Are Boxers Hypoallergenic? Do Boxers Shed?

The stories of a dog’s loyalty have been told throughout the ages. According to a study, about 38.4% of households within the US own a dog. However, not every dog lover out there is lucky to have the opportunity to own a dog, as some people are prone to dog allergies. This study concluded that about 10% – 20% of the population is affected by such allergies. If you are amongst those people and desperately want to own a dog—Boxer—you must read the following facts about hypoallergenic dogs.

If you’re prone to pet allergies, the best option for you would be to adopt one from hypoallergenic dog breeds. Keep in mind that no dogs can be 100 percent hypoallergenic, but some shed less compared to others. So, you should look for family dogs that don’t shed—shed very little. If you have pet allergies but also have children in the house, you should look for hypoallergenic dogs for kids. To fully understand hypoallergenic dogs, one must understand the reason that causes pet allergies.

What Causes Allergies in Humans?

Humans can be allergic to the dander—dead skin, hair, or fur—that comes off of dogs. As the cells on dogs’ bodies are always changing and growing, dander is a constant issue that causes allergies. Another reason can be the saliva, which can lead to sneezing and itchy eyes. As almost all dogs have these characteristics, no breed of dog is fully hypoallergenic. But due to certain characteristics—coat type, hair length, or hair pattern—some dogs are considered hypoallergenic.

Focusing on this playful, intelligent, and dignified breed of dogs called Boxers, the question to answer is, are Boxers hypoallergenic? But before we get to that, we should first familiarize ourselves with the breed.

Boxer Breed Overview

Knowns as “Baxer,” in Germany, Boxers are one of the many German dog breeds. Recognized by the AKC in 1904, Boxer has become the 11^th most popular dog breed in the US. Boxers are loyal and devoted to their owners. They are highly playful around children, but when it comes to strangers, they are not so welcoming. In fact, because of their unwelcoming nature towards strangers and devotion and loyalty to owners, they are known as one of the best dog breeds for protection. Boxers are a highly friendly and easy-going dog breed, thus they make it to the list of best dog breeds for first-time owners.

Are Boxers Hypoallergenic?

No, Boxers are not hypoallergenic, and if you are prone to pet allergies, then we would suggest that this breed is not for you. Due to their short hair and constant shedding round the year, Boxers are not recognized as hypoallergenic dogs. They actually shed less than many other dog breeds, but they shed throughout the year, making them not a good choice for people with allergies. That said, If groomed and cared for properly, dog lovers can keep boxers without having allergic reactions. But you will have to be very careful—not pick up your dog; not let him in your bedroom; have someone else (who is not allergic) to groom your dog outside the house; weekly baths, and much more.

However, as we believe in “it’s better to err than risk your health,” we will strongly advise you against adopting a Boxer; you should rather choose from hypoallergenic dog breeds: big hypoallergenic dog breeds or Hypoallergenic Dog Mixes. You may also want to look into Boxerdoodles—they are considered hypoallergenic.

Boxer Red Flags For Allergy Sufferers!

Excessive droolingDried-on saliva resulting from the incessant licking of furShedding of dander-laden hairs round  the year

Common Boxer Allergies and Symptoms

As mentioned above, Boxers are energetic and playful. This makes them a perfect match for families with kids. Unfortunately, Boxers have short-hair and dander-laden fur all year round. Furthermore, they drool a lot and lick their skin and fur which can leave dried-on saliva, which can cause allergic reactions to you if you touch your dog.

Dog allergies, according to medical news today, are mild, and people can still be with their dogs if they can manage the symptoms. Furthermore, home remedies can be used to provide relief in such scenarios.

There are a lot of factors that determine the severity of the allergic reaction, but the kind of allergies, duration of exposure, and the breed of the dog matter the most. In the case of Boxers, owners are most likely to develop hives. Hives are red, small, raised bumps on the body. Other than that, you can get a red rash, congested nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest.

An allergist can help you determine whether you are allergic to dogs and can help you make a more informed decision. They will utilize the skin-prick test. In this test, the allergist puts a small amount of protein that humans are allergic to on our skin and pricks the skin to allow for the mixture. After giving 15 – 30 minutes for the reaction to occur, they will make the call on whether you are allergic or not. Furthermore, there are many medical solutions to provide you relief in case you are feeling any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

Shedding Issues and Dandruff

Boxers are considered clean dogs who can groom themselves. This means that if you get this breed, the work you would need to put in grooming him is minimal. However, these dogs are known to shed a lot. This article rates them as high shedding when compared to other dogs. Boxers shed throughout the year, especially during spring when the rate of shedding increases (as with other breeds of dogs). Groomers suggest that this issue is controllable; if you brush your dog weekly with a hard rubber grooming mitt or a bristle brush, you can remove loose hair and prevent shedding throughout. Shedding blades can also be used, but that might injure the legs of your dog. This manages to subdue the shedding issue reasonably, making the owners’ life significantly easier.

Dandruff causes dry, flaky skin. Boxers are very susceptible to having dry skin and fur, leading to dander and skin issues for the dog itself. It is extremely important to take extra care of your dog to ensure a healthy lifestyle for you and your pet. To help your Boxer with dry skin, you can give them a weekly bath using one of the vet-approved dog shampoos.

Now that you know Boxers are not hypoallergenic, you may want to check out Are Pugs Hypoallergenic?