Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic? (Ultimate Guide)

The Bernedoodle (AKA Bernepoo or Bernese Mountain Poo) is a cross breed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. One of the reasons why the Bernese Mountain Dog was originally crossed with the Poodle was to create a low-shedding and hypoallergenic dog breed, but were they successful?

If you are interested in knowing how hypoallergenic Bernedoodles really are, keep reading this article to find out the the answers to your all questions about this topic!

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Are Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

Bernedoodles are considered to be a hypoallergenic dog breed as they do not produce or release much allergy inducing dander into their immediate environment. Generations of Bernedoodle that have a higher percentage of Poodle genes such as cross-back generations (F1b, F1bb, F2b etc.) are usually more hypoallergenic than your average Bernedoodle. Smaller sizes of Bernedoodle are also considered to be more hypoallergenic as smaller sized dogs produce less dander than large dogs. Bernedoodles inherit their hypoallergenic nature from the Poodle.

Factors That Affect How Hypoallergenic Bernedoodles Are

There are many factors that can affect how hypoallergenic a Bernedoodle is. This includes but is not limited to:

Generation (F1, F1b, F1bb, F2 etc.)
Size (Tiny, Mini, Medium or Standard)
The individual dog

How Generation Affects How Hypoallergenic Bernedoodles Are

All generations of Bernedoodle are hypoallergenic however some are more hypoallergenic than others. Cross-back generations are generally more hypoallergenic than regular generations as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes in them e.g. F1b, F1bb, F2b etc. This is because purebred Poodles are hypoallergenic while Bernese Mountain Dogs are not. Back-cross generations are created by breeding a Bernedoodle with a purebred Poodle.

Are F1 Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

F1 Bernedoodles are classified as a hypoallergenic dog breed. This is because they are light to non-shedders and thus don’t release much dander into their environment. The original reason why Bernedoodles were bred was to reduce the heavy shedding characteristic of the Bernese Mountain Dog whilst keeping its good nature and temperament.

Are F1b Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

F1b Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic. In fact, they are more hypoallergenic than F1 Bernedoodles. F1b Bernedoodles shed even less than F1 Bernedoodles as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes. The reason why breeders create cross-back generations of Bernedoodle is to create a dog that sheds less than an F1 Bernedoodle and is therefore more hypoallergenic. An F1b Bernedoodle is 25% Bernese Mountain Dog and 75% Poodle.

Are F2 Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

F2 Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic. They are about as hypoallergenic as an F1 Bernedoodle but not as hypoallergenic as an F1b Bernedoodle. The reason why F2 Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic is because they only release a minimal amount of dander (dead skin cells) into their surroundings when they shed.

Are Multigen Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

Multigen Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic as all generations of Bernedoodle are hypoallergenic. A Multigen Bernedoodle is anything beyond an F2 Bernedoodle. For example, an F3 Bernedoodle is multigen. A Bernedoodle is considered to be multigen when the dog’s parents and grandparents are Bernedoodles rather than a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog or Poodle.

bernedoodle hypoallergenic — Bernedoodle via @walden.the.bernedood

How Size Affects How Hypoallergenic Bernedoodles Are

All sizes of Bernedoodle are hypoallergenic but some consider the smaller sizes to be more hypoallergenic as they produce less dander due to their tiny size.

Are Tiny Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

Tiny Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic as they are very light shedders and do not release much allergy inducing dander (dead skin cells) into the environment when they shed. Some people consider Tiny Bernedoodles to be the most hypoallergenic size as they are the smallest and therefore produce less dander than other sizes of Bernedoodle.

Are Mini Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

Mini Bernedoodles are considered to be a hypoallergenic breed because they do not produce much allergy inducing dander and they do not shed much. The more Poodle in the mix, the more hypoallergenic the Bernedoodle. For example, a F1b Mini Bernedoodle is more hypoallergenic than a F1 Mini Bernedoodle as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes.

Are Medium Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

Medium Bernedoodles are a hypoallergenic dog breed as they produce only a minimal amount of allergy inducing dander. They are also low shedders so they do not drop many dead skin cells that can flare up allergies. To reduce the risk of allergic reactions, owners should regularly brush their Medium Bernedoodles to remove loose hairs.

Are Standard Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic?

Standard Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic like all sizes of Bernedoodle. They are hypoallergenic as they do not produce large quantities of dander which are dead skill cells that irritate allergy sufferers. To make a Standard Bernedoodles more hypoallergenic, keep up a good grooming routine such as brushing every second day with a slicker brush to remove old hairs.

Do Bernedoodles Shed?

