Skip to Content

Are Akitas Hypoallergenic?

Are Akitas Hypoallergenic?

Many people are unfortunate enough to suffer from allergies to dogs, and if this is the case for you, you might be wondering “are Akitas hypoallergenic?” It is important to think about allergies or potential allergies way in advance of getting a dog; you do not want to adopt one and then find that you have to rehome it because it causes you to react. Allergies need to be taken seriously, as even a mild allergy can develop into something much more serious. Don’t just go and adopt a dog and hope for the best!

Are Akitas hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, Akita dogs are not hypoallergenic, although they do shed less than some other large dogs do. They have a shedding season a couple of times a year, during which they will lose a lot of their fur, and you’ll have to do lots of clean-up!

In this article, we will look at whether Akitas are hypoallergenic and what effect they tend to have on people who suffer from allergies. We’re also going to cover the general shedding patterns that you might observe with an Akita, so you know exactly what you are taking on before you get one. Good research and preparation is key to making sure that your home is suitable for a dog, and a dog is suitable for you! When it comes to allergies, you can’t be too careful about your approach.

Are Akitas Hypoallergenic?

Some people think that Akitas are a hypoallergenic breed because they have some odd other characteristics (like webbed toes), but sadly, they are not hypoallergenic, and therefore they are not suitable pets for people who suffer from allergies to dogs.

If you want a hypoallergenic dog, it certainly isn’t an Akita. These dogs don’t shed as much as some dogs do, but they are large and have very thick coats, which overall results in quite extensive hair loss.

You will find that even with regular vacuuming and careful cleaning, dog hair gets everywhere in the house, and any allergy sufferers in the home are likely to notice this particularly strongly.

Neither Japanese Akitas nor American Akitas are hypoallergenic. They both have long, dense, thick coats that will lose hair on a daily basis, sadly, so if you are allergic to dogs, you will need to look at an alternative breed.

Even if you are only mildly allergic to dogs, you need to be very careful, because allergies can change with time. Consistent exposure to an allergen (which is what you will get if you live with a dog that is not hypoallergenic) could worsen your allergies to the point that they become dangerous.

Are Akita Dogs Bad For Allergies?

Yes, Akitas are pretty bad for allergies, unfortunately. They may not be the worst dog out there, but they do shed a lot, and if you have allergies, they could be quite a dangerous dog to own.

An Akita sheds fairly constant throughout the day, especially during hot weather. You can reduce this with regular brushing, and keep dust and allergens to a minimum by vacuuming and cleaning very frequently, but this will not eliminate the allergens and will not stop someone with severe allergies from suffering.

Akitas also have two layers of fur; the topcoat and the undercoat. This helps to insulate their bodies very effectively, keeping them snug in winter and cool in summer, but it does mean that they are generally considered heavy shedders.

Additionally, twice a year, these dogs will shed a good portion of their undercoats. This is so that new hair can grow back in preparation for the next season, but you should be warned that this creates a very significant amount of fur to be lost. Where does that fur end up? All over your home. In beds, on carpets, and covering soft furnishings. You probably can’t even see most of it, but it is certainly there, and it will have an effect on allergy sufferers.

During the shedding season, brushing becomes even more important. You can also take your dog to a professional groomer as a good way of keeping the shedding under some control. This will help to limit some of the hair that covers your home, but it will not completely get rid of it.

It is worth being aware that people who are allergic to dogs tend to be allergic to the dander that pets spread – their dead skin. This is usually what actually causes a reaction, rather than the hair itself.

However, the hair usually has flecks of dander or at least has been in contact with the dander, and if your dog is shedding heavily, your allergies will probably get considerably worse. Don’t underestimate how bad an Akita can be for allergies; they are not light shedders, and they could easily set off an attack.

Are Akita Mixes Hypoallergenic?

If you are very keen to have an Akita, you might be wondering whether getting a mixed breed could possibly solve the allergy problem. There are many mixed Akita breeds, but an Akipoo is probably your best option.

This is an Akita and Poodle mix, and it may not surprise you that these are a reasonably good choice for allergy sufferers. Poodles are famous for being non-shedding, and many breeders choose to mix Poodles with other dogs to try and create allergy-free breeds so that people can still adopt the dogs that they love.

An Akipoo is not allergy-free, to be clear. It will still shed, but it is likely to shed a lot less than other Akita mixes or pure Akitas. That means it may be a good option for you if you really want an Akita, but you suffer from allergies. However, you should try and spend some time interacting with an Akipoo if you can to see whether it triggers a reaction in you.

It is important to remember an Akipoo definitely will shed fur. If you mix a heavy shedder and a non-shedder, you don’t end up with a non-shedder, sadly. The Poodle blood may help to reduce the amount of fur that an Akipoo generally loses, but it certainly won’t eliminate it.

If you are truly allergic to dog fur, do not assume that an Akipoo will be safe for you; it probably won’t. It is crucial to check how your body responds to an Akipoo before you consider adopting one.

Do Akitas Shed A Lot?

Yes, Akitas do shed a lot. Some large dogs shed more, but they are not considered light in the amount of hair that they lose, and if you have one, you should be prepared to spend a lot of time cleaning up after them, even if you aren’t allergic to their fur.

You will notice this stepping up a notch in fall and spring when the dog sheds its blow coat (the undercoat). At this point, the shedding will go from medium or heavy to extremely heavy.

The best way to handle this is to brush your dog thoroughly every day for a few days or to take it to a groomer. This will help to remove the excess hair from your dog’s coat, minimizing the amount that spreads to your home. However, it is not possible to get rid of all the extra hair in this way.

Even when they aren’t losing their blow coats, Akitas shed significant amounts of fur. You will need to regularly vacuum, dust, and wash soft furnishings to keep your home free from pet hair and pet dander.

Remember to wash the dog bed frequently, and clean any blankets or toys that your pet uses. Frequent cleaning should help to reduce the number of allergens in your home, although this will not be sufficient to make an Akita a safe dog for someone who suffers from serious allergies.

Be prepared to brush your Akita around once a week in normal circumstances, and as often as daily when it is shedding its undercoat. This will minimize, but not eliminate, pet fur.

Conclusion

Akitas are not hypoallergenic dogs, no. They aren’t suitable pets for anyone who suffers from allergic reactions to dog dander or dog hair, and they tend to be quite heavy shedders. You may be able to manage around an Akita for short periods of time even if you suffer from allergies, but you should not adopt one, because you will likely find that you cannot keep it without getting very sick.