Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Imagine bringing home a cute Pomeranian dog only to find out later that you have dog allergies. That sucks.

Let’s save you some trouble and go straight to the point, are Pomeranians hypoallergenic? NO. But wait! There’s hope; you can control the situation.

are pomeranians hypoallergenic
Are Pomeranians hypoallergenic dogs?

What Does a ‘Hypoallergenic Dog’ Mean?

To accurately explain the question, “are Pomeranians hypoallergenic dogs?” we need to understand what hypoallergenic means.

A common misconception is that it means zero allergic reactions.

The American Kennel Club said so themselves; there are no such things as 100% hypoallergenic dogs. And the Pomeranian is not a hypoallergenic dog breed.

Hypoallergic only means it is less likely to trigger allergic reactions, but there’s still a possibility. Some allergy-friendly breeds are:

  • Bichon Frise
  • Chinese Crested
  • American Hairless Terrier
  • Spanish Water Dog
  • Poodle
  • Schnauzer
  • Maltese
  • Irish Water Spaniel

What do you notice? Some of them are hairless, but some have fluffy coats – like the Bichon Frise.

This tells us that it’s not necessarily the furs and hairs that trigger allergies. So, what does?

Pomeranian on the grass
A white Pomeranian smiling on the grass.

What Causes Allergic Reaction to Dogs?

To clarify, dog hair can potentially trigger allergies. We’re not saying that it doesn’t. But in most cases, the main culprit is a pet’s dander.

Think of pet dander as dandruff equivalents. They’re flaky dead skin cells found in animal hair but aren’t easily detected by the human eye.

This skin shed is known to be the leading allergen that may even lead to severe allergies.

There’s no direct correlation between potential dog hair and danders . A hairy dog doesn’t immediately lead to pet allergy, and a hairless dog doesn’t mean it’s a hypoallergenic breed.

tan cockapoo dog
A tan Cockapoo dog. F1b and some F2 Cockapoos are low shedding and low allergy

Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic Dogs?

After all the explanations, the big question remains. Is a Pomeranian hypoallergenic? Well, no.

Pomeranians shed at least twice a year because of their thick double coat. They have two layers: a soft undercoat and a long outercoat.

The hair shedding is significantly less than other dogs, so you are safe in this department.

BUT Pomeranian dogs produce dander and dead skin like crazy. And as we mentioned, that’s the main culprit for pet allergies.

Some also suggest that they carry Pomeranian allergens found in their saliva. Pom dogs carry a type of protein allergen not suitable for some people.

So, if you’re looking for allergy-friendly dogs, Poms are a no-go. Sorry.

How to Control Dogs or Pet Allergies?

But how about Pomeranian owners who only discovered the allergies later on? We understand. Dog lovers, even if we’re allergy sufferers, we won’t simply let go of a beloved pet.

There are ways to control dog allergic reactions. It requires more maintenance, but it’s worth it.

Daily Grooming for Your Dogs

When dogs shed without being controlled, they will shed all over your place.

If someone in your house has a dog allergy, you’re putting them at risk. Grooming them daily will help you control the shedding.

When your dog produces a lot of danders, bathing them weekly will also help maintain the double coat. But to be sure, ask professionals who can provide veterinary advice if it’s safe for your dog.

drying poodle with towel after bath
You should dry your Poodle thoroughly with a towel after a bath. The coat will dry better with some help.

Invest in the Health of Your Dogs

Hand in hand with grooming, paying attention to their diet is equally crucial. Adding Omega 3 to their diet is helpful for their coats.

A healthier coat will lessen the Pomeranian sheds and your risks of inhaling danders.

Ask your vets for advice on how you can improve the health and diet of your dogs.

Designated Spots for Your Dogs

Assign a spot for your Pomeranian dog. This could be their designated bed or a specific room.

For allergy sufferers in general, we recommend sleeping in dog-free rooms. This includes if you have dogs of other breeds too.

Animals shed; it’s normal for them. That’s why it’s always safer to create your precautions if you want to safely co-habit with your dogs.

labradoodle and pomeranian
A Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a Pomeranian.

Cleaning the House Daily

Vacuum as often as possible. Though it is not considered harmful, Pomeranians shed. It’s essential to take the extra time and clean your house as often as possible.

If your Pomeranian dogs have assigned spots, make sure to clean those areas more.

Invest in an Air Filter

But let’s face it, cleaning is sometimes not enough. Regardless of dog breeds, air filters are generally excellent in improving your air quality.

For those prone to bad dog allergies, you might find this helpful.

Avoid Too Much Contact With Dogs

We know this is hard. Cuddling with cute small dogs is one of the best feelings. But too much contact with their furs and saliva (licking/kissing) will lead to an allergic reaction.

If you can’t help it, be sure to wash your hands or take a shower afterward.

We suggest keeping a safe distance and consulting your doctor immediately when symptoms appear. An allergic reaction can lead to serious health concerns.

owner hugging a puppy
An owner snuggling with her puppy.

What Dog Allergic Reaction Symptoms to Look Out For?

Allergy sufferers must remain wary of their health. Again, you shouldn’t ignore these reactions as they could lead to severe conditions.

  • Constant sneezing and runny noise
  • Facial discomfort or pain
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Irritated eyes lead to redness
  • Skin rashes
  • Difficulty breathing or tight chest
  • Inflammation of specific area (where you have been licked or where the dog touched you)

Of course, we’re not telling you to panic at the onset of these symptoms. However, it’s important to be alert and observe the situation properly.

allergy with a dog
A man having allergy with a dog.

Brief Explanation: What Are Pomeranian Dogs?

