Boston Terriers are one of the most popular breeds of dog, and for good reason! They are intelligent, affectionate, and relatively low-maintenance. But as an obedience trainer for Boston Terriers for many years, let me point out they shed. If you are wondering, are Boston Terrier hypoallergenic?
No, Boston Terriers are not a hypoallergenic breed. Yet, they will release less dander than most other non-hypoallergenic breeds. Hence, the chances of Boston Terriers causing allergic reactions to sensitive people remain comparatively low, as long as you take steps to eliminate the dander.
However, there’s a lot more to understanding how to keep the Boston Terrier shedding and keeping you and your loved ones safe from these non-hypoallergenic breeds. Keep reading to learn more.
What Does “Hypoallergenic” Mean in Dogs?
There are a lot of different terms that get thrown around when it comes to describing dogs, and “hypoallergenic” is one of them. But what does it actually mean?
In general, hypoallergenic simply means that something is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. When it comes to dogs, there are a few different theories about what makes a hypoallergenic dog, but the most common one is that hypoallergenic dogs produce less dander, which is the main cause of allergies in people. Dander refers to the tiny flakes of skin that are shed by all mammals. It can be a major trigger for allergies and asthma.
A few different breeds of dogs are commonly considered hypoallergenic, including poodles, Bichon Frises, and Shih Tzus. But it’s important to note that there is no such thing as a “truly” hypoallergenic dog, and any dog can cause allergies in someone sensitive to them.
Are Boston Terrier Hypoallergenic?
If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, you may wonder if Boston Terriers is the right breed for you. For your information, Boston Terriers are not hypoallergenic, but they are considered to be a low-shedding breed. In other words, they are less likely to trigger allergies in people who are sensitive to pet dander.
How Much Do Boston Terriers Shed?
There is no simple answer to this question, as every dog is different. Some Boston Terriers shed very little, while others may shed quite a bit. The amount of shedding also varies depending on the time of year; most dogs shed more in the spring and fall as they adjust to the changing seasons.
That said, as stated earlier, Boston Terriers are generally considered to be a relatively low-shedding breed: a piece of good news for those who don’t want to deal with a lot of hair around the house or are susceptible to allergies!
Tips for Getting Rid of Boston Terrier Dander
If you or a loved one is sensitive to allergic reactions, you don’t necessarily need to part ways with your Boston Terrier. Here are some effective ways to eliminate the dander that stems from your furry mate, so you can keep them for as long as you want:
Remove Carpeting
Did you know that removing the carpet from your home can help reduce Boston Terrier dander? Carpet traps dander and dust, making it harder to keep your home clean. And when you vacuum, the vacuum cleaner itself can spread dander around. So getting rid of the carpet can make a big difference. Hardwood floors are way easier to clean, and they don’t hold onto dander the way carpet does.
Set Boundaries for Your Dog
There are certain areas in your home where your Boston Terrier should not be allowed, not only for the cleanliness of your home but also to help keep dander under control. You can do this by setting boundaries for your Boston Terrier so that they know where they are allowed and not allowed to go in your home. Here are five tips to set boundaries for your Boston Terrier:
1. Establish rules and stick to them. Be consistent with your expectations and enforce them every time, so that your Boston Terrier understands what is expected of them.
2. Be clear and concise when communicating with your dog. Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior and avoid using physical punishment.
3. Avoid giving your dog attention when they are acting out. Reduce eye contact, petting, or speaking to them in a soft voice. Only give attention when they are behaving in the way you want them to.
4. Be firm and assertive when setting boundaries. Do not give in to your dog’s demands or they will learn that they can get away with bad behavior.
5. Create a safe and comfortable environment for your Boston Terrier. Provide them with plenty of exercises, a proper diet, and a comfortable place to sleep.
Wash Your Boston Terrier at Least Once a Week
If you wish to keep your Boston Terrier healthy, while also keeping his dander at bay, wash them at least once a week.
There are a few different ways you can wash your Boston Terrier to help reduce dander. You can bathe him in a gentle shampoo made for dogs, or you can use a mild soap such as baby shampoo. You should also brush your Boston Terrier regularly to help remove any loose hair and dander.
When you’re finished bathing or brushing your dog, thoroughly rinse all the soap or shampoo off him. You don’t want to leave any residue on his fur, which can worsen the dander problem.
Keep Your Dog’s Bed Clean
One of the best ways to keep your home clean and dander-free is to regularly clean your Boston Terrier’s bed. Even if your dog doesn’t sleep in its bed every night, dander and dirt can build up over time and cause problems for people with allergies. A simple weekly cleaning routine will help to keep everyone in the family comfortable.
To clean your dog’s bed, start by removing the cover and washing it in the washing machine. Be sure to use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent. You may also need to spot clean the bed if it gets dirty between regular washings. Vacuum the bed itself daily to remove any remaining dander and dirt.
Then, once the cover is clean, put it back on the bed. Invest in a HEPA-Approved Air Purifier
Use a HEPA-approved air purifier in your home to help reduce the amount of dander floats around. If you have the purifier running in the rooms where your dog spends the most time, you may notice a reduction in dander overall. Keep the purifier clean according to the manufacturer’s directions to maintain its efficacy.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, Boston Terriers are not hypoallergenic. If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t produce as much dander, you may want to consider a breed like the Poodle or Schnauzer.
I hope this has answered your question about are Boston Terrier hypoallergenic. Even though the answer was no, and you’re set on getting a Boston terrier, there are things you can do to reduce allergens in your home.
Regular vacuuming and bathing, along with keeping your dog away from your bed and other areas where you spend a lot of time, will help minimize the number of allergies.