Border Terrier is a small, friendly breed of dog known for its smaller size and feisty nature!
Though they might be on the smaller side, these little terriers love to stay active and alert – which means that they’re simply no strangers to playtime.
Border Terriers were initially bred for the sole purpose of becoming hunting dogs, and they were intended to hunt otters, foxes, squirrels, and other types of small to a medium game during the Border Hunt located in Northumberland.
As of today? Border Terriers still have the same intelligent and loyal personalities with love for running around and exploring… but will they make the ideal family pet for you?
If you’re currently asking yourself this question and searching for a hypoallergenic pup, this article is for you.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
Before we get any further into this article, we first think that it would be a great idea to explore what it actually means to own a hypoallergenic dog, as there are a few definitions floating around on the web.
Essentially, hypoallergenic means that a dog has a lower tendency to cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to the allergens that dogs are typically known to release.
It is not an absolute guarantee, but it gives you some protection against allergies.
The most common allergy to dogs is caused by their saliva and dander (skin flakes). These allergens can be transferred from your dog to other people through direct contact or indirectly via clothing, bedding, toys, etc.
For this reason, it’s important to keep in mind that if you must have a pet, then it’s always best to choose a dog that is less likely to produce these allergens.
For example, Border Terriers tend to shed their coats for less than other breeds, which means that they are far less likely than the average dog to cause an allergic reaction in those sensitive to the dander they release.
This brings us to our next point.
Are Border Terriers Hypoallergenic?
If you’ve got your sights set on a Border Terrier, the good news is that they are hypoallergenic!
Thanks to this, it means that they are an ideal choice for anyone who suffers from sensitivity to the allergens that dogs produce.
Wondering why this is? Well, for starters, Border Terriers have been bred over hundreds of years to be small, compact, agile dogs with short legs and long bodies.
Thanks to their smaller size, it means they produce far less dander (and additional allergens) than larger breeds of dogs.
In addition to that, it is also important to note that they do not shed hair that often. This is mainly because their coat is short and thick, which also means that you won’t need to groom it frequently.
To follow on, the fact that they don’t shed fur like larger breeds, means that there will be far less dander spread around your home, which in turn will mean that the chances of an allergic reaction will be significantly reduced.
All of these factors combined help make Border Terriers less likely to produce allergens that might cause allergic reactions in humans.
Top Tips For Keeping Allergies At Bay
As we have already touched upon briefly above, even if a dog is classed as being hypoallergenic, it’s important to note that your dog might still cause you to experience an allergic flare-up – especially if you’re particularly sensitive.
For this reason, if you are planning on purchasing a dog, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re well aware of how you can help keep your allergies from being affected by your furry friend. Let’s check them out below:
Home Changes
If you are particularly sensitive to dander or dogs in general, then you might want to make some changes around your home to help lower the chances of any allergens spreading.
For example, if you have thick carpets throughout your home, you might want to consider swapping them out for wooden flooring – as this will make cleaning up any shed fur easier.
Lifestyle Changes
Another important factor you will need to consider if you plan on purchasing a dog is the necessary lifestyle changes you will need to make to ensure that you can both live together harmoniously.
For the most part, most dog owners who suffer from allergic reactions often find that taking daily medication can help to keep their sensitivities at bay.
The most common medication is oral histamines, although if you’re unsure, your doctor will be the best point of contact for what you should be taking to prevent any reaction from the dander your dog releases.
Limited Contact
Last but not least, if you are prone to allergies and want to keep them at bay, you should always be careful about how much you let your dog come into contact with you.
Some owners who suffer from dander sensitivity find that limiting their contact each day helps to prevent flare-ups while also making sure never to let their dogs lick them.
Wrapping Up
To wrap up all that we have talked you through above, Border Terriers are indeed classed as being hypoallergenic dogs.
Thanks to this, it means that if you are sensitive to the dander and other allergens that dogs release – you’ll be making a great choice to opt for a Border Terrier as opposed to a breed of dog that isn’t classed as being hypoallergenic.
Thanks for reading!
