No, Boston Terriers are not hypoallergenic. They are not listed by the American Kennel Club as a hypoallergenic breed. They are low shedders, and life with them can be managed to reduce allergic reactions.[1]
If you are fond of Boston Terriers, you should know you can live with one even if you are allergic to dogs.
This article explores the causes of allergy to dogs and what you can do to reduce allergic reactions to Boston Terriers.
You will also learn what Boston Terrier mixes have the potential to be hypoallergenic.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
Hypoallergenic means that something is less likely to cause allergies. People think hypoallergenic dogs don’t cause any allergic reactions. This is false. Hypoallergenic dogs can trigger allergic reactions, but these reactions are usually mild and less frequent.
The word “hypoallergenic” is composed of the prefix “hypo” and the word “allergenic”:
- Hypo, in Latin, means below, beneath, or under.
- Allergenic describes something that determines allergic reactions.
As a result, hypoallergenic means that something has a low potential of causing allergies.
The number of people experiencing allergies to dogs is constantly increasing. In 2018, between 10% and 20% of the worldwide population was suffering from allergic reactions to dogs[2].
It is essential to understand that all dogs can cause allergies. Some of them have a higher potential of doing so and the others are hypoallergenic.

Why Are People Allergic to Dogs?
People are allergic to dogs because their immune systems perceive certain proteins as dangerous. These proteins are produced by Boston Terriers’ bodies. As a result, our bodies try to shut these proteins out of the body, causing allergy symptoms.
All dogs can cause allergic reactions. The allergens that cause reactions can either get into the human body by air, or by touching the skin.
The proteins that cause allergic reactions are found in various parts of dogs’ secretions:
- Dander
- Saliva
- Sweat
- Urine
Allergy to Dogs’ Dander
Dander is spread all over dogs’ living spaces as a result of hair shedding. It is made of dead skin cells that fall off during the skin renewal process.
Contrary to popular belief, humans are not allergic to dogs’ hair but dander. Dander gets attached to the hair that falls off, resulting in more allergic reactions during shedding.
Dander also attaches to furniture and textiles. Dander particles are transported by indoor air currents[3], and they remain in the air for long periods, causing allergic reactions.
Allergy to Dogs’ Saliva
Most allergic reactions to dogs are caused by several proteins present in dog dander and saliva.[2]
People who are allergic to dog saliva experience symptoms on their skin after being licked by dogs.
Dried saliva from various surfaces can become airborne[4] and cause different symptoms, such as sneezing.

Allergy to Dogs’ Sweat and Urine
Sweat and urine allergies are less frequent as people rarely interact with these substances.
Dogs have sweat glands on their paws. When their paws touch the skin of humans they can cause allergy symptoms.
Are Boston Terriers Hypoallergenic?
No, Boston Terriers are not hypoallergenic. While Bostons are low shedders, they still shed enough to propagate dander. Boston Terriers are less likely to drool than other breeds but they often express affection by licking their owners.
Most hypoallergenic breeds shed like humans: a low amount of hair and only when they are brushed.
Their hair doesn’t fall off randomly.
Boston Terriers have short hair which falls off all around the house. This is why many people who are allergic to Boston Terriers have to give them up at some point.
Do Boston Terriers Shed?
Yes, Boston Terriers shed. They are single-coated and shed constant amounts of hair all year round. These amounts are low but enough for dander to attach to them and spread into the air.
Boston Terriers shed less than double-coated dogs. They shed a bit more during spring and autumn but the difference is insignificant.
Boston Terriers shed because, similar to humans, their hair renews periodically. Their hair has a protective role.
If the hair deteriorates (and it does when they sit and are exposed to UV rays) their skin is not protected. During their evolution, dogs’ hair evolved to renew to keep them safe from cold, heat, and UV rays.

Do Boston Terriers Drool a Lot?
No, Boston Terriers are minimal droolers.
Boston Terriers don’t leave high amounts of saliva on you when you pet them. They also don’t leave traces of saliva around the house or where they rest.
They only spread their saliva when licking.
How To Know If You Are Allergic to Boston Terrier?
You are allergic to Boston Terriers if you experience allergic symptoms when you are around them or in their living space.
If you don’t know whether you’re allergic or not, look for allergic symptoms.
The symptoms of allergy to dogs are:
- Cough
- Postnasal drip
- Itchy nose
- Sneezing
- Red itchy watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
When your immune system detects an unfamiliar substance, it attacks it and tries to remove it from your body.
In this case, the unfamiliar substances are the proteins in Boston Terriers’ dander, saliva, sweat, and urine.
The immune response of allergic people is exaggerated. Their immune system perceives the proteins as a threat, which is not actually true.
You can be treated for dog allergies. Some treatments involve progressive exposure to small amounts of allergens. This helps to desensitize the immune system.
9 Ways To Manage Allergies to Boston Terriers
You can manage your allergies in many ways:
- Throw away your carpets.
- Vacuum carpets daily if you decide to keep them.
- Wash your clothes after use.
- Wash your Boston’s bed weekly.
- Wash their toys weekly.
- Brush your dog’s hair daily.
- Dust your home daily.
- Don’t allow your dog to sleep with you.
- Invest in an air purifier.
1. Throw Away Your Carpets

