Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?

Written by Katelynn Sobus
Published: April 25, 2023
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Dachshunds, also known as doxies or weiner dogs, are adorable pups! They have three coat types: smooth coated (short haired), long haired, and wire haired.

Unfortunately, dachshunds are not considered hypoallergenic. They do shed a bit, though not as much as your average dog. Before adopting a dachshund, make sure you can handle the allergy symptoms that may come with them.

In this article, we’ll talk about hypoallergenic dogs, whether dachshunds are hypoallergenic, and some tips and tricks for those with dog allergies looking to adopt a doxie.

Dachshunds do shed and are not considered hypoallergenic

Dachshunds do shed and are not considered hypoallergenic.

©iStock.com/NORRIE3699

What Are Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Hypoallergenic dogs are dogs with fur that sheds very little, similar to human hair. It grows continuously and often trails to a dog’s feet if left uncut.

Their lack of shed supposedly makes these dogs easier on people with dog allergies, but this is often untrue. People aren’t only allergic to dog fur, but also their dander, saliva, and urine.

Someone might be allergic to one, several, or all of these things. In addition, there are six different proteins that cause dog allergies. Some are preventable, such as a protein that exists in only intact male dogs. People with this allergy will be fine around females and neutered males.

Most of these proteins exist in all dogs no matter how much they shed. All dogs also have dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine.

Since dog allergies are so complicated, there isn’t a one size fits all solution. Instead, it’s important to meet with a dog you’d like to adopt to see how they as an individual set off your symptoms.

You might also want to see an allergist for allergy testing to see what exactly you’re allergic to, as this might make going forward with an adoption easier.

marbled dachshund sitting outside

Allergies are complicated so it’s a good idea to meet with a dog you’re interested in to see what symptoms they may trigger prior to adopting.

©iStock.com/Galina Tsyrulnik

Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?

Dachshunds aren’t hypoallergenic, but they shed fairly infrequently compared to other dogs. They do have double coats, rather than the single coats of most “hypoallergenic” breeds.

This means they have an undercoat which will shed heavily around twice a year. Shedding season typically occurs in the spring and autumn.

Can I Adopt a Dachshund If I Have Allergies?

Some people with allergies can successfully adopt a dachshund, while others won’t be able to handle these pups in their homes.

It depends on the severity of your allergy, what precisely you’re allergic to, and how much you’re willing to put up with allergy symptoms for the sake of your dog.

If you’re in doubt, try spending time around some doxies to get a feel for what it’ll be like. Ideally, spend a bunch of time around the specific dachshund you want to adopt, as your allergies may present differently around different dachshunds.

Scratch their fur down to the skin, run your fingers through it, and touch your face frequently near your nose and mouth. Allow the dog to lick you. If you can, spend time around doxies during shedding season to see if this aggravates your symptoms.

This will all give you an idea of what your allergies will look like once you bring your dog home. If you continue to have doubts, I recommend against adoption – it just isn’t fair to the dog who might have to be rehomed if you can’t tolerate your allergy symptoms around them.

Tips and Tricks

  • Brush your dachshund frequently. The more often you brush their coat to remove dead fur, the less you’ll see around the house and the less you’ll breathe in!
  • Bathe your dachshund. Doxies don’t need frequent bathing and should typically be bathed around four times a year or when dirty. However, bathing them more often can reduce your allergy symptoms. Just don’t overdo it – a weekly bath, for example, is likely to harm their skin and coat.
  • Visit the groomer. Groomers can often remove more dead fur than we can at home. Even if you only visit the groomer during shedding season, it might be beneficial for your allergies.
  • Teach them to sleep at the foot of the bed. Having your doxie stay on the comforter at the end of your bed, and away from your face, will help considerably. During the day, use your comforter to cover your sheets and pillows so that your skin isn’t making direct contact with your dachshund’s fur and dander all night.
  • Give them their own bed. Alternatively, find your doxie somewhere else to sleep so that they aren’t on your bed. This can stop you from waking up with bad allergy symptoms off the bat.
  • Wash your hands frequently. Especially before touching your face or after doing things likely to set off your allergies, like grooming or giving them scratches down to the skin.
  • Buy air purifiers with HEPA filters. These will clean the air and remove allergens, reducing your symptoms. You may choose to keep one in the room your dog spends the most time, or get a large air purifier (or multiple) to cover your entire home.
  • Vacuum your floors and furniture regularly. This will remove fur and dander from the surfaces. A high-quality vacuum will also filter the air before releasing it, removing even more allergens.
  • Ask your doctor for help. If you haven’t already, seeing an allergist can help alleviate your symptoms and perhaps make life with a dachshund more possible for you.
  • Try over-the-counter medications. Or, if you haven’t, you can try over-the-counter allergy medications. These include antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops.
Dachshund bathing

Bathing your dachshund can help to reduce your allergy symptoms, just don’t overdo it.

©iStock.com/Ирина Мещерякова

I hope this article has helped you learn more about dachshunds and whether they’re the right fit for you. Doxies are a great fit for many people, but remember to stay safe when it comes to your allergies as well. After all, having to rehome your pup would be heartbreaking for you both!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Shedara Weinsberg/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

Katelynn Sobus is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on pets including dogs, cats, and exotics. She has been writing about pet care for over five years. Katelynn currently lives in Michigan with her seven senior rescue cats.

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