Are Cocker Spaniels hypoallergenic?

Many people suffer from dog hair allergy, but still would like to have a dog by their side. In this article we clarify whether Cocker Spaniels are hypoallergenic and suitable for allergy sufferers or not.

Cocker Spaniels are not hypoallergenic and therefore not suitable for allergy sufferers. They have an undercoat and shed all year round. Allergy sufferers do not react specifically to the hair that a Cocker Spaniel sheds, but to the protein compounds, for example from saliva, that are found on the hair.

What is hypoallergenic?

Basically, you need to clarify in advance why allergy sufferers react to dog hair.

As a rule, you do not react to the dog hair, but to the protein compounds from saliva, urine and dander, which are found on the hair.

When a dog sheds more hair, you come into contact with more dog hair because it is in the air, on furniture and clothing.

With a dog that sheds no hair or very little, you have much less direct contact with the dog hair.

However, if you have an extremely strong reaction to dog hair, it is possible that this is also the case with the dogs that are supposedly suitable for allergy sufferers. Like the Havanese, for example.

Are Cocker Spaniels hypoallergenic?

Cocker Spaniels reach a weight of 26-35 lbs (12 – 16 kg) at 14-17 inches (36 – 43 cm). They have a long, silky coat which needs to be brushed regularly. Cocker Spaniels are very popular because of their happy and affectionate nature.

Cocker Spaniels shed throughout the year. Twice a year, during the coat change, they shed even more.

Since Cocker Spaniels shed, they are not hypoallergenic and not suitable for allergy sufferers, as you are constantly in contact with the hair.

Do Cocker Spaniels shed a lot?

Cocker Spaniels shed all year round, as mentioned above, and are not suitable for allergy sufferers.

Twice a year they also have a coat change. In spring. When it gets warmer the Cocker loses his dense winter coat and gets his thinner summer coat.

In autumn, when the days are getting colder, the cocker loses its summer coat and gets its dense winter coat again, which protects it from the cold.

During this period, especially in the spring, the Cocker Spaniel loses a lot of hair, which is a nightmare for allergy sufferers.

Due to the fact that Cocker Spaniels have long fur, it is also more noticeable on furniture and clothing.

Poor quality dog food with inferior ingredients can cause Cocker Spaniels to shed more than normal.

If your Cocker Spaniel is fed a poor quality dog food, he may be lacking in important nutrients. This can result in increased shedding.

Cocker Spaniel sheds extremely

If your Cocker Spaniel sheds more than “normal”, this can have different reasons. The most common reason is inferior dog food.

You can tell relatively quickly from the coat whether a dog is doing well and whether it is well supplied with all the nutrients.

If this is not the case, it can lead to increased shedding in the Cocker Spaniel

In addition to inferior food, it is also possible that your dog simply does not tolerate his food because he has an intolerance to certain ingredients.

This can also cause your Cocker Spaniel to shed extremely.

Another reason your Cocker Spaniel may shed more than normal is stress. If your dog is stressed because he suddenly has to stay alone for a long time or because your Cocker Spaniel has not had enough exercise for a long time, this can cause stress.

A Cocker Spaniel needs exercise and activity every day.

Grooming a Cocker Spaniel

Since the Cocker Spaniel has a relatively long coat, you need to brush it daily so that it does not become matted. In addition, during walks together in nature, all sorts of things can quickly collect in the fur.

So make sure that you clean your Cocker from dirt and small branches or leaves after the walk.

Alternative Cockapoo

If you are an allergy sufferer and still want a Cocker Spaniel you may have luck with the Cockapoo.

The Cockapoo is a mix of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. The reason a Cockapoo may be suitable for allergy sufferers is because the poodle has little to no shedding.

However, there is no guarantee that a Cockapoo will inherit the exact coat trait of the Poodle.

If your Cockapoo has inherited the Poodle coat and does not shed at all, you have another task.

Because there is no natural coat change you have to trim your Cockapoo. This means that old dead fur is pulled out of the skin so that new fur can grow back.

Conclusion: Are Cocker Spaniels hypoallergenic and suitable for allergy sufferers?

Cocker Spaniels are great family dogs that can bring joy everywhere with their nature. Unfortunately, they are not hypoallergenic and so not suitable for allergy sufferers, because they usually shed a lot of hair. Basically, they are not allergic to the dog hair, but to the protein compound from saliva, urine and dander that is found in the fur. So basically, when a dog sheds hair, you as an allergy sufferer more or less come in contact with it and have an allergic reaction.

Mikkel Bigandt-stock.adobe.com (Contributed image)