Carpets gather a lot of dog hair. The dander penetrates deep into their structure. It is released progressively into the air every time people walk on the carpet.
Recent studies[5] found a higher concentration of dog allergens on carpets than on plain floors.[6]
When Boston Terriers sleep or play on carpets, the dead hair is released a lot easier than on plain floors. If it sticks to the carpet, it is also harder to remove.
2. Vacuum Carpets Them Daily

If you have a reason not to get rid of the carpets in your home, make sure to vacuum them daily. This prevents dander from sticking deep into the carpet fibers.
Vacuuming your carpets daily also prevents the dander from becoming airborne.
3. Wash Your Clothes After One Use
Dog dander sticks to clothes easily. When this happens, you’ll be continuously exposed. Wash your clothes daily to remove the allergens.
You can get dander on your clothes from playing with your Boston Terrier or from sitting on surfaces where they spend their time.
4. Wash Your Boston Terrier’s Bed Weekly

Boston Terriers move when sleeping and all their hair and dander are released on their bed.
There is a short period before they are released into the air and you will start experiencing allergy symptoms. Make sure to wash their bed before this happens.
5. Wash Your Boston Terrier’s Toys Weekly
Your Boston Terrier’s toys are full of dry saliva. Small allergens are released into the air while your dog plays with them. Avoid this by washing them weekly.
Use gloves when you place them into the washing machine to prevent the allergens from touching your skin.
6. Brush Your Boston Terrier Daily

Brushing your Boston terrier seems tiring, but it’s necessary to fight allergy. If you do this regularly it will reduce your allergic reactions over time.
Try wearing a mask while brushing your Boston terrier to remove the risk of having an allergic reaction.
7. Remove Dust From Furniture Daily
The dust in your home contains dander and saliva particles. A study[7] conducted in Sweden revealed the concentration of dog allergens is higher on furniture than on the floor.
If you remove these allergens every day, they are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
You can test this out by not dusting your furniture for a week and counting your allergic reactions. Take note of their severity. Repeat the experiment but dust daily.
At the end of the two weeks, compare the results.
8. Don’t Let Your Boston Sleep With You

Boston terriers fill their bed with dander, saliva, and sweat. They do the same with your bed if you sleep together.
To avoid exposure to allergens as much as possible, avoid sleeping in the same room as your dog.
If this is impossible, make sure you keep a fair distance to avoid allergic reactions during the night.
9. Invest in an Air Purifier
Air purifiers have proven to reduce the amount of airborne allergens[8]. If you want to reduce your allergic reactions’ frequency and severity, invest in an air purifier.
Combining this with the suggestions above allows you to keep your Boston terrier in the house.
Are Boston Terrier Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Some Boston Terrier mixes are hypoallergenic. The other parent needs to be hypoallergenic to pass this trait on to their offspring. There is no guarantee that the resulting puppies will be hypoallergenic.
Boston Terrier mixes can be hypoallergenic. But only if they are bred with a hypoallergenic breed.
The American Kennel Club list of hypoallergenic dogs includes:
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Poodle
- Chinese Crested
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Maltese
- Bichon Frise
The most renowned Boston Terrier mixes that have the potential to be hypoallergenic are:
- The Boston Malterrier
- The Yorkie Boston
The Boston Malterrier

The Boston Malterrier is a crossbreed of a Maltese with a Boston Terrier. This mix is a great choice if you are allergic to dogs but still want a dog that looks like a Boston Terrier.
Boston Malterrier puppies have a high chance of inheriting the hypoallergenic trait from their Maltese parent.
They are also affectionate and form strong bonds with their families.
As self-willed dogs, they are difficult to train. They are disobedient when they don’t get their way. Positive reinforcement works great with this mix.
This table lists the main characteristics of the Boston Malterrier.
Height | 10 – 16 inches |
Weight | 9 – 22 pounds |
Lifespan | 12 – 15 years |
Grooming difficulty | 3 |
Intelligence | 3 |
Temperament | 5 |
The Yorkie Boston

Yorkie Bostons result from mixing Boston Terriers with Yorkshire Terriers. This mix can be hypoallergenic if they inherit this trait from Yorkshire Terriers. In this case, Yorkshire Bostons have long hair and can be tiny.
The Yorkie Boston is a great choice if you want a dog that has some of the Boston Terrier characteristics and is hypoallergenic.
They are highly intelligent and easy to train. Yorkie Bostons are protective towards their family and sometimes display territorial behavior.
This mix adapts well to apartment living and to changes in their routine and environment.
They are playful, energetic, and require large amounts of mental stimulation.
This table lists the main characteristics of Yorkie Bostons.
Height | 7 – 17 inches |
Weight | 2 – 25 pounds |
Lifespan | 11 – 14 years |
Grooming difficulty | 3 |
Intelligence | 4 |
Temperament | 5 |
Related: Boston Terrier Mixes
Key Points
- Boston Terriers are not hypoallergenic.
- People are not allergic to Boston Terriers’ hair, but to proteins present in their dander, saliva, sweat, and urine.
- Boston Terriers are low shedders and minimal droolers. This makes living with them manageable for allergic people.
- Dog allergens are present in the air, on carpets, floors, and furniture.
- Boston Malterriers and Yorkie Bostons make great hypoallergenic substitutes for Boston Terriers.
Conclusion
Boston Terriers are not hypoallergenic. They shed, even though not as much as double-coated dogs. Still, you can own a Boston Terrier and have fewer allergic reactions. If you engage in daily routines and invest in an air purifier, you can easily share your life with a Boston.