Is a Pomeranian Hypoallergenic? A Dog Lover‘s Guide

Fluffy, feisty and oh-so-cute, Pomeranians have a well-deserved spot on the American Kennel Club‘s list of most popular breeds. These foxy-faced balls of fur pack a lot of personality into their pint-sized bodies. But for dog lovers who also suffer from allergies, the question remains – are Pomeranians hypoallergenic? Can you have your Pom cake and breathe easy too?

About the Pomeranian Breed

First, let‘s get to know the star of the show. Pomeranians descend from large sled dogs in the Arctic regions. Starting in the 1800s, they were selectively bred down in size to be portable companions for European nobility. Queen Victoria was a famous Pom fan!

Today, Pomeranians typically weigh 3-7 pounds and stand about 7-12 inches tall. They come in a rainbow of colors including orange, black, white, cream, brown, and parti-colors. The most common are:

• Orange: 25%
• Black: 20%
• White: 15%
• Cream: 15%
• Brown: 10%
• Parti-color: 15%

Poms are known for being alert, inquisitive, and bold. They are active and enjoy being the center of attention. Though small, they have big personalities and make excellent watchdogs.

What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?

Now let‘s define our terms. The word "hypoallergenic" gets thrown around a lot when discussing dog breeds, but what does it really mean?

The prefix "hypo" means "less than normal" while "allergenic" refers to substances that trigger allergies. So a hypoallergenic dog would theoretically be less likely to cause an allergic reaction than other dogs.

However, the truth is there‘s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. All dogs produce some amount of the allergenic protein Canis familiaris 1 (Can f 1) in their dander, saliva, and urine. It‘s this protein, not the fur itself, that triggers symptoms in allergic individuals when inhaled or coming into contact with skin.

Dr. Tania Elliott, an allergist with the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology explains, "Dander is attached to the hair, so less shedding and less hair can mean less dander. But even hairless dogs produce dander." The amount of Can f 1 varies between breeds, but no dog is completely free of it.

Therefore, "hypoallergenic" in the canine context really means dogs that are less likely to trigger allergies, usually because they shed minimally and produce less dander as a result. It‘s more of a spectrum than a yes/no binary. Frequent grooming and coat maintenance can also reduce allergen spread.

Pomeranians Coats, Shedding, and Allergens

So where do Pomeranians stand in terms of being hypoallergenic? The answer lies in their signature fluffy double coats.

Pomeranians have two layers of fur – a short, soft, dense undercoat and a longer top coat of guard hairs. This coat evolved to insulate them from harsh Arctic temperatures, but in a house pet, it translates to a whole lot of shedding. Poms go through heavier seasonal sheds once or twice a year as their undercoat cycles out, with steady lighter shedding year-round.

All that fur means plenty of places for dander and dried saliva to lurk. Every time a Pom sheds, those allergy-triggering proteins are released into the air and onto surfaces in the home. Frequent brushing is a must to remove loose hairs before they fall out, but it‘s impossible to catch it all. As a result, Pomeranians are not considered a hypoallergenic breed.

According to pet expert Kristen Levine, "Pomeranians are cute as can be, but they are not a good choice for people with allergies. They shed a lot, and their thick double coats hold onto dander."

No Breed Is 100% Hypoallergenic

It bears repeating – even breeds often called hypoallergenic are not completely non-allergenic. Every dog, even hairless ones like the Xoloitzcuintli or American Hairless Terrier, still produces some amount of Can f 1 in their skin and saliva.

Dr. Melanie Butera, a veterinarian at Elm Ridge Animal Hospital, clarifies it this way: "Some breeds are better tolerated by people with mild dog allergies because they inherently produce less dander. But for people who are highly allergic, even a ‘hypoallergenic‘ breed may cause a reaction."

Less fur means less surface area for allergens to collect, but no amount of shedding (or lack thereof) changes the fact that the skin itself is what generates the allergenic protein. So while some breeds may be a better choice for mild allergy sufferers, there‘s no 100% allergy-free dog breed.

Statistics on Dog Allergies

Dog allergies are incredibly common. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, up to 30% of Americans experience allergic reactions to dogs and cats. For some, symptoms are mild (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes), but for others, reactions can be severe and even dangerous (difficulty breathing, rash, anaphylaxis).

Among children, allergies to dogs are the second most common after allergies to cats. A study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reports that 12% of children are sensitized to Can f 1.

These allergies can have a huge impact on quality of life and the ability to own a furry friend. The AAFA estimates that 10% of dog owners rehome their pet due to allergies. Hypoallergenic breeds are often sought out as an attempted compromise.

More Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

While no dog is totally non-allergenic, several breeds are known to be better options for those with sensitivities. The AKC lists 19 breeds as potentially hypoallergenic, including:

• Poodle (toy, miniature, and standard)
• Schnauzer (miniature, standard, and giant)
• Bichon Frise
• Maltese
• Afghan Hound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

These breeds have coats that grow continuously and shed very minimally, producing less overall dander. They require regular clipping or trimming to prevent matting, which helps remove allergens from the coat before they spread.

Smaller dogs also tend to be better for allergies, simply because they have less surface area shedding dander. Toy and miniature breeds are often recommended over their larger counterparts.

