Are Yorkshire Terriers Hypoallergenic, and Are They a Good Choice for Those with Allergies?

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Posted Oct 26, 2024

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Yorkshire Terriers are often touted as a great choice for people with allergies, but are they really hypoallergenic? The answer lies in their coat.

Yorkshire Terriers have a single layer coat that sheds very little, which is a major plus for those with allergies.

However, it's essential to note that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, and Yorkshire Terriers are no exception.

Their low-shedding coat may reduce allergen exposure, but it's not a guarantee that they won't trigger allergies in some people.

What Causes Dog Allergies?

So, you're wondering what causes dog allergies? It's not the fur itself that's the culprit, but rather the proteins found in a dog's dander, saliva, and urine. These proteins can attach themselves to a dog's hair follicles and then spread throughout the home when the dog sheds.

Dogs that shed more trigger more allergy symptoms, which is why low-shedding and non-shedding breeds are often preferred by people with allergies. But here's the thing: even low-shedding breeds can still cause allergies due to other factors.

For another approach, see: Are Maltese Dogs Hypoallergenic

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For example, the skin glands of Yorkshire terriers produce proteins that can cause allergic reactions. And it's not just the dog's own skin that's the problem - dirt, dust, and dead hairs that accumulate between the dog's hair can also trigger allergies.

Here are some common allergens found in dogs that can cause reactions:

  • Proteins produced by the skin glands
  • Dirt, dust, and dead hairs
  • Parasites that live in the dog's hair
  • Subcutaneous fat secreted by the sebaceous glands
  • Pollen from trees and flowers
  • Strong allergens in the dog's blood and feces

These allergens can cause a range of symptoms, from sneezing and itchy eyes to eczema and respiratory problems.

Yorkshire Terriers and Allergies

Yorkshire terriers are often considered a hypoallergenic breed, but this doesn't mean they're completely allergen-free.

The proteins produced by a Yorkie's skin glands and contained in their wool, saliva, and urine can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Dirt, dust, and dead hairs hiding between a Yorkie's hairs can also lead to allergic symptoms if inhaled.

Yorkies have subcutaneous fat secreted by the sebaceous glands that can cause allergic rashes.

Strong allergens are found in a Yorkie's blood and feces, which can cause eczema in people with severe allergies.

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If you're allergic to dogs, it's essential to do a test run with a Yorkie before bringing one home to ensure you can live allergy-free.

You can spend time in a friend's house with a Yorkie, volunteer to pet sit, or foster a Yorkie to conduct a thorough test.

Pay attention to any allergy symptoms you experience and only adopt a Yorkie if you're sure you can provide a comfortable forever home.

A responsible breeder will let you visit their dogs in their home, giving you time to interact with the dogs before adopting.

While Yorkies are low-shedding, they still shed a little, and you may notice their hair come out when you brush or bathe them.

The AKC ranks Yorkies' shedding as a one on a scale of one to five, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers.

To live comfortably with a Yorkie, consider using an air purifier and robot vacuum in your home, as well as conditioner and fish oil supplements for their coat.

By taking these precautions, you and your Yorkie can live a happy, healthy, and sneeze-free life together.

On a similar theme: Yorkies Hypoallergenic Dogs

Reducing Allergic Reaction Risk

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Investing in a HEPA air purifier can help remove dander from the air you breathe, reducing your exposure to this allergen. This can be especially helpful if you have a Yorkie in your home.

Using a robot vacuum can also come to your rescue by keeping hair from building up around your house. You can program it to run every day, even on weeks when you've had no time to clean.

Conditioner can help prevent tangles, which would require extra brushing, and it can prevent dry skin. This is especially important because dry skin causes more dead skin cells to flake off and build up in your dog's coat, increasing your exposure to this allergen.

Feeding a fish oil supplement can help prevent dry skin and promote a healthy coat. This is because fish oil supplements are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent dry skin and promote a healthy coat.

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You can also reduce your risk of an allergic reaction by bathing your Yorkie regularly, preferably by a person without allergies. Once a week is sufficient.

To minimize contact with allergens, it's best to avoid touching your face or eyes after petting or playing with your Yorkie. This can help prevent the allergens from entering your body.

