A Frenchton is an excellent addition to any family setting. The popular hybrid dog offers many benefits and years of companionship. However, not everyone can enjoy the benefits of pet ownership when allergies are involved.
In this article, we’re going to answer are Frenchtons hypoallergenic so you can decide if this is the right breed for your living space. While no dog is 100% allergy-free, knowing how your dog allergies will react is vital to getting the most value out of your pet relationships.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
There is a myth around the word “hypoallergenic.” It doesn’t mean the animal you pick up from a respectable breeder will not cause allergies. It simply refers to a dog, cat, or any other pet that will not cause as frequent or intense allergic reactions as other breeds. You could very well still trigger an allergic reaction with a Frenchtons allergy, but maybe not as extreme or intense as with other dogs.
Dog allergies happen because of the proteins found in pet dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine. Once these proteins enter the air, you get the common allergic reactions of sneezing, itching, or asthma-like coughing.
You’ll hear the term hypoallergenic because of breeds like Poodles and Bichon Frises. They shed far less, causing fewer irritants around the home that can be managed with some early getting ready tasks like buying a quality air filter.
Do Frenchtons Cause Allergies?
Frenchtons are beautiful small to medium-sized dogs. They are a cross between the popular Boston Terrier and French Bulldog. As a result, the coat type, shedding level, and dander production are a little less than other dogs.
Both the “parent” breeds have shorter, smoother coats, meaning the typical hypoallergenic Frenchton has a sleek and low-maintenance coat. While the hair is much shorter, Frenchtons will shed every now and then, which can trigger allergies.
Unlike energetic (and noisy) Huskies or screen-ready Golden Retrievers, you can guess are Frenchtons hypoallergenic due to the lack of a thick undercoat. There are no massive clumps that will build up along your couch. That doesn’t mean they are purely hypoallergenic as short hair can still put dander and saliva proteins into the air.
Owning a Frenchton means a lot of toys. This breed loves to play games, and saliva will produce the substances you do not want as they settle on furniture, clothes, and carpets. Some owners will report a mild Frenchtons allergy while others find they have much more noticeable symptoms – it all comes down to your individual sensitivity.
The best way to find out if a hypoallergenic Frenchton works for your lifestyle is to spend some time around them and see how you react. Maybe volunteer at a shelter or hang out with a friend who owns a Frenchton. That will tell you pretty quickly how sensitive you are to their coats.
Managing Allergies with a Frenchton
Any dog requires maintenance, from the largest, shaggiest breeds to the tiniest toy pups in your travel bag. Your allergies are the same. If you take steps to prevent or reduce allergic reactions, you’ll enjoy a much more rewarding time as a dog owner. Here are some tips to help you get started.
#1 – Regular Grooming
Grooming is crucial to whether are Frenchtons hypoallergenic for your needs. Brush your dog at least twice a week (preferably 3-4 times per week). That will remove loose hair and dander from collecting around your house. You may also want to bathe your Frenchton at least once per month and wipe down their face and paws. Frenchtons have a reputation for having their own allergies, and you want to keep their snouts and paws clean.
#2 – Cleaning Your Home
Do you want to get rid of any allergens, including dander and saliva from pets? Keep your home clean and well organized. Take advantage of HEPA-grade filters in your air/HVAC systems to trap airborne proteins from finding their way to your nose. Vacuum frequently and wash your bedding weekly – especially your pillows or anywhere your dog loves to sleep and scratch.
#3 – Medication and Doctor Visit
Go and schedule an appointment with your local healthcare provider. They can recommend medication that will combat common Frenchtons allergies. If you have more severe responses, items like over-the-counter antihistamines or allergy shots go a long way to reducing your sensitivity to pets.
#4 – Create Allergy-Free Zones
One final trick many pet owners use is having an “allergy-free” zone in the home. This is a space where dogs are strictly not allowed. It allows you to breathe a little easier and catch a break if your spouse or kids insist on a dog and you’re not quite ready.
Getting ready in advance goes a long way to reducing any Frenchtons allergy. Owners with mild to medium reactions can use these tips to enjoy a wonderful relationship with their pets without sacrificing their own health or breathing capability.
Are There Hypoallergenic Alternatives to Frenchtons?
The whole debate around are Frenchtons hypoallergenic or not must take into account other breeds. Again, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but some breeds are simply better for those with strong allergic reactions.
There are quite a few options for breeds, especially the hybrids mixed with Poodle genetics. The Poodle is one of the best breeds for allergies because it hardly sheds or produces the same volume of proteins that would trigger a reaction. Other top hypoallergenic dogs include:
- Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodle
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzer
- Bichon Frise
- Chinese Crested
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Labradoodle
- Goldendoodle
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Affenpinscher
- Irish Water Spaniel
You basically want to stick to low-shedding dogs with curly hair that trap in dander so it won’t get airborne around your living space.
If you’re particularly attached to the Frenchton, try a Frenchtonoodle, Cockapoo, or Cavapoo. They all have some built-in hypoallergenic features and loving natures that you can get quickly attached to.
Final Thoughts
So, are Frenchtons hypoallergenic? The answer is they are not fully hypoallergenic. Depending on your personal sensitivity, you could experience mild to medium reactions with this dog breed. Be sure to spend a little time with Frenchtons before committing to ownership, and follow our tips to prepare your living space to reduce the spread of airborne proteins as much as possible.
If you’re still on the fence, seek out a local, reputable breeder of Frenchtons. They will offer insight into how to live with these cuddly little dogs – even if you have a strong allergic reaction. At the very least, you’ll get more exposure to Frenchtons in their facility to better judge your reaction.
To know if a Frenchton will work for you and your family, you’ll have to do a little experimentation. If the reactions you experience are too extreme, we recommend looking at our list of alternative breeds in CrockettPups.com After all, they are our specialty!
