Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Hypoallergenic? The Lowest Score in the 'Hypoallergenic' Bundle
No. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is not hypoallergenic — it scores 2.5 out of 10, the lowest score in this entire marketed-as-hypoallergenic bundle. It is the only breed here that is both a moderate 3/5 shedder AND a moderate 3/5 drooler. Saliva is a major Can f 1 carrier, so the drooling erases any residual credibility the wiry coat's marketing might have had.
9 peer-reviewed sources
Dog breedKey facts
AKC rates the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon a 3 out of 5 shedder AND a 3 out of 5 drooler — moderate on both — the only marketed-hypoallergenic breed in this bundle with a double dispersal liability.
So-called hypoallergenic breeds, including wiry-coated dogs, carried higher Can f 1 in their hair than ordinary breeds — geometric mean 2.26 vs 0.77 µg/g, P<.001.
Can f 1 is found in both hair/dander and saliva; a dog that drools at a 3/5 rate spreads saliva-borne Can f 1 onto surfaces, hands, and the dog's own coat.
Thermo Fisher Phadia allergen encyclopedia
Can f 1 was detectable in 94.2% of 173 single-dog homes with no breed difference between marketed-hypoallergenic and other dogs.
The ACAAI states that studies have not shown any dog breed to be hypoallergenic.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is sometimes sold as hypoallergenic, but it's a moderate shedder that also drools — and saliva is one of the main carriers of the Can f 1 allergen. Of the breeds people ask me about under the hypoallergenic banner, this is one of the least supported by the actual data.
How we got to this score
The Curex Hypoallergenic Score isn't a gut call. It's a weighted sum of five measurable factors — here's exactly how this breed scored on each.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is the most clearly mislabeled breed in the marketed-hypoallergenic bundle. A moderate shedder with a moderate drool level, its wiry coat is precisely the type Vredegoor 2012 found carries more Can f 1 per gram of hair — and saliva adds a second significant allergen-dispersal route that most dogs in this bundle do not have.
No dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic — every dog produces Can f 1; breeds differ only in how much allergen they shed into your home and how easily you can keep it out of your air.
| Factor | Weight | Allergen-friendliness | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergen productionAll dogs produce Can f 1; wiry 'hypoallergenic' coats carried higher Can f 1 per gram of hair than controls in Vredegoor 2012 (JACI). | 40% | 2/10 | |
| SheddingAKC rates the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 3/5 — a moderate shedder; not the low-shedding breed the hypoallergenic label implies. | 20% | 3/10 | |
| DanderModerate shedding with a medium body (35–70 lb); no body-size bonus to offset the moderate shed rate. | 15% | 3/10 | |
| Saliva spreadAKC drool 3/5 — the highest drool rating in this entire bundle; saliva-borne Can f 1 spreads onto surfaces, fabrics, hands, and the dog's own coat through active drooling. | 15% | 3/10 | |
| GroomabilityAKC grooming 2/5; the harsh wiry coat clears dander only modestly with hand-stripping — lower groomability than the intensively-groomed Bichon or Yorkie. | 10% | 4/10 | |
| Weighted composite score | 2.5/10 | ||
How the Curex Hypoallergenic Score works
The Curex Hypoallergenic Score is an editorial rubric. The hypoallergenic scoring model rates breeds from 1 to 10, where 10 means the lowest realistic allergen burden for an allergic household. It is a transparent editorial rubric derived from documented sources, not a lab measurement of any individual dog. Each score draws on AKC breed-trait ratings (shedding, drooling, grooming) combined with allergen-biology evidence from peer-reviewed studies and professional allergy bodies. Five factors are weighted. Allergen production carries 40 percent — every dog makes Can f 1, the factor owners cannot control. Shedding accounts for 20 percent: loose hair and dander are the main delivery vehicles for airborne allergen. Dander adds 15 percent; body size matters because more skin surface means more total dander output. Saliva spread from drooling and self-grooming adds 15 percent — for a breed rated 3/5 by AKC for drooling, this factor is a significant penalty that sets the Griffon apart from the other marketed breeds. Groomability — how effectively bathing and hand-stripping cut the allergen load — is the final 10 percent. Each factor is scored 1 to 10, multiplied by its weight, summed, and rounded to the nearest half-point. All 99 breeds use the same model. The score reflects exposure potential, not your personal sensitivity — two people with the same dog can react very differently.
