Is the Coton de Tulear REALLY less allergenic?

by Mike

We just adopted a purebreed Coton de Tulear and unfortunately my allergies are going crazy. We already had a mutt that I don't seem to be allergic to.


I did some research and found that people can the allergic to 1 breed and not another. I also learned that dog allergy is typically due to the saliva not the hair/fur/dander. Do you know if the Coton saliva is more or less allergenic among all breeds?

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Nov 30, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Is the Coton de Tulear REALLY less allergenic? NEW
by: Anonymous

I have terrible dog allergy. To the point my eyes get very red and swollen, I get itchy skin and stuffy nose. I had 2 shih tzu that I had just a slight allergy but mostly it was if I got their hair next to my skin I would break out in hives. I will be getting a Coton soon and I have never been able to visit the breed yet so I am hoping I don't get a bad reaction. The shih tzu are also non shedding but I noticed that one of the shih tzu I had I was more allergic too for some reason. They were both girl dogs. There are no hypoallergenic dogs as another poster stated but you could ask the breeder to send you a hair sample to see if you might be allergy? We had a breeder do this on another dog breed which was really helpful. We rubbed the hair samples on our fore arms and also put the hair samples near our eyes and noses several times. I think it just depends on how severe your dog allergies are and to find out if you have the allergy to the dander or the saliva or both. I don't think Cotons are droolers but if you have saliva allergy I would teach the puppy not to lick you and also when you groom the dog as Cotons are coat maintenance to wear a mask and gloves just to be on the safe side.
Feb 24, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		purebred Coton and allergies
by: Anonymous

Generally, people with allergies do not have a problem with Cotons. You mentioned you "adopted" your Coton. If you didn't get your Coton from a reputable breeder, you may have a Coton mix, even though the papers might say it is a Coton. If the papers are from APRI or ACA, that would be cause for concern. This would also be especially true if you got your dog from a rescue group that is not specifically dedicated to Cotons. Many rescue groups look through a book and match the dog they have to a photo of a Coton. You can't do this and be sure you have a purebred.
Feb 24, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Allergies to the Coton
by: Anonymous

Most people are allergic to the dog dander in dogs. Some are allergic to the saliva. Very few people are allergic to the dog dander on the Coton because they have a dry skin which does not create doggy dander. The saliva is a different thing. It is my understanding that if you are allergic to the dog saliva, which is called the lick granola syndrome, it should be with all breeds of dogs.
Feb 24, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		dog allergies
by: Sherry

My 11 yr old daughter is allergic to dogs and cats. We got 3 little puppies last summer, 2 toy poodles and a Coton. My daughter was having problems at first, but she was way too excited to have a dog in the house again and she did not pay attention and behave properly at first. She let the puppies lick her face, and crawl all over her. After a couple of weeks, she got it under control and has been doing very well ever since.
Her allergist said that if she wanted to get a dog, to make it small and female. There is something with the protien in male dogs' urine that makes them more difficult for people with allergies than females. Dog saliva is definitely a problem for allergies. So, though it is fun to get kisses, it is best to try to train your dog not to kiss (lick).
If you haven't already, I would give your coton a few weeks and see if your allergies don't calm down. Good luck!
The Coton de Tulear is a wonderful breed and one of the most "hypoallergenic" breeds out there. I hope you don't have to miss out on life with a Coton. They are so much fun!
Feb 21, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coton's and allergies
by: Anonymous

I have Asthma and allergies.I have never had a problem with my
coton "Cody".I had a bichon that lived to almost 18.He was allergic
to everything,including food.He used to get 2 shots every week.
We also had to cook special foods for him to eat.
Many times when it is windy outside,the dog will bring allergies
into the house.
I usually towel of the dogs before the come into the house.Also brushing can help too.
Feb 21, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Allergies
by: Gale

Mike, the Coton de Tulear is usually considered one of the best breeds for those with allergies and many allergy sufferers have had success with the Coton. You can read about the experiences of others with allergies and this breed here.


But having said that, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog and that's why it's recommended to spend time with the dog (or dog's parents) before adopting. While most people with allergies do very well with the Coton there are always exceptions. There are so many variables when it comes to allergies.

You are right in that allergens are present in the dog's saliva as well as in their dander. But I have never heard that the Coton's is any worse than any other breed.

I'm sure you've already thought of this, but is it be possible your allergies are flaring up due to something unrelated to your Coton?




Feb 21, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Allergic to Coton de Tulear
by: Izzy's Mom

I too am allergic. I have owned poodles and bichons with no problem. I just purchased a Coton three weeks ago and do not experience any problem with her. Thank goodness for that, since I would not be able to part with her -- such a sweetie.

I know the saliva issue is true to cats, but I am not aware of it being true of dogs.

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