Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic Dogs? Advice If You Are Allergic

Dachshunds are adorable and lively dogs that make them such loveable pets. But if you happen to be here, chances are, you or someone you live with is allergic to dogs, and yet you wish to own a Dachshund. Here we will be discussing just that and other more topics that fall under the same umbrella. 

Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic dogs? No Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic, the truth is, there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, and Dachshunds are clearly not exempted from this. Fortunately, there are dogs that are less likely to trigger your allergies than others, and it might relieve you to know that some type of Dachshunds can be one of them. 

Before we get to that, it’s crucial for you to understand how dog allergies work and what makes a dog most to least allergy-causing. Let’s dive into these topics first one by one.

What is the meaning of hypoallergenic?

To start with, the term ‘hypoallergenic’ means that a specific object or animal is highly unlikely to cause allergic reactions since it would contain little to zero irritating substances. Hence, if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog, this doesn’t automatically mean that you’re completely safe from getting allergies, but that the possibility for your allergies to trigger is quite low. 

What causes your allergic reaction from dogs?

There’s a popular thinking that people get allergies mainly from a dog’s fur, so choosing a dog with a shorter coat, like that of some Dachshunds, is assumed to be less allergenic. 

However,  people don’t get allergies solely from fur, rather, from a dog’s dander that can be found attached in its fur. A dog’s dander simply refers to a natural shedding of dead skin cells, and while it may appear like dandruff, they’re believed to be distinctly different things. These tiny flakes of dead skin are clearly harmful to people who have overly-sensitive immune systems since it would cause their allergies such as fits of sneezing, watery and itchy eyes or nose or skin rashes to trigger. 

Aside from dander, people also get allergic reactions from a dog’s saliva and urine. So if you’re one of these people, you might want to rethink how you can manage to own a dog, considering that it would pee a lot if not neutered and would also tend to grow a habit of licking you as a sign of affection. To put it simply, any dog can potentially cause irritation.

Are dogs with shorter coats less allergy-causing?

The short answer to this question is no. Unfortunately, this is a big misconception that led many allergy sufferers to sell or give away their dogs to new owners. Indeed, dogs with shorter coats can be more harmful to people with dog allergies because the stubble-like strands grow not as compact and would cause it to shed all over the place.  

Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic or not?

Since Dachshunds have various coat types, including smooth short fur, it may not be the best breed for an allergic person to own. Although, if you’re really persistent in keeping a Dachshund, there are precautions and other essential facts about them that might help you live comfortably with one. 

Dachshunds Coat types and Shedding

Dachshunds come in 3 various coat types that make them distinct from one another, namely: Smooth-haired, Wire-haired, and Long-haired. Moreover, these coat types would indicate how they tend to shed differently depending on their fur.

We will be discussing each one in greater detail below.

Smooth-haired Dachshund  

Smooth-hair is the most common kind of fur observed in this particular breed, in fact, it’s the most popular variety in leading states. Smooth-haired Dachshunds can be characterized with their short, shiny, and leather-like fur that requires very little grooming. But then again, they aren’t hypoallergenic and are known to be moderate shedders.

It loses fur on a daily basis

Smooth-haired Dachshunds apparently have the shortest coat among the 3 types and like what was said before, dogs with shorter coats tend to shed more frequently and constantly.

This isn’t only because the hair strands don’t stick together and would cause it to fall out eventually, but it’s also because smooth-haired Dachshunds don’t have winter coats, and thus, the old fur will shed off and would soon be replaced with the growth new fur. 

Shorter hair is quick to scatter

Smooth-haired Dachshunds are absolutely not recommended for people who are most sensitive to dogs. Its hair might be smaller than all others, but it’s what makes it easier to scatter and embed on carpets, mats, couches, and other fabrics.

Furthermore, its hair would disperse just about anywhere inside your home and would result in a lot of wheezing and itching for you.  

Long-haired Dachshunds 

A Long-haired Dachshunds is characterized with long hair that’s usually seen in different parts of its body, including its ears, tail, neck, the backside of its fore and hind legs, and beneath its belly. In contrast to Smooth-haired Doxies, they require frequent brushing and grooming to keep their hair untangled and in good maintenance. 

Sheds noticeable clumps of hair

Long-haired Dachshunds obviously have longer and fluffier fur than Smooth-haired Dachshunds, which is why it’s noticeable when they start to shed. If your Dachshund isn’t receiving regular grooming, expect that you’ll have to deal with clumps of hair sitting on your furnitures’ surface or even floating up in the air, which can be frustrating to clean. 

These dogs tend to grow their hair out until it reaches the ground, so it’s obligatory to have their hair trimmed occasionally. Note that if their fur gets too long, it’s sure to sweep up dirt and other particles wherever they go and would only cause you to suffer more from pet allergens. 

“Fluffy” can be a good sign!

Unlike Smooth-haired Dachshunds, a Long-haired breed is bred to thrive in colder conditions; thus, they have fluffier-looking and lengthier hair to keep them warm. Their hair length also makes them less likely to shed on a daily basis since the growth cycle would take longer. 

Also, its double-coat fur would help keep the longer hairs attached, but it’s required to have it manually stripped out at least twice a year since it gets denser over time. They may be the biggest shedders out of the three varieties but it’s a good thing that their hair is longer and is easier to spot and clean up. 

Wire-haired Dachshunds 

Wire-haired Dachshunds can easily be distinguished from the other varieties because of their facial hair distinction. Its facial hair is slightly similar to a Yorkshire’s, with its furry eyebrows and beard that looks absolutely adorable! 

Moreover, it has slightly wavy medium length fur that also needs regular grooming like a Long-haired Dachshund. 