Here are some additional tips for reducing your exposure to allergens:

  • Trim your Yorkie's hair regularly
  • Use an air filtration system—at least during the night when you're sleeping
  • Apply allergen-reducing hair products or shampoos
  • Avoid buying household items that can hold allergens (ie: rugs, fabric-covered furniture, carpets, etc.)
  • Avoid letting your Yorkie sleep in your room, especially on your bed

Allergies Don't Rule Out Dog Ownership

Allergies don't rule out dog ownership. With some planning and adjustments, you can still have a furry friend in your home.

Yorkshire Terriers are a great option for allergy sufferers because they have a long, silky coat of hair that's very similar to human hair. They don't shed year-round like many breeds do.

You can minimize contact with allergens by planning ahead and making a few adjustments to your routine. For example, you can wash your dog's toys regularly to prevent a build-up of saliva.

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Yorkies are far less likely to cause a reaction in allergy sufferers because they produce far less dander than other dog breeds. They also shed very little, reducing the chance of allergens.

It's worth noting that there's no guarantee that Yorkies will not cause a reaction in allergy sufferers. However, with some effort, you can make living with a Yorkie manageable.

Yorkies are small animals with less hair than other dogs, and they don't have an undercoat, which reduces shedding and dander. This makes them a great choice for those with allergies.

If you or a loved one are seriously allergic, it's best not to bring a Yorkie into your home. But for those with lesser allergic responses, a Yorkie can be a great addition to your family.

Understanding Allergies

Dogs can develop allergies to their food, environmental contaminants, and even chemicals in air fresheners and essential oils. Some common allergens include animal proteins, corn, and soy.

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The proteins produced by a dog's skin glands, contained in their wool, saliva, and urine, can also cause allergic reactions. These proteins can be present in a dog's hair, saliva, and urine, making them potential allergens.

If you're allergic to insects, you may also react to parasites that live in a dog's hair, which can be picked up during walks outside. Strong allergens are found in a dog's blood and feces, which can trigger eczema in severe allergy sufferers.

Here are some potential allergens found in a Yorkshire terrier's skin, hair, and saliva:

  • Proteins produced by skin glands
  • Dirt, dust, and dead hairs
  • Parasites that live in the dog's hair
  • Sebaceous glands' secretions
  • Pollen from trees and flowers
  • Strong allergens in blood and feces

Dog Allergy Symptoms

Dogs can develop allergies to certain ingredients in their food, such as animal proteins and those from corn and soy.

Some common symptoms of dog allergies include scratching, chewing, and excessive shedding.

If your dog is allergic to environmental contaminants, you might notice they're more prone to sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes.

Their skin may become irritated, leading to hot spots and skin infections.

In severe cases, allergies can trigger an itchy, inflamed ear canal or paw licking.

Keep in mind that air fresheners and essential oils can be especially problematic for small pets.

What Causes Dog Allergies?

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Dog allergies are often misunderstood, but they're not caused by the fur itself. The true culprit is a protein found in a dog's dander, saliva, and urine.

This protein can spread throughout your home when your dog sheds, triggering allergy symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. People with allergies can develop eczema if they come into contact with a dog's blood and feces.

Some dog breeds, like the Yorkshire terrier, have a unique coat that can contribute to allergies. While they don't have an undercoat, their hair can still harbor allergens like dirt, dust, and dead hairs. These particles can become airborne and exacerbate allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals.

It's not just the dog's hair that's the problem; parasites like fleas and ticks can also trigger allergies. If you're allergic to insects, you may react to those that take up residence in your dog's coat.

Certain factors can make a dog's coat more likely to trigger allergies. For example, a dog's subcutaneous fat, which is secreted by the sebaceous glands, can cause allergic rashes in some people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Yorkie a good house dog?

Yes, Yorkshire Terriers make excellent indoor dogs due to their small size, low-shedding coat, and moderate exercise needs. They're a great choice for apartment living and suitable for older people or those who want a low-maintenance pet.

Do Yorkies shed a lot?

Yorkies have a low shedding coat, making them a good choice for those with allergies. They produce less dander than many other breeds, reducing allergy triggers.

Terry Williamson

Junior Writer

Terry Williamson is a rising star in the world of writing, bringing a fresh perspective to the topics she covers. With a passion for animal welfare and education, Terry has established herself as a go-to expert on canine companions. Her articles on the standard poodle and poodle breeds have been widely read and appreciated for their engaging style and informative content.