We recently heard from a homestead family that transitioned their house rabbits to outdoor hutches. Why? Because they discovered that their youngest boy is allergic to rabbit fur and dander.
We had a nice discussion with this family and talked about how some rabbit breeds are less hypoallergenic than others. Or said differently, some rabbit breeds are likely to drive or “carry” more allergies than others.
We discussed things like:
- Are there hypoallergenic rabbits?
- What is the most hypoallergenic rabbit?
- Are rabbits good pets for people with allergies?
By definition, rabbits carry allergens. No rabbit is without allergens. Some breeds of rabbits are more hypoallergenic than others.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not the rabbit’s fur that humans may be allergic to, it is naturally shedding skin and specific proteins from the rabbit that cling to the rabbit’s fur and cause an allergic reaction in some humans.
Are there hypoallergenic rabbits? Yes, small, short haired rabbits that do not shed a lot are generally hypoallergenic compared their large, long haired cousins that shed a lot.
Read on to Understand that Hypo means Less, not None!
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
Let’s be clear about the definition of hypoallergenic.
Science Daily provides a wonderful definition of hypoallergenic.
Something is Hypoallergenic if it has the characteristic or result of provoking fewer allergic reactions in allergy sufferers.
Hypoallergenic means more unlikely to cause an allergic reaction; Not likely to cause an allergic reaction. Hypo means less, not none.
Generally people will think that the longer the rabbit’s hair the more allergic, or less hypoallergenic, the rabbit will be.
This is generally true in most cases, because longer hair seems to gather more allergens, more of the allergic proteins. Again, it’s not the hair itself, it is the proteins that “cling” to the rabbit’s hair.
The most correct way to speak about hypoallergenic rabbits is to say that some are more hypoallergenic than others.
More hypoallergenic rabbits are those whose fur tends to gather and hold fewer allergens.
Less hypoallergenic rabbits are those whose fur tends to gather and hold many allergens.
People that are mildly allergic may not be compatible with the large, long haired rabbit that sheds a lot. However, they may be compatible with a small, short haired rabbit that does not shed a lot.
Finding a hypoallergenic rabbit means finding a rabbit that reduces your allergic symptoms.
Rabbit Dander And Allergies
One of the key allergens clinging to rabbit fur is rabbit dander.
Rabbit Dander is dead rabbit skin naturally flaking off, just as our human skin flakes off and renews. Additionally, rabbit dander is a specific type of protein that is released as the rabbit sheds its fur. Additionally, as the rabbits groom themselves and each other with their mouths, there are proteins in their saliva that are allergens.
The combination of shedding skin and proteins from the rabbit’s saliva are most commonly known as “dander”.
Best Rabbits For Allergies – Rabbits Good For Allergy Sufferers
Rabbits good for allergy sufferers – The best rabbits for allergies are generally: small in size, short haired, and shed less.
Hypoallergenic Breeds:
- Rex
- Silver Marten
- Tan
Worst Rabbits For Allergies
The worst rabbits for allergies are generally: large in size, long haired, and shed a lot.
Less Hypoallergenic Breeds:
- Angora
- Lion Head
- Jersey Woolies
- Flemish Giants
Here is a post discussing Long Hair Rabbits, Long Hair Bunnies.
How Reduce Allergy To Rabbit
If you are sensitive to rabbit dander and suffer from allergic reactions, then there are several things you can do to make your rabbit more hypoallergenic.
Stay clear of the large, long hair, rabbits that shed a lot.
Only keep the smaller, short hair, rabbits that do not shed a lot.
Groom your rabbit often, or better yet, have someone else groom your rabbit.
Clean the rabbit’s cage, bed, toys, blankets, etc on a regular basis.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Are Rabbits Hypoallergenic
Can You Be Allergic To One Rabbit And Not Another
Yes, you can be allergic to one rabbit and not another. A large, long haired rabbit that sheds a lot may trigger your allergic reaction. Alternatively, a small, short haired rabbit that does not shed a lot may not trigger your allergic reaction. Much depends on the severity of one’s allergies.
Best Rabbit For Allergy Sufferers
The best rabbit for allergy sufferers is typically a small, short haired rabbit that does not shed a lot. We’ve sighted the Rex, Silver Marten and Tan breeds as rabbits that are good for allergy sufferers.
Final Thoughts on Hypoallergenic Rabbits
It’s important to understand that Hypo means less, not none.
All rabbits carry some allergic dander.
Humans are not allergic to rabbit fur, we are allergic to the rabbit’s naturally shedding skin and specific proteins from the rabbit that cling to the rabbit’s fur (also known as dander).
Rabbits that are small, have short hair and shed less, are hypoallergenic.
Rabbits that are large, have long hair and shed more, are not hypoallergenic, or less hypoallergenic.
Breeds like Rex, Silver Marten and Tan are hypoallergenic.
Breeds like Angora, Lion Head and Flemish Giant are not hypoallergenic.