Are you one of the 10% of people in the United States that is allergic to dogs, but simply cannot live without man’s best friend? This is a common conundrum, and luckily there are dogs that are less prone to igniting your allergies than others.

Many individuals assume that pet fur is what causes allergies; however, it is actually the dander that becomes attached to the pet’s hair that ignites those pesky allergies. Even though no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there are certain breeds and grooming habits that can help alleviate allergies.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

With their loyal charm and friendly dispositions, Rottweilers are rapidly growing in popularity. For someone with pet allergies, this also begs the question, “Are Rottweilers hypoallergenic?“ Unfortunately, The American Kennel Club does not list Rottweilers as one of the few dog breeds classified as hypoallergenic.

Those breeds include the Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Coton de Tulear, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier, Maltese, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Standard Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Xoloitzcuintli, and the Afghan Hound.

Most of these dogs have “hair” as opposed to “fur.” There is still a great amount of debate around if dogs with hair are truly more hypoallergenic. Technically, fur and hair are chemically the same, meaning they would trigger the same allergic reaction. However, dogs with hair are typically single-coated, which leads to less shedding.

It is important to remember that people are allergic to pet dander and saliva, not the actual hair or fur. Therefore, the less an animal sheds, the lower the chances you will be exposed to the dander.

Rottweiler Grooming Requirements

If you have your heart set on a Rottweiler, but you have pet allergies, there are other steps you can take to mitigate the amount of dander that you come in contact with. Regular grooming, including bathing and brushing, can help keep your dog’s dander under control. Rottweiler hair is short, which makes them low-maintenance in terms of grooming.

These pups are seasonal shedders, which means that a couple of times a year they will shed significantly more than normal. During these seasonal shedding periods, you can brush your Rottweiler every day. When your four-legged friend is not in shedding season, he should be brushed for a small amount of time every other day. Short, but regular brushing sessions will keep your pooch’s coat free of excess hair and will also help to evenly distribute his skin’s natural oils throughout the coat, which helps alleviate dry skin in dogs.

This is important because dry skin can lead to an increase in dander, sending your allergies through the roof. When grooming your Rottie, brush for short periods of time so that your dog does not become impatient, leading to grooming time being viewed as an unpleasant experience. Always brush in the same direction that the hair grows, starting from the top and working your way down.

If you are the family member that is allergic to dogs, it goes without saying that you are not the person who should be doing the grooming. Enlist another family member or roommate to do the regular brushing, since this is when the dander and shedding will be at its peak.

The grooming should be done outside to keep any excess hair and dander out of your living space. If you must do the grooming yourself, wear long gloves and try not to let the hair touch your skin. However, dander may still get into the air and on your clothes, so this is not recommended.

Rottweiler Bathing Requirements

It is a common misconception that giving your dog more baths will eliminate dander and shedding; however, excessive bathing can dry your Rottie’s skin out, leading to an increase in irritation and dander. Not to mention the fact that most dogs do not enjoy getting bathed.

Make both your life and your dog’s life easier by only bathing him occasionally when it seems necessary. If he gets into some mud and needs a bath, use natural, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that is gentle on his skin. The bath should leave your pup’s coat clean and moisturized, not dried out.

If you notice dry patches or red hot spots on your Rottie’s skin, try a moisturizing skin repair and dander relief spray on those problem areas. Again, if you are the person who is allergic to dogs, take your Rottweiler to a groomer for this task to avoid sparking your allergies.

Living with A Rottweiler

In addition to grooming, living habits can help keep your allergies at bay. Try not to spend more than a few hours at a time in the same room as your Rottweiler. However, Rottweilers love to be around their people at all times, so if this is the case, ensure that someone else is available to be your canine’s companion.

You can also train your Rottie to sleep in designated areas. Having comfortable dog beds for your pup to relax in is a wonderful tool as opposed to him jumping on your bed or couch. Try to keep his hair in confined areas and out of your personal space.

Rottweilers are wonderful companion dogs; however, they are unfortunately not hypoallergenic. Many vets and experts claim that no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, but some are less prone to shedding than others.

If you know that a Rottie is the dog for you, try spending time with the pup before adopting to ensure that your allergies can handle it. If so, regular brushing and grooming will help keep your dog’s dander under control, simultaneously keeping your allergies under control as well!