| Factor | Weight | A 10/10 means |
|---|---|---|
| Allergen production | 40% | All dogs produce Can f 1; wiry 'hypoallergenic' coats carried higher Can f 1 per gram of hair than controls in Vredegoor 2012 (JACI). |
| Shedding | 20% | AKC rates the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 3/5 — a moderate shedder; not the low-shedding breed the hypoallergenic label implies. |
| Dander | 15% | Moderate shedding with a medium body (35–70 lb); no body-size bonus to offset the moderate shed rate. |
| Saliva spread | 15% | AKC drool 3/5 — the highest drool rating in this entire bundle; saliva-borne Can f 1 spreads onto surfaces, fabrics, hands, and the dog's own coat through active drooling. |
| Groomability | 10% | AKC grooming 2/5; the harsh wiry coat clears dander only modestly with hand-stripping — lower groomability than the intensively-groomed Bichon or Yorkie. |
Each factor is scored 1–10 (10 = lowest allergen burden), then weighted and summed to a single 1–10 score. Every breed is scored on the same model, so the rankings form one consistent dataset.
Wiry coat and a drooling mouth — two separate allergen-spread routes, both moderate
The protein behind most dog allergies is Can f 1, a small lipocalin produced in a dog's skin cells (dander), saliva, and sebaceous oils — not in the hair itself. The ACAAI is direct: the allergen is carried in dander and saliva, and it reaches the home through both routes. Around 50 to 75 percent of dog-allergic patients show IgE reactivity to Can f 1 (Thermo Fisher Phadia allergen encyclopedia). The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is the bundle's sharpest debunk because it has both dispersal routes working against an allergic owner simultaneously. Route one — shedding: AKC rates the Griffon a 3/5 moderate shedder. Vredegoor and colleagues (JACI 2012) found that marketed-hypoallergenic breeds, specifically including wiry-coated dogs, carried higher Can f 1 per gram of hair than control breeds (2.26 vs 0.77 µg/g, P<.001), with no home-dust advantage. The wiry coat that is marketed as the hypoallergenic feature may actually concentrate Can f 1 rather than reduce it. Route two — saliva: AKC rates the Griffon a 3/5 drooler — moderate active drool. Saliva is a major Can f 1 carrier; a dog that drools onto its own coat, onto fabrics, onto hands during greeting, and onto surfaces throughout the day delivers allergen through a second, separate pathway that most other marketed breeds in this bundle do not have. The Miniature Schnauzer drools at AKC 2/5; the Italian Greyhound at 1/5; the Bichon and Lhasa at 1/5. The Griffon is the only breed here that is moderate on both. Nicholas and colleagues found no breed difference in Can f 1 across 173 single-dog homes; the Griffon's data do not suggest any exception. The honest verdict: of all the breeds in this bundle, the Griffon is the one whose hypoallergenic label is most clearly unsupported by its own data.
“Short-haired or non-shedding breeds are safe because there’s less hair.”
The allergen is a microscopic protein in dander, saliva and skin oils. Hair is just the carrier.
Where the allergen comes from
Overall load for this breed: High
- DanderModerate
AKC 3/5 shedding releases dander into the home environment regularly; the wiry coat may concentrate Can f 1 per gram rather than reducing it (Vredegoor 2012).
- SalivaModerate
AKC drool 3/5 — the bundle's highest drool rating; active drool deposits saliva-borne Can f 1 on the dog's own coat, on fabrics, and on hands during normal dog-human contact.
- Skin/sebumModerate
Sebaceous oils carry Can f 1 through the harsh wiry coat; released during hand-stripping and normal coat contact with furniture and people.
- UrineLow
Minor route; Can f 5 (prostatic kallikrein) is elevated in intact males and falls sharply after neutering.
