^8]: Vijay, G., Handu, S. S., Sharma, S., & Bhardwaj, N. (2021). Air purifiers: A review of the effectiveness and potential benefits. _Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management_, 25(7), 1205-1214. [https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jasem.v25i7.9](https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jasem.v25i7.9)

[^9]: Lim, M. Y., Lee, J., Lee, H. S., & Park, H. J. (2022). Dog allergen immunotherapy: current status. _Clinical and Experimental Allergy_, 52(3), 360-367. [https://doi.org/10.1111/cea.14099](https://doi.org/10.1111/cea.14099)

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