Have you always wanted a Welsh Springer Spaniel but are prone to allergies? No worries, we’ve got you covered and will provide you with all the details as to whether or not this breed is hypoallergenic.
Welsh Springer Spaniels are an adorable breed that have a rich red and white coat. While they’re a loving and affectionate breed, they also have a relatively calm temperament which makes them a suitable breed for children. They’re a loyalty and devoted breed that tend to follow their owners everywhere – sometimes even to the bathroom!
Read on to find out more about this enthusiastic breed.
Are Welsh Springer Spaniels Hypoallergenic?
No, unfortunately Welsh Springer Spaniels aren’t a hypoallergenic breed. They can trigger allergies in those that may have pet sensitivities.
The main reasons why Welsh Springer Spaniels are not hypoallergenic include:
- Their coat sheds regularly throughout the year
- Moderate maintenance grooming
- Low to moderate amounts of dander
If you’ve got allergies, you’ll most likely either have a breathing allergy or a skin allergy. With Welsh Springer Spaniels, it’s highly likely that they’ll affect those with breathing allergies more than skin allergies.
Read on to find out why!
How to Decide if a Welsh Springer Spaniel is Hypoallergenic to You
There are dog breeds out there that can trigger allergies slightly more than others. With the Welsh Springer Spaniel they have certain features that may cause breathing allergies more than skin allergies. On a scale, they’re rated as:
With breathing allergies, shedding tends to be the main trigger. For skin allergies on the other hand, there are usually a few other factors that can contribute to an allergic reaction. Below, we’ll talk about both of these in a little more detail.
Does the Welsh Springer Spaniel Shed a Lot?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel sheds a moderate amount. They have a tendency to shed throughout the year, but regular brushing can help with reducing shedding.
Welsh Springer Spaniels have a gorgeous red and white coat that often has freckles. Their coat is silky, naturally straight, and flat to the touch. What’s interesting about their coat, is that it’s waterproof, weatherproof and even thorn resistant.
How a Welsh Springer Spaniel’s Size Affects Allergies
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog, and hence their surface area to produce both dander and allergy-inducing proteins is average.
Usually how it works, is the bigger the dog, the more fur it’ll shed and the greater the amount of dander produced. Since the Welsh Springer Spaniel sheds moderately and has a medium surface, it is not a hypoallergenic dog as there’s a risk of hair and allergens being spread around the home.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Drooling and Dander Levels
For allergy sufferers that have skin reactions, the two main triggers are either proteins from the drool or dander.
With the Welsh Springer Spaniel, both these levels are moderate.
While Welsh Springer Spaniels may shed moderately, they produce a minimal amount of dander – especially if brushed often. As for slobber and drool, Welsh Springer Spaniel’s have very low drooling tendencies.
Read on to find out the best way to take care of this devoted breed.
Grooming and Coat Maintenance
There’s a moderate amount of effort that needs to be put in to take care of your Welsh Springer Spaniel.
To reduce the amount of shedding and pet dander in your home, you’d need to give your Welsh Springer Spaniel a good brushing several days a week. Bathing your pup once a month will also help in keeping their coat, clean, healthy, and free from any matting or tangles.
When brushing, you’ll want to make sure that you’re doing it properly to prevent knots. Other things you’d need to do include washing your Welsh Springer Spainiel’s outer ears with a gentle cleanser about once a week, brushing their teeth three or more times each week, and trimming their nails about once a month.
Don’t forget to also check for ticks and fleas during warmer weather.
When bathing your Welsh Springer Spaniel, you should only do so when necessary as bathing can strip the oils from the water-resistant coat. It’s best to use canine shampoo and conditioner.
Steps include:
- Wetting the coat
- Applying some shampoo to the dog’s back before lathering well and working downward
- Run your fingers through the thick feathering on the legs and belly
- Rinse well before give your pup another comb-through
Sold on getting a Welsh Springer Spaniel? Here are Some Tips for Reducing Allergies
Even though the Welsh Springer Spaniel is not a hypoallergenic dog, it’s understandable if you absolutely want to bring this breed home. To help, we’ve curated some tips below that’ll help in managing allergies. Take note however, that while the tips below are a good step forward, your allergy reactions may still be triggered by having a Welsh Springer Spaniel in your space.
Tip 1: Training
You’ll need to train your Welsh Springer Spaniel to respect your boundaries and not enter certain spaces such as your bedroom. Welsh Springer Spaniels are quite difficult to train as they have a stubborn streak. However, if you remain patient and firm, you’ll be able to train your pup successfully.
The best way to train them is to carry treats in your hand. As soon as they complete a task, reward them and this will motivate and encourage them to want to learn more commands. You will however, want to be gentle with them and never use harsh words or a forced hand.
Essential things we recommend when it comes to training your Welsh Springer Spaniels are:
- Teaching them to stay within the boundaries of the house
- Making sure they avoid furniture, bedrooms and any other textiled surfaces
- If you happen to be allergic to saliva, you’ll have to train them not to lick
Tip 2: Fortify Your Home
By fortifying your space, you’ll be able to help minimise the amount of dander.
Here are some ways that you can help keep the allergies at bay:
- Purchase a quality air purifier that’s suitable for pet allergies
- Use lint-type brushes and rollers on furniture to help remove dander
- Try machine-washable textiles (if you absolutely must have them) to easily remove dander
- Invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove allergens from surfaces
- Wear gloves and a mask while cleaning to reduce your exposure
- Most importantly, have some allergy medication with you just in case!