The allergen-relevant traits of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, scored
Hypoallergenic potential is about how much allergen-laden material a dog disperses and how controllable that dispersal is. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is unique in this bundle for having both a moderate shedding rate AND a moderate drooling rate — two allergen-dispersal pathways operating simultaneously. Higher scores mean friendlier for allergies; the notes explain what each trait contributes to your actual exposure.
Shedding
ModerateAKC 3/5 — moderate; wiry coat does not trap hair as low-shedders do; shed releases at a normal moderate rate into the home environment.
Dander
ModerateModerate shedding with a medium body (35–70 lb); no body-size advantage to offset the moderate shed rate — similar total dander to any average-sized moderate shedder.
Drooling
ModerateAKC drool 3/5 — the bundle's highest; active drool deposits saliva-borne Can f 1 on surfaces and the dog's own coat, adding a second significant allergen pathway.
Grooming needs
ModerateAKC grooming 2/5; the harsh wiry coat receives less frequent professional grooming than the Bichon or Yorkie, providing less systematic dander clearance.
Coat type
ModerateHarsh wiry double coat; research suggests this coat type may concentrate Can f 1 per gram of hair rather than reducing it (Vredegoor 2012); the lowest coat-type score in the bundle.
A higher allergy-friendliness score means the trait contributes less allergen to your home. Levels reflect each trait’s relative contribution to exposure — not grooming convenience.
Confirm it’s really a pet allergy.
Symptoms blamed on a pet are often pollen, dust mites, or mold. A simple at-home test from Curex measures your specific IgE to dog and cat allergens — so you treat the right trigger instead of guessing.
Take the allergy quizWhat it really costs an allergic owner to live with a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Owning a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon when you are allergic adds real recurring costs — with the unique addition of drool-management costs that the other breeds in this bundle largely do not incur. The harsh wiry coat also needs periodic hand-stripping or professional grooming. The estimates below are 2025–26 US dollar ranges sitting on top of food, vet, and training costs. Confirming your allergy triggers before investing in home modifications is the most cost-effective first step.
HEPA air purifier(s)
$182–$400 upfront, $60–$150/yr filtersOne unit for the bedroom and one for the main living area; the moderate shedding contributes a sustained airborne allergen load that HEPA addresses continuously.
Professional grooming or hand-stripping
$80–$150/visit, roughly $400–$900/yrThe harsh wiry coat needs professional hand-stripping or clipping to clear accumulated dander; the AKC 2/5 grooming rating means this is less frequent than with high-maintenance breeds but still necessary.
Drool and surface cleaning supplies
$60–$150/yr in suppliesThe 3/5 drool rating means regular wiping of the dog's muzzle and chin, frequent laundering of fabrics the dog contacts, and cleaning of hard surfaces where saliva-borne Can f 1 deposits.
Allergy-friendly flooring
$1,000–$5,000 one-timeReplacing bedroom and main-area carpet removes the settled dander reservoir; saliva drool onto carpet also contributes to a persistent allergen source.
HVAC and vacuum upgrades
$150–$500 + $50–$120/yr filtersA sealed HEPA vacuum and high-MERV HVAC filters prevent allergen resuspension; important for a moderate-shedding breed.
Antihistamines and nasal sprays
$120–$360/yrBoth shedding and drool create sustained allergen exposure; OTC antihistamines and prescription intranasal corticosteroids are standard bridges.
Allergist evaluation
Varies; often partly covered by insuranceA component-resolved IgE blood panel confirms which dog proteins drive your symptoms — essential before committing to home modifications or immunotherapy.
Ranges are rough estimates for budgeting only and vary by region, home size, and how reactive you are.
Who a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon realistically suits when allergy is a factor
Suitability depends on your sensitization level, and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's dual dispersal profile makes it the least suitable choice in this bundle for allergic owners. If you are considering the Griffon because of its hypoallergenic reputation, the data do not support that reputation — moderate shedding plus moderate drooling means two allergen-delivery routes working simultaneously, neither of which is controlled by the wiry coat's texture. If you already share your home with a Griffon and are experiencing symptoms, the management strategy requires addressing both routes: airborne allergen from shedding and contact allergen from drool on surfaces, fabrics, and the dog's coat.
