Are long haired dachshunds hypoallergenic

Are long haired dachshunds hypoallergenic?

Last Updated: August 18, 2023
correct answerThe Short Answer is:

Dachshunds with long hair are not hypoallergenic. The dander and saliva in all dog breeds can cause allergic reactions, so technically no breed can be considered hypoallergenic.

In this article you will know the answer to the query “Are long-haired dachshunds hypoallergenic?“.

There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic long-haired dachshund. As all dog breeds produce dander and saliva that can cause allergies technically no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic.

Are long haired dachshunds hypoallergenic

Despite not being hypoallergenic the long-haired dachshund is still an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.

Long-haired dachshunds shed moderately due to their double coats and long hair. The fur of these animals is relatively easy to maintain and brush.

According to the AKC long-haired dachshunds are also classified as smooth-haired which means they can hold in allergens.

Personality Dachshund (Long Haired)

It has a lively personality and a strong sense of courage that makes the Dachshund (Long Haired) such a beloved dog. In spite of its calmer temperament than the Smooth or Wirehaired varieties the Long Haired Dachshund retains its independent and sometimes obstinate nature but is also loyal and good-tempered. They are great at tracking scents outdoors but are also affectionate and people-friendly indoors. Given the Dachshunds ancestral purpose it should not surprise anyone that he loves the sound of his own voice!

However its likely that you were hoping for more. We could abandon this article right here and it would be short and pointless!

We have got a bit more to say about this: while Dachshunds are not considered hypoallergenic they are not as straightforward as some would have you believe. Would you like to know more?

Check out the rest of this article to find out more!

When allergy symptoms begin allergy sufferers are not having much fun. Their symptoms can range from mild to pretty severe so they must be very careful what they do where they go and what they expose themselves to.

Allergies make life extremely difficult for dog lovers and their family members. There is a possibility that they will constantly react to allergies if they get a dog.

How should they proceed?

The first thing they can do is look for hypoallergenic dog breeds. Until then lets focus on the Dachshund also known as the Doxie Sausage dog and Wiener dog.

The question will be asked again:

Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?

In order to answer this question in more detail we need to understand what hypoallergenic means.

There have been many misunderstandings and arguments regarding this word so lets make it clear and simple:

An allergic reaction is less likely to occur when something is hypoallergenic.

There are two words in the middle of the sentence: less likely. Hypoallergenic products are designed to reduce allergic reactions whether they are for dogs cosmetics jewelry food or anything else. There is no elimination of risk only a reduction.

No matter what anyone says it does not necessarily mean ‘allergen-free.’ People still get upset over this word even though you wouldnot expect it to cause so much anger and confusion. The majority of them claim that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.

The answer is yes – if you use the term correctly and understand it.

There are some dog breeders who claim their dogs are hypoallergenic which seems to tick off certain people. All things considered these breeders have done nothing wrong (as long as their dogs do not trigger allergic reactions).

The only time they cross the line is when they claim their dogs are 100% hypoallergenic implying this can be measured accurately. Their dogs are also given a false impression that they do not have any allergies.

You should avoid breeders who use the terms allergy-free and 100% hypoallergenic as they do not understand what the words mean or they are acting in an underhanded manner. It is hoped that any misunderstandings have been resolved.

Getting back to our Doxie dog and our main question are Dachshunds hypoallergenic? Dachshunds that trigger fewer allergic reactions are available.

There are three types of Dachshunds and some seem to be more allergy-friendly than others. More information however needs to be uncovered.

Why Am I Allergic To My Dachshund?

Heres what happens when those pesky allergies make your life miserable.

Humans have an excellent immune system and it works continuously to protect us from the billions of bugs bacteria and nasty things that try to kill us.

You’d treat your immune system much more respectably if you knew how often it saves your skin every single day!

In spite of this it isnot always perfect and sometimes goes too far. When certain proteins enter the body usually through the eyes nose and mouth our immune system determines whether they are harmful. It sometimes makes a lot of mistakes.

