Are Jack Russell Terriers Hypoallergenic?
I am thinking about getting a dog, but they must be hypoallergenic since I suffer from allergies. I like the way the Jack Russell Terrier looks, but I don’t know much about the breed.
Last night I decided to dig up some details about this breed, particularly relating to allergies. Here is what I found.
Are Jack Russell Terriers Hypoallergenic?
No, Jack Russell Terriers are not hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic is a term that some experts use to categorize dogs, while other experts do not believe the term hypoallergenic and dog can go together. Hypoallergenic refers to how likely a dog and specifically the Jack Russell Terrier are to cause issues in a person who suffers from allergies.
Jack Russell Terriers do not have hypoallergenic fur coats despite having two types of fur. Jack Rusell Terriers are not hypoallergenic even though they can have a straight fur coat and a broken or rough fur coat. Neither fur coat is hypoallergenic. The Jack Russell Terrier is not hypoallergenic, but this depends on the type of allergies the person suffers from. If the person with the Jack Russell Terrier suffers from mild allergies related to pollen or plants, they may not have as much of an issue. This, however, doesn’t mean that the Jack Russell Terrier can be considered hypoallergenic. No dog is entirely hypoallergenic, but some breeds are less likely to cause allergies in people who suffer.
Jack Russell Terriers are not a hypoallergenic dog breed. In people who suffer allergies, their fur can cause issues, but this depends mainly on the person involved.
Many experts differ in using the term hypoallergenic when referring to a dog since all dogs have fur or hair that sheds. Some believe the name is acceptable for specific breeds that are less likely than others to cause issues in allergy suffers.
Other experts believe the term is pointless since no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, and every dog can cause allergies depending on the breed and the person who suffers from them.
Regardless of which mindset is right or wrong, the Jack Russell Terrier is not a hypoallergenic dog breed.
Jack Russell Terriers have two types of fur coats that are both double fur coats, which means more fur.
Jack Russell Terriers have either a straight fur coat or a broken or rough fur coat. Neither Jack Russell Terrier fur coat is hypoallergenic, but it can certainly be that one or the other causes fewer issues for certain people who suffer mild allergies.
What is a better way of determining if any dog, Jack Russell Terrier or otherwise, is hypoallergenic is when they are compared beside an individual allergy sufferer.
Potential pet parents may or may not have issues with a Jack Russell Terrier or another dog, depending on the type of allergies they suffer.
If their allergies are directly related to plants, chemicals, or other substances, they may not suffer. Each person is unique in their allergies.
It should be noted that no dog, regardless of how they are termed hypoallergenic or not, is entirely allergy-safe. For individuals that suffer moderate to severe allergies, a dog’s fur could potentially exasperate their issues.
What does it mean for a dog to be hypoallergenic?
For a dog to be hypoallergenic, it means they don’t shed as much fur as other dogs do. By the dog not shedding their fur as much or hardly at all, it means that the dander that sticks to their fur isn’t released as much.
Dander can cause allergic reactions in people who suffer allergies to dogs, cats, and other fur babies.
Does hypoallergenic mean a dog is allergy-friendly?
Hypoallergenic does not necessarily mean that a dog is allergy-friendly. It can point the direction to a dog that has the lower likelihood of causing allergies, but any dog can cause allergies to flare up depending on what the potential pet parent is allergic to.
As previously stated, hypoallergenic is a term that receives mixed results because many factors play into the allergic response of an individual.
What type of allergies the person suffers from will determine if a Jack Russell Terrier or other dog breed is right for them.
Before exposure to any dog, Jack Russell Terrier or otherwise, the individual must consult with their doctor to ensure that they will be safe to do so.
Some people may only suffer from allergies to dogs and their dander. In this case, it may be possible that a termed hypoallergenic dog can bring them happiness.
This situation depends on how bad their allergies to dogs are. If they only suffer mild symptoms and are paired with a hypoallergenic dog that hardly sheds their fur and dander, they may get along well.
Others who suffer from more severe allergies may find it hard to be in the presence of a dog.
None, the less Jack Russell Terriers, can not be considered hypoallergenic by any means.
If I don’t suffer from dog dander allergies, can a Jack Russell Terrier be a good choice for me?
If you don’t suffer from dog dander allergies, a Jack Russell Terrier can be a good choice for you, but you need to consult your doctor first. Jack Russell Terriers have a lot of hair, regardless of what type.
Like all dogs, Jack Russell Terriers can carry allergens on their fur and possibly transfer it to their human family members, causing health issues.
Jack Russell Terriers are not hypoallergenic, but they can still cause or exasperate other allergies depending on how they are cared for.
For those who suffer from allergies not related to dog dander, it is possible to have a Jack Russell Terrier as a pet, but grooming will be essential.
With full knowledge of known allergens, the pet parent can make lifestyle adjustments to welcome a Jack Russell Terrier into their home with a doctor’s approval. They may need to brush, groom and bathe a Jack Russell Terrier more often to prevent potential allergens from being scattered about the house or on the pet parent.
For instance, a pet parent is severely allergic to tree pollen. They have consulted with their doctor about getting a Jack Russell Terrier who is not hypoallergenic, and the doctor gave the green light.
During certain seasons or weather patterns, the pet parent may need to suit up and groom their dog daily to prevent those allergens from entering the home on the dog’s fur. They may also have to instill training that the dog doesn’t jump on them and refrain from touching the dog while outdoors.
While these scenarios are all possible, sometimes the stress involved makes it less enjoyable than owning a Jack Russell Terrier or another dog should be.
In these situations, it is best to weigh the odds with the person’s doctor before selecting a dog to welcome into the family.
How can I see if I am allergic to a Jack Russell Terrier or another dog breed?
How you can best determine if you are allergic to a Jack Russell Terrier or any dog breed is first to consult your doctor. They will have a thorough knowledge of your medical background and help determine your allergies.
If it is determined that you suffer from pet dander allergies, how severe they are will determine which course of action can be taken. This decision depends on your doctor.
For those who are given the green light and their allergies to pet dander is only mild, there are many dogs out there that hardly shed their fur.
While the Jack Russell Terrier will never be considered one of those breeds, a few hairs will not cause an issue for mild sufferers.
On top of that, much can be done to reduce pet dander further—having someone who isn’t allergic brush the dog when outdoors regularly can work wonders.
Caring for one’s health and having medications at the ready can also reduce the likelihood that an allergic pet parent will suffer.
It should be noted that people who do suffer from mild pet dander allergies can go through medical procedures that can desensitize them to specific allergens if they must have a dog. They should consult their health care team for advice in this area.
If this is the case, once they are desensitized, a potential pet parent could adopt a Jack Russell Terrier or another dog breed that is not hypoallergenic. Each person, dog, and the situation is unique, and all things must be considered by a trained and skilled health professional first.
In Conclusion
The Jack Russell Terrier can never be considered hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic is a term that can sometimes be used to describe a dog that doesn’t shed much.
For those who suffer from other allergies, it may be possible to have a Jack Russell Terrier as a pet, but they must first consult their healthcare team.
Even though the Jack Russell Terrier is not hypoallergenic, they are still an amazingly smart dog for those who don’t suffer from pet allergies.