Bernedoodles do not shed much at all. They only drop a few strands of hairs here and there throughout the year so they are classified as non to low shedders. Cross-back generations of Bernedoodle such as F1b, F1bb or F2b shed less than F1 Bernedoodles as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes.

Misconceptions About Hypoallergenic Dogs

1. “Dog Breeds Can Be 100% Hypoallergenic” (False!)

The term ‘hypoallergenic’ is often misused by breeders and pet shops. Many sellers of dogs suggest that ‘hypoallergenic’ means that their puppies are guaranteed to be safe for allergy sufferers but this is not the case at all. No dog can be 100% hypoallergenic as all dogs shed and release dander into their immediate environment. The question really is how much dander they produce throughout the year.

2. “Dog Fur/Hair Is Responsible For Allergies” (False!)

Dog fur or hair is not responsible for allergy symptoms. Many people think that dogs that are hypoallergenic don’t shed but this isn’t true. In fact, dog hair or fur is harmless but dander is not.

Dander is composed of dead skin cells that have flaked off a dog’s skin and have become airborne. It’s one of the leading causes of allergies symptoms but not the only one.

People are also allergic to proteins in dog saliva, urine and feces. These proteins may get all over a dog’s fur from them licking themselves and playing with other dogs so when you touch a dog you may get a reaction. Dried saliva can also flake off a dog like dander and become airborne which may cause issues for allergy sufferers.

3. “All Dog Breeds Are Just As Bad As Each Other For Allergy Sufferers” (False!)

Not all dog breeds are just as bad as each other for allergy sufferers. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, many breeds are much more hypoallergenic than others. For example, Poodle mixes are much more hypoallergenic than a lot of purebred dogs.

In more cases than not, it comes down to the individual dog rather than the breed as a whole as to whether or not they are suited to allergy sufferers. One dog may produce lots of allergy causing proteins while another dog from the same litter may not. At the end of the day, you have to spend time with puppies and see if any of your symptoms flare up.

Some people also believe that smaller breeds are more suited to allergy sufferers than large dog breeds. While this isn’t proven, it makes some sense as small breeds produce everything in smaller quantities. Less dander, less shedding, less saliva etc. If you are an allergy sufferer, getting a toy or miniature sized dog rather than a standard one may be a good move.

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Of course, consult your doctor about your allergies before purchasing a dog.

Causes Of Dog Allergy Symptoms

Dog allergy symptoms are usually caused by dander which is composed of tiny particles of skin shed by dogs along with a bit of their fur. It can be really problematic as dander is so small and can linger in air for long periods of time.

Allergy symptoms can also flare up from the proteins founds in dog saliva, urine and feces. Like dander, dried saliva can flake off a dog’s skin or fur and become airborne which is problematic for allergy sufferers.

Dog Allergy Symptoms

Dog allergy symptoms varies depending on your level of exposure and the severity of your reaction. The most common symptoms one can experience from coming into contact with a dog include:

Coughing
Sneezing
Runny nose
Red, itchy or watery eyes
Skin rash
Chest tightness
Shortness of breath
Wheezing

How To Reduce Allergens From Your Bernedoodle

If you do not suffer from severe or life-threatening allergies, there are many ways you can reduce the allergens your Bernedoodle produces so you can still happily live together.

1. Groom Your Bernedoodle Regularly

Regularly grooming your Bernedoodle will prevent them from releasing as many allergens into your home. Your dog’s grooming routine should include both brushing and bathing. It’s best to use a slicker brush on a Bernedoodle every other day to remove any loose hairs. As for bathing, you should give them a bath every 3 months to remove any dead skin cells, dirt and debris. This may not seem that often but you don’t want to over wash your Bernedoodle otherwise their coat will dry out which will only cause flaky skin.

2. Clean Your Home Frequently

Cleaning your home regularly will remove allergens from surfaces. It’s much easier if you have hard surface floors like floorboard or laminate as dander can wedge itself into carpet and be very difficult to remove. Invest in a high quality pet vacuum cleaner to make your life easier.

3. Regularly Wash Your Hands

Reduce your allergy symptoms by washing your hands every time after petting or playing with your Bernedoodle. This will stop you from accidentally touching your face with allergens on your hands.

4. Don’t Let Your Bernedoodle In Your Bedroom

If you suffer from allergies it’s best to keep your Bernedoodle out of your bedroom as you need somewhere to go to feel relief from your symptoms. While it may be tempting to let your Bernedoodle curl up with you at night in your bed, it’s best to have a place where there is no dander or dog fur around at all.

5. Invest In An Air Purifier

Investing in an air purifier is a good idea as it will remove allergens straight from the air as well as other airborne household pollutants like dust, pollen and mould spores. it will make your home a healthier environment for both yourself and your dog.