As a result of dog allergies your immune system finds proteins in your dogs dander (dry skin flakes) urine and saliva that have made their way into your nose mouth or eyes.

Although its not pleasant to think about it happens all the time! As a result your immune system sometimes misidentifies these allergens as harmful substances. As a result it goes into overdrive telling your body to produce more histamine. The mucus glands are signaled to produce more mucus by this hormone.

As a result of the mucus lining the body is protected from harmful invading particles. Inflammation swelling and puffy itchy eyes are also caused by histamines ability to swell tiny blood vessels. In order to get rid of ‘harmful’ contaminants from your nose you’ll sneeze violently. Rashes on the skin are also common reactions.

This is all due to an overreaction by your immune system!

A mild allergy can be irritating but antihistamines can help manage it. As a result of severe allergies your body can enter anaphylactic shock. The occurrence of such extreme reactions to pet allergies is extremely rare.

People can however suddenly develop an allergic reaction to their dog especially if their family has a history of asthma. After so long the immune system may decide that allergens are harmful and then the ‘fun’ begins!

As a final note countless dog owners blame their dogs fur for the problem. Rather than the fur itself the proteins in pet dander and saliva (and urine to an extent) cause a bad reaction. It is possible to develop pet allergies even with a hairless dog!

Breeders may not be telling the truth when they sell low-shedding dogs as hypoallergenic. The problem lies in the amount of dander they produce not the amount of hair they shed.

Are Miniature Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?

The most common answer to the question Dachshunds are hypoallergenic seems to be negative everywhere you look.

In part this is due to the American Kennel Clubs (AKCs) listing of the Doxie dog as a non-hypoallergenic breed.

When it comes to allergies the standard Dachshund isnot considered the best choice but what about the miniature Dachshund?

Unfortunately its the same story. There is no difference between these small dogs (only measuring between 5 and 6 inches at the shoulder) and their larger counterparts they are simply scaled down. Mini-Dachshunds can be crossbred with other small dogs such as the Chihuahua to make them purebred.

The problem is that mini-Doxie coats are identical to those of standard-sized smooth-haired dogs which produces dander. You’re likely to get your hands and face contaminated with your dogs saliva as it contains allergens.

Positively these small dogs will not produce as much dander as larger dogs since they are so small. Furthermore they shed moderately so you would not have to worry about dog hair all over your house. As a result they are better for allergy sufferers than other breeds such as Labrador Retrievers or German Shepherds.

Are Shorthaired Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?

Its easy to maintain the smooth coat of the standard shorthaired sausage dog. In spite of this a shorthaired dog tends to shed more than a longhaired or wirehaired dog.

It is impossible for the short hairs to cling to the coat when they die so they fall off. They will get caught up in currents of air that move around your home because they are so short and lightweight. Therefore there is an increased risk that hairs (carrying dander and dried saliva) will float around your home.

As these hairs land on you or on surfaces you touch allergens have a better chance of entering your body.

Are Longhaired Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?

It is interesting to note that the longhaired version might be better than the shorthaired version!

Due to their thick undercoat the longer hairs tend to stick together making them heavier. When the dog rubs against the furniture these clumps of hair gather making it easier to collect.

This reduces the risk of exposure to dander.

You should still brush your dog at least a couple of times a week to achieve the best results. Additionally you should thoroughly vacuum your furniture to remove any loose hair.

Are Wirehaired Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?

Shorthaired dogs shed less than wirehaired dogs like the longhaired version.

Despite their long coats wire hair is actually a reference to their long mustaches beards and bushy eyebrows! Due to its coarse wiry texture the coat is referred to as the wire coat.

It is possible that the wirehaired dog is the best option for allergy sufferers because it sheds the least of the three coat types.

It is necessary to groom this coat several times a week to keep it in good shape. It is also necessary to strip (remove the outer guard hairs by hand) the coat twice a year. It can be difficult to strip your coat so it is best to hire a professional.