Best Dachshund coat for people with dog allergies

While all 3 types of Dachshund coats shed and aren’t hypoallergenic, the Wire-haired is recognized to shed and cause allergic reactions the least. You heard it right! So if you happen to have dog allergies but seriously want to take care of a Dachshund, a Wire-haired breed might be your best option!

Another plus point is that Wire-haired Dachshunds are covered with a 2-layer coat like that of a Long-haired Dachshund and thus, would only shed seasonally as well.

Size is a factor for fewer allergenic particles and easy cleaning.

Dachshunds are known for their cute, petite, and hotdog-like structure, from its miniature to even its standard size. Hence, its fur is much easier to groom and vacuum clean! Also, because their tiny, you can expect fewer particles to cling to their hair.

Furthermore, their height, being so close to the ground, can also be a positive characteristic. If you think about it closely, this way, particles that might irritate you are far below from reaching your sinuses!

Dachshunds are far from being the worst shedders.

In summary, Wire-haired Dachshund may be the best option for people who have dog allergies. While a Smooth-haired Dackel is considered as the most high maintenance and the biggest shedder among the varieties, it’s still not a lot compared to other dog breeds. In fact, both Long-haired and Wire-haired Dachshund shed for at least twice a year. 

Dachshunds are a really good option for people suffering from dog allergies since the possibility of them triggering allergic reactions is relatively low. 

The best piece of advice you can receive before you get your own Doxie is to have it spend time with you! Observe whether or not you’re experiencing symptoms of your allergies, and simply figure if you can manage to take good care of it despite having the allergies.

Are you allergic to Dachshunds? 

There are plenty of possible symptoms that would tell you that you’re allergic to a Dachshund. With that in mind, there are plenty of potential allergens you can get from being with your puppy as well. 

Dog allergies are very common, and reactions can be severe; thus, many allergic people draw away from having to keep a Dachshund even if they don’t desire to. It’s good to note that it’s not the dog that’s the problem, rather, it’s the over-sensitive immune system that detects dog particles and proteins harmless even if they’re not. 

Allergies may differ from one individual to another, so your reaction can be different.

Like what was aforementioned, if you’re a person who suffers from dog allergies, some of the potential allergens you can get from Dachshunds can be its urine, saliva, and dander. Other allergens that weren’t mentioned would also include pollen and dust that may be detected in a dog’s fur. 

However, people’s allergies do differ from one another as to why it’s essential to know what triggers yours. Be reminded that people with dog allergies may be more sensitive to some dog breeds than others while some are unfortunately allergic to all, and hopefully, that’s not your case.

Nonetheless, it’s important that you know exactly what you’re allergic to in a dog, and if not, then you must find out, especially when your allergic reactions tend to be severe. 

Treatment for dog allergies

It feels good to be accompanied by a loyal and cuddly dog, but not if you’re allergic to it. If you’re determined to own a Dachshund but you’re clearly allergic to dogs, certain precautions may lessen your excitement of owning one. The awkward truth is, the best treatment is not an actual treatment, but prevention. 

Sadly, people who have allergies are advised to avoid too much contact with their dogs and to have them placed outside of their homes. This may be unfortunate if you’re planning to own a Dachshund since they can be very clingy at times and would like to follow their owners around. But if you feel that you’re not as sensitive and the symptoms you’re experiencing are pretty mild, then you might go a little lenient with yourself on this. 

Common signs of allergies to dogs

Before knowing whether or not you’re allergic to dogs, it’s important to point out that some allergic reactions tend to be light, while some tend to occur in an exaggerated degree. As follows, some may last for a couple of minutes while others may suffer prolonged attacks. Therefore, suffering from dog allergies won’t only pertain to the type of symptoms one is about to experience; rather, the level of its severity as well. 

 Allergy symptoms checklist

• Constant sneezing 
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Coughing and shortness of breath
• Nasal congestion 
• Rashes appearing on the face, neck, or chest area
• Asthma attack (if a person suffers from allergic asthma) 
• Trouble sleeping cause of wheezing 
• Redness of the skin, often on the face

Experiencing any of these symptoms can be stressful so before you commit on getting a Dachshund, make sure the symptoms you’re experiencing are manageable and that you’re able to provide yourself some strategies in reducing the chances of it to trigger.

Allergy precautions and advice checklist

• Keep your dog outside of your home, have it placed on your front porch or backyard on its own dog house.
• Minimize petting your dog as much as possible, but if you choose not to, your dog must be fully groomed and cleaned. 
• Maintain a sanitized home and remove or vacuum rugs or carpets that possibly carry dog dander. 
• Don’t let your dog sit or lie down on your bed or couch. It’s best if you provide it with its own small bed where it can sleep or rest. 
• Have your dog’s hair brushed regularly (especially if you decide to keep a Long-haired or Wire-haired dachshund) to comb off dirt and other irritating substances. 
• Change your clothes after being exposed to your dog for too long. 
• Add an air cleaner to your home to remove airborne dog allergens. 
• Research, or better, ask possible medications or recommendations to your doctor for dog allergies.

Final Thoughts 

Dachshunds may not be fully hypoallergenic, but they do have some hypoallergenic qualities you probably know and understand by now. Evidently, owning a Dachshund despite being allergic to dogs would equate extra effort on your side. But if you’re willing to go through it, then you’re as deserving as any regular dog lover in keeping and taking care of your own Dackel pup. Also, many allergic Dachshund owners don’t get symptoms since the breed doesn’t actually shed as much as other furry breeds. 

Keeping a dog may not be for everybody but if you find a way to make this possible, some of your best self-reminders should include being cautious of your allergies and prioritizing more ideas in how you and your dog can live comfortably together.