Mild allergy
People with mild, well-controlled symptoms may manage a Griffon with a demanding routine: HEPA filtration in bedroom and main living areas, weekly bathing of the dog, management of drool-contaminated surfaces, hard flooring, and a pet-free bedroom. The drool component means regular washing of any fabric the dog contacts is especially important.
Moderate to severe allergy
Not workable without immunotherapy and formal allergist evaluation. The double dispersal profile (shedding plus drool) means a higher ambient allergen load than most breeds in this bundle, even with diligent management. People with moderate-to-severe dog allergy or allergic asthma should be evaluated before adopting.
Kids & asthma
Extra caution is appropriate for households with asthmatic or eczema-prone children. The Griffon's dual dispersal routes — shedding and drool — create more frequent and varied allergen-contact events than a dry-mouthed low-shedder. A pediatric allergist should evaluate any child before a dog adoption. Early-life pet exposure does not reliably prevent allergy development.
Can you build tolerance to a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon? (Immunotherapy for pet allergy)
Allergen immunotherapy — subcutaneous shots (SCIT) or sublingual drops or tablets (SLIT) — is the only treatment that retrains the immune system rather than suppressing symptoms, and it is the disease-modifying option for dog allergy. The principle: gradually increasing doses of Can f 1 over a 3–5 year course aim to shift the immune response toward tolerance. The critical honesty point for any dog page must be stated: cat allergy immunotherapy has strong RCT support — Alvarez-Cuesta and colleagues demonstrated approximately 62 percent symptom reduction with sublingual cat allergen (Allergy, 2007), and Varney and colleagues confirmed cat SCIT benefit (Clin Exp Allergy, 1997). Dog allergy immunotherapy has a substantially weaker evidence base. A 2016 systematic review by Smith and Coop in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology concluded that 40 years of dog-AIT studies had 'failed to demonstrate any clearly reproducible clinical evidence' of efficacy. Some dog-allergic patients do experience meaningful improvement on AIT, but outcomes vary considerably, benefit is gradual over years, and the treatment is not a cure or a guarantee. Allergist supervision is required throughout. For a Griffon owner experiencing persistent allergy symptoms, immunotherapy is a reasonable option to discuss with an allergist — with realistic expectations about the weaker dog-AIT evidence and the breed's high allergen burden.
If testing confirms a dog allergy and you want to keep your Griffon, Curex connects you with allergist-supervised immunotherapy for pet allergy that may reduce sensitivity over a multi-year course. Take the quiz to see if it fits — dog-allergy immunotherapy is less established than cat, so keep expectations realistic.
Immunotherapy may provide long-term relief but is not a guaranteed cure; outcomes vary and treatment is prescribed after a board-certified allergist review.
How to live with a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon if you are allergic
Managing Wirehaired Pointing Griffon allergy requires addressing two allergen pathways simultaneously: the shedding route (dander entering air and surfaces from shed hairs) and the saliva route (Can f 1 in active drool depositing on the dog's coat, on fabrics, on hands during greeting). Most breed-allergy management strategies focus on coat-shed; with the Griffon, the drool component requires equal attention — wiping the dog's muzzle regularly, washing all fabrics the dog contacts, and preventing direct wet-muzzle contact with hands and face. Before investing in home renovations, Curex offers at-home allergy testing that measures your IgE to Can f 1, the main dog allergen, so you can confirm you are actually allergic to your Griffon and target the real cause. Outdoor pollen and mold on an active hunting dog's coat are also common misattributed triggers.
- 01
Confirm your actual allergen trigger
IgE testing for Can f 1 and Can f 5 (if your Griffon is an intact male) identifies what is driving symptoms. An active field dog brings in substantial pollen and mold loads from the environment — an IgE test distinguishes Can f 1 sensitization from seasonal allergen sensitization carried in on the coat.