Tips For Coping With Dog Allergies

Even if you suffer from a mild allergy you can still own a dog if you take a few precautions. It should be noted however that this is only general information and does not constitute medical advice. The only person who can tell whether your allergy is mild or severe is you and a doctor allergist or medical professional should be consulted if you have any questions about your allergy.

The best way to reduce allergies is to get a dog that is hypoallergenic. There are many options to choose from! It includes the Poodle Portuguese Water Dog Chinese Crested Irish Water Spaniel Mini Schnauzer Bichon Frise Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Maltese or any mixed breed that includes any of these breeds.

However you’re likely reading this because you want a Dachshund puppy not another breed!

Here are a few tips for former Dachshund owners concerned about allergies:

  • Consider investing in a good vacuum cleaner designed to handle pet hair and make sure to use it regularly. HEPA filters in these machines prevent allergens from floating around your home.
  • Keeping the air clean and free of dust and dander requires the use of air purifiers.
  • Keep your dogs coat clean by brushing it regularly and if you can do so outside to minimize the risk of shedding hair inside.
  • Make sure your dog gets regular baths using breed-specific shampoos and conditioners. By doing so they will be able to keep their skin moisturized which will reduce the production of dander.
  • Make sure your dog eats good-quality dog food that contains omega-3 and six fatty acids. You must make sure your dogs diet is healthy and nutritious if you want him to have a healthy coat and skin. Providing your dog with table scraps dulls his coat and increases dander (as well as causing other health problems).
  • Ensure that your home has good ventilation. For maximum air circulation keep your windows open for about an hour each day.
  • Get rid of loose hairs and dander from your dogs bedding once a week by washing it.
  • If possible replace carpets and rugs with hard flooring that is easier to clean and would not trap dog hair.

Finally some experts believe that children who are exposed to dogs at an early age are less likely to develop allergies later in life.

Hypoallergenic Dachshund Mix

Some breeders produce mixed breeds that are considered hypoallergenic as mentioned above.

Even if you have got your heart set on a cute little Sausage Dog its always worth considering other options especially if you have allergies.

There are a plethora of Dachshund mixes available online from the Dalmachshund to the Chiweenie (a cross between a Dachshund and a Chihuahua).

You might want to consider the Dachshund Poodle mix also known as the Doxiepoo if you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog.

A poodles hypoallergenic coat makes them a popular pet. Poodles have a dense single coat rather than a double coat like many other breeds. Loose hairs get trapped in the coat preventing them from falling around your home. Due to this there’s less chance of exposure to dander.

In addition to being cute Doxiepoos inherit the curly coat of Poodles so they’re a great choice for allergy sufferers.

Alternatively you might like to consider the Shiweenie (do not blame us we did not invent these names! ) a mix of the Dachshund and Shih Tzu.

No matter what you choose neither of these is the Weiner dog.

Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic? The Final Word

By now we should be able to answer the question are Dachshunds hypoallergenic?

Some of these cute little dogs are better for allergy sufferers than others but they are not generally considered hypoallergenic. It is also important to know that your condition can be managed in a variety of ways.

The news isnot all bad after all!

A quick summary of the facts is as follows:

  • Small dogs produce less dander than big dogs so Dachshunds produce less.
  • For those with allergies Wirehaired Dachshunds might be the best choice out of the three Dachshund types.
  • In addition to being similar to wirehaired Weiner dogs longhaired Weiner dogs may be better suited to people who suffer from allergies than smooth-coated Weiner dogs.

It is possible to reduce pet dander exposure in your home making life with your furry friend much more enjoyable!

You are the only person who knows how bad your allergy can be (or how bad those of your family members can be). It is also possible for anyone to develop an allergy to pets.

The decision is yours but with reasonable precautions someone with mild allergy symptoms is able to own a Dachshund without suffering constantly.

To reduce your chances of being exposed to allergens we have added some extra common sense advice. You should be able to spend time with your furry friend without sneezing with this!

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Amanda Dogs Trainer

Amanda (Author)

With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.

Osvaldo Maciel Dogs Trainer

Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)

Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.

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