The Dogo Argentino is a relatively rare and powerful breed that is both beautiful and unique. The Dogo Argentino comes from Argentina, where it was developed by crossing Spanish mastiffs with local hunting dogs.
This cross-breeding resulted in a large, powerful dog with an extremely thick double coat type and a short tail.
They have since become pets, making for excellent family dogs and companions.
We are going to be taking a closer look at this unique dog breed to see if they can be considered a hypoallergenic dog that is a suitable breed for those with allergies. Let’s get started.
The Dogo Argentino Dog
The Dogo Argentino has been around for centuries, but only people have only recently started paying attention to them as a viable pet.
They were originally bred as working dogs, specifically for herding cattle and guarding livestock. Today, these dogs are still used for their original purpose, but they are also kept as pets.
There are many different types of Dogo Argentinos, including Mastiff, Bulldog, English Mastiff, American Pitbull Terrier, and even some mixed breeds.
One thing that Dogo Argentino is known for is its coat. The breed has a thick, double coat that protects against cold weather and keeps the breed warm during the winter months.
Their coats come in various colors ranging from black to brown to tan and more, but it is those with a white coat that are the most common and well known.
Unlike other breeds, the Dogo Argentino does not shed their hair that much, making them a great breed for those who suffer from allergies to pet dander.
Another great feature about the Dogo Argentino is how intelligent they are. These dogs are very trainable and can learn commands quickly.
They also make wonderful family pets because they are friendly and loyal.
Is The Dogo Argentino Hypoallergenic?
When looking at the Dogo Argentino, we first need to consider what exactly makes a dog hypoallergenic. There are two main factors that determine whether or not a dog is hypoallergenic: genetics and environment.
Genetics plays a big role in determining whether or not a dog will cause allergies.
If you have a close relative who suffers from asthma, hay fever, or any type of allergy, then your chances of developing the same allergy increase dramatically.
However, if you do not have any relatives who suffer from allergies, then your chances of getting allergies decrease significantly.
The environment is also a significant factor to consider in regard to whether or not a dog will cause allergies. When considering environmental factors, we must take into account the amount of time spent indoors versus outdoors.
Dogs who spend more time outside are less likely to develop allergies than indoor dogs.
In addition, dogs who live in homes with carpets or rugs are much more likely to cause allergies than dogs who live on hard floors, as the dander from their coats is harder to get rid of when it is caught up in a carpet.
The Dogo Argentino is a relatively new breed, meaning that no major studies have yet been done to determine whether or not they are hypoallergenic compared to other breeds.
However, based on the information above regarding their coat and lack of shedding, we know that the Dogo Argentino has a lower chance of causing certain allergies than other breeds.
That said, it is important to keep in mind that each individual person may react differently to a particular breed.
How Hypoallergenic Is The Dogo Argentino?
As mentioned earlier, the Dogo Argentino is a relatively new breed of dog. This means that there are few studies available regarding the health benefits of owning one.
One study published by the University of California Davis shows that the Dogo Argentinian was actually better suited for those suffering from allergies than other breeds.
According to this study, the Dogo Argentino produces fewer allergens than most other breeds. This is due to the fact that- as mentioned- the Dogo Argentino sheds less hair than other breeds, which reduces the number of allergens present in the home.
In addition, the Dogo Argentino is known to be more resistant to parasites than many other breeds. This is because their thick, double coat helps them to stay clean and free of fleas and ticks.
Fleas and ticks can cause quite bad allergies in some people. As long as you keep their coat healthy, it can be a lot easier to avoid these parasites with this dog breed.
It is also believed that the Dogo Argentino has a higher resistance to heartworms than other breeds!
What Causes Allergic Reactions To Dogs?
Allergies to dogs are caused when an individual comes into contact with certain proteins. These proteins include histamine, albumin, IgE, and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP).
Histamine is responsible for allergic reactions such as itching, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, and hives.
Albumin is another protein that can be found in canine saliva and is known to trigger allergic reactions. ECP is a protein found in the blood plasma of both humans and animals.
While ECP is usually associated with allergies in people, it is also linked to allergies in dogs.
While the exact reason why some individuals come into contact with these proteins while others don’t is still unknown, genetics- as we mentioned above- does play a large role.
For example, if you have a family member who suffers from allergies, then your risk of coming into contact with these proteins increases dramatically.
On the other hand, if you do not currently suffer from allergies, but were exposed to these proteins at a young age, then your chances of developing allergies later in life increase significantly.
While the exact cause of allergies is still unclear, there are several things that can help reduce the likelihood of getting allergies.
First and foremost, try to avoid exposure to these allergens, such as by washing your hands before and after handling your dog.
Also, try to limit your dog’s exposure to pollen, dust, and mold during the allergy season so that these allergens do not get attached to their coats.
How To Avoid Allergies to Dogs?
If you want to avoid having an allergic reaction when it comes to dogs in general, here are some tips to help you out:
- Make sure that the dog does not have fleas or ticks. Fleas and ticks can carry serious diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
They can also cause allergies such as skin rashes and irritation for both you and your dog.
- Wash your hands before and after grooming or bathing your dog. If your allergies are particularly bad, you might need to wash them after petting them, too.
- Do not let the dog lick your face, as this could exacerbate any allergies you might have to the allergens in their saliva.
- Don’t let your dog sleep on your bed as this could spread any allergens within their coat and dander. Instead, give them their own bed and make sure that you wash and clean it regularly.
- Be careful when cleaning up after the dog as their urine and feces as these too can contain allergens as well as bacteria!
Final Thoughts
Whilst no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, the Dogo Argentino is as close as you can get to a hypoallergenic dog breed!
This is because of its thick double coat which not only helps keep them clean, free of parasites, but also makes it easier for them to avoid certain allergens.
The fact that the Dogo Argentino has a high resistance to heartworm and a stronger chance to avoid parasites easier than other breeds makes them an even more sturdy choice of dog.
However, keep in mind that this breed may still cause allergies in some individuals. As long as you follow the tips above, you should be able to enjoy your time spent around this friendly companion without suffering from allergic reactions, though.
If you are considering adding a new furry companion to your family, be sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor first.