- 02
Enforce a strict pet-free bedroom
Keep the bedroom door closed at all times. A moderate-shedding dog with moderate drool can raise bedroom Can f 1 to symptomatic levels quickly through both shed-hair and drool-contact routes. Wash bedding in water above 130°F weekly.
- 03
Run HEPA filtration continuously
Place HEPA purifiers in the bedroom and the dog's main living area. Continuous operation addresses the sustained airborne allergen from a moderate shedder; sizing the units for actual room square footage is critical.
- 04
Manage drool proactively
Wipe the dog's muzzle and chin area regularly with a damp cloth to reduce drool deposits on surfaces and the dog's own coat. Wash all fabric items the dog's muzzle contacts — dog beds, sofa covers, throw blankets — weekly. Prevent direct wet-muzzle contact with the allergic owner's hands and face.
- 05
Bathe the dog weekly
Weekly bathing reduces airborne Can f 1 by approximately 61% for 5–7 days (Hodson et al., JACI 1999) and removes drool-deposited allergen from the coat surface simultaneously. Use a mild pet-safe shampoo; dry in a ventilated area.
- 06
Schedule periodic professional grooming or hand-stripping
The harsh wiry coat needs periodic professional attention to clear the dander accumulated in the dense undercoat; this is less frequent than with intensively-groomed breeds (AKC 2/5) but should not be skipped by allergic owners.
- 07
Replace bedroom carpet with hard flooring
Both shed hair and drool contribute to the allergen reservoir in carpet; hard flooring is the highest-impact structural change for a breed with dual dispersal pathways.
How the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon compares with other breeds
Scored on the same five-factor model, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon scores 2.5 — the lowest in the entire marketed-hypoallergenic bundle and near the bottom of the Not hypoallergenic band. The saliva-spread factor is what separates it from the 3.0 Miniature Schnauzer and Tibetan Terrier: those breeds drool at 2/5 and 2/5 respectively; the Griffon drools at 3/5. No dog reaches a true 10 since production is breed-independent.
| # | Breed | Verdict | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lhasa Apsodog Two and a half points above; genuine 1/5 shedder and 1/5 drooler small body — shows the full range the marketed label spans. | Low-allergen at best | 5 |
| 2 | Italian Greyhounddog One point above; also shed-3/5 but a dry-mouthed toy (AKC 1/5 drool) — saliva spread as the deciding factor illustrated. | Low-allergen at best | 3.5 |
| 3 | Basset Hounddog An honest drooler at a comparable score; no hypoallergenic claim — shows the Griffon's drool level is comparable to breeds known for slobbering. | Low-allergen at best | 3.5 |
| 4 | Miniature Schnauzerdog Half-point above the Griffon; same wiry coat and 3/5 shedding, but the Schnauzer drools only 2/5 — the drool difference drives the Griffon to 2.5. | Not hypoallergenic | 3 |
| 5 | Wirehaired Vizsladog Same wire-double coat and 3/5 shedding, but drools only 2/5 and carries no hypoallergenic claim — the marketed Griffon vs its unmarketed wiry near-twin. | Not hypoallergenic | 3 |
| 6 | Labrador Retrieverdog Same 2.5 as an honest large 4/5 shedder — the Griffon's marketed label earns it no better position than one of the most obvious allergen-producing breeds. | Not hypoallergenic | 2.5 |
Two and a half points above; genuine 1/5 shedder and 1/5 drooler small body — shows the full range the marketed label spans.
One point above; also shed-3/5 but a dry-mouthed toy (AKC 1/5 drool) — saliva spread as the deciding factor illustrated.
An honest drooler at a comparable score; no hypoallergenic claim — shows the Griffon's drool level is comparable to breeds known for slobbering.
Half-point above the Griffon; same wiry coat and 3/5 shedding, but the Schnauzer drools only 2/5 — the drool difference drives the Griffon to 2.5.
Same wire-double coat and 3/5 shedding, but drools only 2/5 and carries no hypoallergenic claim — the marketed Griffon vs its unmarketed wiry near-twin.