We’re sure that you know what poms are. But for the sake of those who aren’t familiar, this section is for you.

Let us briefly introduce to you this well-loved breed. They come from the German Spitz family.

A Pomeranian is one of the popular breeds because of the cute, toy size dogs. Their furs have different colors, such as brown, white, and black.

We’re pretty certain that you’ve seen one already.

Overall, Are Pomeranians Good for Those With Dog Allergies?

Let us get this straight.

A pom is not a hypoallergenic dog, but they’re controllable. If your allergic reactions are minimal and don’t pose health risks, it might be okay to get a Pom dog.

However, if you have asthma or your reactions tend to be severe, please consider other dog breeds.

As we listed in the early headings above, there are a lot of hypoallergenic breeds that you can get. These are either low-shedding breeds or dogs that have a non-shedding coat.

We’ll list them down here again for your reference. Some examples include but are not limited to the following dog breeds:

  • Bichon Frise
  • Chinese Crested
  • American Hairless Terrier
  • Spanish Water Dog
  • Poodle
  • Schnauzer
  • Maltese
  • Irish Water Spaniel

Is a Pomeranian Hypoallergenic: Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] [Q&A]

Let’s also address some FAQs to help you!

What’s the Best Hypoallergenic Dog?

If you’re still in the planning phase, that’s great! If not the Pomeranian breed, you can still opt for another kind.

You can still get a cute and fluffy pet with a Bichon, Labradoodle, Poodle, or Maltese! You can also check out a Schnauzer and an Irish Water Spaniel.

an irish water spaniel dog
The beauty of an Irish Water Spaniel (non shedding) dog

Is There a Full List of Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Besides the list above, we’ll provide a longer list of dog breeds that are approved to be hypoallergenic. The list is from AKC. Choose away!

  • Afghan Hound
  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Coton de Tulear
  • Giant Schnauzer
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Lagotto Romagnolo
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless)
  • Poodle
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
  • Standard Schnauzer
  • Xoloitzcuintli

Other small dog breeds to consider are the following:

  • Affenpinscher
  • Basenji
  • Wire Fox Terrier
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Shih Tzu
  • Havanese
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • Scottish Terrier
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Italian Greyhound
  • Border Terrier
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Norwich Terrier
  • Silky Terrier
  • Welsh Terrier
  • Norfolk Terrier
  • Australian Terrier
  • Lakeland Terrier
  • Lowchen
  • Bolognese Dog
  • Shichon
  • Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

Why Are Some Pom Owners Not Allergic, But Others Are?

The reaction depends on the person. Some people may be more sensitive to allergens, while some aren’t affected at all.

It’s always on a case-to-case basis.

How Can I Make Sure That I’m Not Allergic to Pomeranians?

There are clinical tests to find out about your allergies, although those can be expensive. The best “free” way is to observe yourself for symptoms after exposure.

If you suspect that you may be allergic, don’t indulge yourself and limit your exposure to be safe. Once you notice the symptoms we’ve listed above, start setting up safety precautions.

Won’t the Allergy Disappear With More Exposure?

This may work for some. There are situations where a person gets used to the allergens as time passes.

However, it doesn’t work for everyone. It’s more wishful thinking than a guarantee.

If you really, really want a Pom despite your allergy risks, consult your doctors on how you can make it possible without damaging your health.

The precautions and controls we’ve suggestions above will also help.

golden retriever on the couch
A golden retriever stays beside his owner on the couch.

When Should I Be Worried When It Comes to Allergic Reactions?

As we’ve mentioned, you don’t have to rush to the doctor’s office with one sneeze. Most of these are controllable with home remedies.

For those who already have existing allergies, you can remedy the triggers with your current medications and practices.

If your dog allergies are new, we suggest consulting your doctor first to discuss preventative measures. But mild symptoms are nothing to worry about just yet.

However, it doesn’t mean that the reactions are ignorable.

We’ve discussed that these can lead to more complications. For instance, the tightening of the chest can progress to difficulty breathing, and so on.

How Often Should I Groom and Bathe My Pomeranian?

The answer to this is regularly. But then again, it’s subjective to your circumstances and what’s prescribed by your veterinarian.

Typically, you can groom your dog by yourself every day. Grooming doesn’t necessarily mean bringing them to the groomers every day! That’s crazy expensive. It’s simply combing their coats daily – but not excessive.

On the other hand, don’t bathe your Poms every day as this is not good for them. Weekly is a good benchmark to start with.

pomeranian happy being groomed
This happy Pomeranian is having a ball getting a doggy haircut!

Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic?

To summarize, let us answer the pertinent questions:

  • Are Pomeranians hypoallergenic dogs? No.
  • Are Pomeranians good for allergy sufferers? No.
  • Is there a way to control the shedding of Pom dogs? Yes.
  • What causes allergic reactions to dogs? Danders and protein allergens.

To identify some symptoms, refer to this list:

  • Constant sneezing and runny noise
  • Facial discomfort or pain
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Irritated eyes lead to redness
  • Skin rashes
  • Difficulty breathing or tight chest
  • Inflammation of specific area (where you have been licked or where the dog touched you)

To help control the situation, do the following:

  • Daily grooming
  • Invest in dog’s health and diet
  • Designated spots for the dog
  • Daily home cleaning
  • Investing in an air filter
  • Avoid too much contact

Final Words: Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic 

“No” is probably not the answer you want to hear, especially if you’ve been badly wanting a Pom.

The good news for you is that there are ways to manage the situation,  so there’s still an excellent chance to make your dream dog possible for you.

However, we urge you to put your health first if the situation requires it. After all, there are still various hypoallergenic breeds to consider!