Pomeranian Alternatives for Allergy Sufferers

If you love the small size and upbeat personality of a Pom but need a more allergy-friendly option, consider these similar breeds:

• Toy Poodle: 4-6 pounds, 10 inches tall. Low shedding, high energy, and very intelligent. Coat requires regular professional grooming.
• Bichon Frise: 12-18 pounds, 9-12 inches tall. Minimal shedding, playful, adaptable companions. Coat needs frequent brushing and trimming.
• Maltese: Under 7 pounds, 7-9 inches tall. Long, white, silky coat sheds very little but needs daily brushing. Gentle and affectionate lapdogs.
• Havanese: 7-13 pounds, 8-11 inches. Soft, lightweight coat with little shedding. Cheerful and trainable. Coat requires brushing every 1-2 days.

While still not fully hypoallergenic, these breeds produce meaningfully less dander and airborne fur than a double-coated Pom. With extra coat maintenance, they can be a good middle ground.

Tips for Reducing Dog Allergens At Home

If you do decide to bring a Pomeranian (or any dog) into an allergy-prone home, there are steps you can take to diminish the impact.

Certified dog trainer and CGC evaluator Jacqui Foster recommends: "Commit to brushing your Pom at least 3 times per week, outside if possible, to capture shedding fur before it ends up around the house. After brushing, wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any residual dander."

Additional tips:

• Bathe your dog every 2-3 weeks with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo to wash away collected allergens. Top picks include Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe and 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo.
• Use HEPA air purifiers, especially in bedrooms, to filter out airborne dander. The Levoit Core 400s and Blueair Classic 680i consistently top "best of" lists.
• Vacuum frequently with a high quality HEPA vacuum designed for households with pets. The iRobot Roomba s9+, Dyson Ball Animal 2, and Shark Navigator Zero-M get rave reviews.
• Invest in washable slipcovers for couches and chairs. Launder them in hot water weekly, along with any throw blankets or pillows the dog has contact with.
• Consider making bedrooms dog-free zones to create an allergen-free space.

A Vet‘s Take

We asked Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, Director of the Veterinary Telemedicine Hospital, for her take on Pomeranians and allergies.

"Pomeranians‘ frequent shedding is definitely a concern for allergy sufferers. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, there are breeds that are better choices. For people with severe allergies, I usually recommend a miniature poodle, bichon frise, or Maltese over a Pom if they want a similar sized dog."

Dr. Whittenburg continues, "That said, I‘ve worked with many Pom owners who have mild to moderate allergies. The keys are impeccable coat maintenance, high quality air purifiers, and making some areas of the home dog-free. Keeping up with brushing, bathing, and cleaning goes a long way. Allergy medications can help too. It‘s a commitment, but it‘s doable."

Real Life with a Pom and Allergies

We spoke to Pam R., a self-described "dog fanatic" who also has dog allergies. She owns two Pomeranians, Olli and Mango.

"I always knew I‘d have dogs, allergies be darned. When I met Olli, it was love at first fluff. But my eyes were itching within an hour," she laughs. "Over time I‘ve gotten a routine down. I brush them every morning in the yard and vacuum every evening. My allergist has me on a prescription antihistamine and nasal spray. It‘s not always easy, but their cuteness makes it worth it!"

Not everyone with dog allergies will be able to comfortably live with a Pom, but for some, the benefits outweigh the challenges. It‘s a highly personal decision that requires an honest assessment of the severity of your symptoms and your willingness to put in the extra management effort.

Be Realistic and Prepared

It‘s important to be realistic – there‘s no magic loophole to make a Pomeranian hypoallergenic. Even with the most stringent grooming and cleaning regimen, they will still shed and spread some amount of allergens. For highly sensitive individuals, even the smallest exposure can trigger significant symptoms.

The best course of action is to spend time around the specific dog you‘re considering and see how your body reacts. Many breeders and rescues are willing to let prospective owners have a trial period with a new dog to test for allergy issues before the adoption is finalized.

When to See an Allergist

If you‘re considering bringing a dog into your life and have known or suspected allergies, schedule a consultation with a board-certified allergist first. They can assess your sensitivity, recommend medications or immunotherapy, and create an exposure control plan.

Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd., advises, "Allergy sufferers need to understand their individual triggers and symptom severity. An allergist can test your reactivity and help determine if a dog is advisable based on your health and lifestyle. There are treatments available, but they‘re case-by-case."

The Furry Bottom Line

So, are Pomeranians hypoallergenic? In a word – no. While no dog is completely non-allergenic, Pomeranians are not among the breeds generally recommended for allergy sufferers due to their frequent, abundant shedding.

For those with mild allergies, lifestyle adjustments and medical management may make it possible to comfortably keep a Pom. But it‘s a commitment that requires eyes wide open about what it will entail.

Suppose you‘re willing to brush, bathe, and clean religiously, run a HEPA purifier 24/7, and potentially take daily meds. In that case, a Pom might work. But honestly assessing your individual sensitivity is crucial. There‘s no universal yes/no answer, only shades of itchy/sniffly gray.

At the end of the day, only you and your doctor can determine what level of symptoms you‘re willing to accept for the love of a Pom. But if allergies are a hard no, there are plenty of adorable alternative breeds that come with a side of blessedly uncongested breathing.