Same 2.5 as an honest large 4/5 shedder — the Griffon's marketed label earns it no better position than one of the most obvious allergen-producing breeds.
Higher score = lower realistic allergen burden. No breed reaches a true 10 — every dog and cat still produces allergen.
Curex Hypoallergenic Score finder
Search any popular breed and see its honest Curex Hypoallergenic Score — 10 means the lowest realistic allergen burden, 1 the highest. No breed is truly allergen-free.
32 breeds
| # | Breed | Verdict | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bichon Frisedog | Among the friendlier breeds | Score 8 out of 10 |
| 2 | Poodledog | Among the friendlier breeds | Score 8 out of 10 |
| 3 | Maltesedog | Moderately friendly | Score 7 out of 10 |
| 4 | Moderately friendly | Score 7 out of 10 | |
| 5 | Schnauzerdog | Moderately friendly | Score 7 out of 10 |
| 6 | Moderately friendly | Score 7 out of 10 | |
| 7 | Balinesecat | Moderately friendly | Score 6 out of 10 |
| 8 | Havanesedog | Moderately friendly | Score 6 out of 10 |
| 9 | Shih Tzudog | Moderately friendly | Score 6 out of 10 |
| 10 | Siberiancat | Moderately friendly | Score 6 out of 10 |
| 11 | Cavapoodog | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 |
| 12 | Cockapoodog | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 |
| 13 | Cornish Rexcat | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 |
| 14 | Devon Rexcat | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 |
| 15 | Goldendoodledog | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 |
| 16 | Labradoodledog | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 |
| 17 | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 | |
| 18 | Sphynxcat | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 |
| 19 | Beagledog | Low-allergen at best | Score 4 out of 10 |
| 20 | Bengalcat | Low-allergen at best | Score 4 out of 10 |
| 21 | Russian Bluecat | Low-allergen at best | Score 4 out of 10 |
| 22 | Boxerdog | Not hypoallergenic | Score 3 out of 10 |
| 23 | Not hypoallergenic | Score 3 out of 10 | |
| 24 | Not hypoallergenic | Score 3 out of 10 | |
| 25 | Ragdollcat | Not hypoallergenic | Score 3 out of 10 |
| 26 | Not hypoallergenic | Score 2 out of 10 | |
| 27 | Not hypoallergenic | Score 2 out of 10 | |
| 28 | Not hypoallergenic | Score 2 out of 10 | |
| 29 | Maine Cooncat | Not hypoallergenic | Score 2 out of 10 |
| 30 | Not hypoallergenic | Score 2 out of 10 | |
| 31 | Persiancat | Not hypoallergenic | Score 2 out of 10 |
| 32 | Not hypoallergenic | Score 2 out of 10 |
- Score 8 out of 10Among the friendlier breedsdog
- #2PoodleScore 8 out of 10Among the friendlier breedsdog
- #3MalteseScore 7 out of 10Moderately friendlydog
- Score 7 out of 10Moderately friendlydog
- Score 7 out of 10Moderately friendlydog
- Score 7 out of 10Moderately friendlydog
- #7BalineseScore 6 out of 10Moderately friendlycat
- #8HavaneseScore 6 out of 10Moderately friendlydog
- #9Shih TzuScore 6 out of 10Moderately friendlydog
- #10SiberianScore 6 out of 10Moderately friendlycat
- #11CavapooScore 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestdog
- #12CockapooScore 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestdog
- #13Cornish RexScore 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestcat
- #14Devon RexScore 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestcat
- #15GoldendoodleScore 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestdog
- #16LabradoodleScore 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestdog
- Score 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestcat
- #18SphynxScore 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestcat
- #19BeagleScore 4 out of 10Low-allergen at bestdog
- #20BengalScore 4 out of 10Low-allergen at bestcat
- #21Russian BlueScore 4 out of 10Low-allergen at bestcat
- #22BoxerScore 3 out of 10Not hypoallergenicdog
- Score 3 out of 10Not hypoallergenicdog
- Score 3 out of 10Not hypoallergenicdog
- #25RagdollScore 3 out of 10Not hypoallergeniccat
- Score 2 out of 10Not hypoallergenicdog
- Score 2 out of 10Not hypoallergenicdog
- Score 2 out of 10Not hypoallergenicdog
- #29Maine CoonScore 2 out of 10Not hypoallergeniccat
- Score 2 out of 10Not hypoallergeniccat
- #31PersianScore 2 out of 10Not hypoallergeniccat
- Score 2 out of 10Not hypoallergenicdog
Higher score = lower realistic allergen burden. Scores reflect coat type, shedding, and dander or Fel d 1 output — not a guarantee. Every dog and cat still produces allergen.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon hypoallergenic?
No. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon scores 2.5 out of 10 — the lowest score in the entire marketed-as-hypoallergenic bundle and firmly in the Not hypoallergenic band. Despite being listed on some hypoallergenic breed guides, the AKC rates it a moderate 3/5 shedder AND a moderate 3/5 drooler — both of which are allergen-dispersal pathways. Saliva is a major Can f 1 carrier, and a dog that drools actively deposits the allergen on surfaces, fabrics, and its own coat. The ACAAI states that no dog breed has been shown to be hypoallergenic, and the Griffon's data provide some of the weakest support for a hypoallergenic claim of any breed commonly marketed as such.
Why does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon score lower than the Miniature Schnauzer?
Drool. Both the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and the Miniature Schnauzer are AKC-rated 3/5 shedders with wiry coats, but the Griffon drools at AKC 3/5 while the Miniature Schnauzer drools at only 2/5. Saliva is a major carrier of Can f 1, the main dog allergen, and a dog with moderate active drool deposits it on surfaces, fabrics, hands during greeting, and its own coat through a second significant allergen pathway. That extra drool is what drops the Griffon a half-point below the Miniature Schnauzer's 3.0 to 2.5.
Does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon shed?
Yes, moderately — AKC rates the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon a 3 out of 5 shedder. The harsh wiry double coat does trap some shed hairs inside the outer coat rather than releasing them all immediately to the floor, which can make shedding look less prominent visually. But the AKC's official rating reflects the actual shed rate, and Vredegoor and colleagues (JACI 2012) found that wiry-coated marketed-hypoallergenic breeds actually carried higher Can f 1 per gram of hair than control breeds. The wiry coat is not the allergen-reduction mechanism the marketing implies.
Does drooling make dog allergy worse?
Yes — significantly so for Can f 1 sensitized individuals. Can f 1 is produced in the dog's saliva as well as in skin cells and sebaceous glands. A dog that drools actively deposits saliva-borne Can f 1 onto fabrics, surfaces, and its own coat throughout the day, adding a second allergen-dispersal pathway on top of shedding. For most breeds in the marketed-hypoallergenic bundle, this secondary route is minimal (drool ratings of 1–2/5). The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's AKC 3/5 drool rating means this second pathway is active at a moderate level — a meaningful difference that the composite score reflects.
What hypoallergenic score does the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon get?
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon scores 2.5 out of 10 — the lowest score in the marketed-hypoallergenic bundle and one of the lower scores in the full 99-breed dataset. This score reflects AKC 3/5 moderate shedding, a medium 35–70 lb body with no size bonus, AKC 3/5 moderate drooling (the highest in the bundle), and low groomability (AKC 2/5) that limits systematic dander clearance. Combined with the fixed production reality — every dog makes Can f 1 — the Griffon scores at the level of an ordinary non-marketed breed.
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon better for allergies than the Labrador Retriever?
They score identically at 2.5 out of 10. The Labrador is an AKC 4/5 heavy shedder while the Griffon is a 3/5 moderate shedder, which would normally favor the Griffon — but the Griffon's 3/5 drool largely offsets the shedding advantage, landing both at 2.5. Neither breed offers any allergy advantage, and neither should be chosen on the basis of allergen management. The Griffon's marketed-hypoallergenic status is the main distinction; the Labrador makes no such claim.
