English Mastiffs—they have cute, wrinkled faces, sleek coats, and lovable personalities. Who wouldn’t want one? Well, if you’re an allergy sufferer, probably you. English Mastiffs are not hypoallergenic—in fact, they’re likely to be worse than average when it comes to allergy attacks.
If you want to own an English Mastiff and you have mild dog allergies, there are a few things that you can consider. But if you’ve got major allergies or you want to pick a dog that’s likely to be easier to care for, it’s better to pick a different breed.
What Causes Dog Allergies?
If you’ve got a dog allergy, it’s because your immune system reacts to two proteins that only dogs produce—Can F1 and Can F2. Both proteins are found in dog skin, dander, sweat, and saliva. You can get an allergic reaction from touching a dog, but reactions can also come from dander and shed hair that floats through the air and gathers on surfaces. That’s why just being in a dog owner’s home can spell trouble.
There’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog; all dogs produce Can F1 and F2. But some dogs are more hypoallergenic than others. We don’t know enough right now about what controls protein production, but some dogs produce less of the protein than others. And more importantly, there’s a huge difference in how much dander different breeds produce and shed into the air. You might still be allergic to a low-shedding dog, but you won’t notice it as much because there’s not as much in the air.
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But Short-Haired Dogs Are Better, Right?
A lot of people think that if you want a dog that sheds less, you should get a short-haired dog like an English Mastiff. But short, dense coats like Mastiff coats are actually some of the worst for shedding. Even though their hair is short and smooth, Mastiffs have a double coat of fur that will grow and shed quickly. And their moderate year-round shedding will become extra heavy during the spring and fall as Mastiffs prepare their coats for changes in the weather. All this shedding is a problem for anyone with dog allergies.
Can You Ever Make an English Mastiff Safer for Allergies?
English Mastiffs might be allergy unfriendly, but if you only have mild dog allergies, there are many different ways you can reduce the amount of dander that ends up in your nose. These are mostly environmental changes that make your living space cleaner and safer for you. Here are some of the best ways to help:
1. Get a Female Dog
There isn’t a big breed difference in protein production, but female dogs tend to produce less of the Can F1 and F2 proteins than males. That means that even if two dogs shed the same amount, the female will probably give you less of a reaction.
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2. Give Extra Grooming
Mastiffs don’t need grooming to avoid tangles or regular haircuts, but they could still use a good brush every now and then. Brushing your English Mastiff at least once a week and more often during high-shedding seasons can help you catch dander and loose hair in the brush, so it won’t end up floating through the air.
3. Keep Your Bedroom Safe
Limiting your dog’s access to the places you spend the most time, like a bedroom or office, can help you manage your allergies and reduce symptoms. It also gives you a place to retreat to if you do have an allergy flare-up.
Image Credit: Michal Ninger, Shutterstock
4. Get an Air Filter
Air filters catch dander in the air, trapping it before it hits your nose. That will reduce free-floating dander, dust, and germs in your home, making it safer and cleaner.
5. Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum
Dander can also accumulate on surfaces. Dusting and vacuuming regularly—especially anywhere that hair likes to settle—is a great way to reduce allergens and keep your home cleaner. Some owners also like to put a blanket or cover over their dog’s favorite couch or chair to make it easy to clean.
Image Credit: Viacheslav Lopatin, Shutterstock
Last Thoughts
English Mastiffs make awesome pets, but they’re not for everyone. And if you’re an allergy sufferer, you’re probably better off sticking with a different breed. Their fur is dense and high shedding, meaning that they’re likely to trigger people with allergies. If you do have mild allergies to dogs, there are ways to help control the allergens, but you probably won’t be able to get rid of symptoms completely.
Chelsea Flake Mortensen is a writer with a passion for pets. She grew up around everything from cats to chameleons and loves working with all kinds of animals. Chelsea has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Brigham Young University. She is currently living in New England with her husband. Her articles have been featured in various magazines and literary journals for children and adults. Her writing has been translated into over 40 languages. ...Read more