Can I reduce Wirehaired Pointing Griffon allergens at home?
Yes, but the dual dispersal profile (shedding plus drool) makes management more demanding than for a single-route breed. The most effective strategy addresses both: HEPA filtration running continuously for airborne dander; weekly bathing of the dog (which cuts airborne Can f 1 by approximately 61% for 5–7 days per Hodson et al., JACI 1999, and removes coat-deposited drool allergen); regular wiping of the muzzle to minimize fresh drool deposits; weekly hot-water laundering of all fabrics the dog contacts; hard flooring in the bedroom; and a strict pet-free bedroom. These measures can reduce allergen load for mildly sensitized owners but cannot bring a moderate-shedding, moderate-drooling breed below threshold without medical management.
Does neutering a male Wirehaired Pointing Griffon reduce allergens?
Only for patients sensitized to Can f 5 specifically. Can f 5 is a prostatic kallikrein produced almost exclusively by intact male dogs; approximately 30 percent of dog-allergic patients are sensitized to it (Konradsen et al., JACI 2015). Neutering sharply reduces Can f 5 output. For the majority of dog-allergic patients whose primary driver is Can f 1 — produced by all dogs regardless of sex through both dander and saliva routes — neutering makes no difference to their symptom burden. Component-resolved IgE blood testing identifies which proteins are the actual triggers.
Is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon worse for allergies than the Miniature Schnauzer?
Yes, marginally — the Griffon scores 2.5 vs the Miniature Schnauzer's 3.0. Both are AKC 3/5 moderate shedders with wiry coats and a marketed-hypoallergenic reputation unsupported by their own trait data. The Griffon's additional 3/5 drool rating adds a second meaningful allergen pathway that the Schnauzer's lower 2/5 drool does not. In practical terms, an allergic owner managing a Griffon must address both shedding and drool-based Can f 1 dispersal; a Schnauzer owner primarily manages shedding. Neither breed is appropriate for a sensitized owner on the strength of the hypoallergenic label.
Can immunotherapy help me keep my Wirehaired Pointing Griffon if I am allergic?
Possibly, with the important caveat that dog allergy immunotherapy has a weaker evidence base than cat allergy. A 2016 review by Smith and Coop in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology concluded that 40 years of dog-AIT studies failed to demonstrate clearly reproducible clinical evidence of efficacy. Some patients with dog allergy experience meaningful improvement on AIT, but outcomes vary considerably and a course runs 3–5 years. It is not a cure or a guarantee, and it requires ongoing allergist supervision. Given the Griffon's higher allergen burden relative to most other marketed breeds, immunotherapy combined with rigorous environmental management gives the best chance of a workable outcome — but discussion with an allergist who can assess your specific sensitization level is essential.
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Is the Basset Hound Hypoallergenic? The Slobber Is the Allergen Carrier
No. The Basset Hound scores 3.5/10 on the Hypoallergenic Score. Its heavy drool (4/5 AKC) deposits Can f 1 directly — the slobber is the allergen carrier. Full data.
Read moreIs the Brussels Griffon Hypoallergenic? Wiry Coat, Normal Allergen Load
Mostly no. The Brussels Griffon scores 3.5/10 on the Hypoallergenic Score. Its wiry coat sheds less than average, but it still produces normal Can f 1 in dander and saliva.
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Mostly no. The Lhasa Apso scores 5.0/10 — its low-shed coat cuts dispersal, but every dog makes Can f 1. The long coat acts as a dander reservoir. See the data.
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Read moreIs the Miniature Schnauzer Hypoallergenic? The Shed Score Contradicts the Label
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Read moreNot sure it’s the dog? Find out for sure.
An at-home Curex test measures whether you’re truly sensitized to pet allergens. If you are, personalized immunotherapy can target the underlying immune response — so for many people, keeping the pet you love becomes realistic. No breed is fully hypoallergenic, but your allergies can be treated.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No dog or cat breed is fully hypoallergenic. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about allergy symptoms. Content reviewed by board-certified allergists at Curex.