Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?

Dachshunds are one of the easiest dog breeds to identify in the world.

Dubbed Sausage Dogs due to their low centre of gravity, these German pups have small legs but a relatively wide chest.

Having been used to propel propaganda by both the Nazis and the Allies during World War II, Dachshunds have managed to rebuild their reputation.

As of 2019, Dachshunds are the twelfth most popular breed in the United States to underline their increasing popularity.

They can also go by the name Teckel (Germany), Dackel (Germany), Sausage Dog, Doxie, Datsun and Weenie Dog.

While Dachshunds are much loved dogs around the world, humans with dog allergies will be eager to know whether Weenies are hypoallergenic.

In this article, we’ll answer that question and look at the shedding patterns of Doxies.

What does hypoallergenic mean?

You’d be forgiven for having to do a quick Google search to learn the meaning of the word ‘hypoallergenic’.

If you don’t suffer with allergies, there’s a good chance that you’ve never encountered the word before.

Hypoallergenic is a term first coined by the cosmetic industry in 1953 to describe care products that were less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

While the term is commonly associated with cosmetics for humans, hypoallergenic is a word often used to describe certain dog breeds.

What is a hypoallergenic dog?

While you may have encountered articles listing ‘hypoallergenic dogs’, there is no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic pup.

Even if a canine is a member of a breed that generally does well with allergy sufferers, it really depends on each individual dog and human.

The AKC write on their website that completely hypoallergenic dogs don’t exist, but some breeds have a record of being better suited to those with allergy problems.

One such breed is the Poodle. They’re a low shedding breed with a coat that is able to catch dander that their bodies secrete.

Both the AKC in the USA and the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom list breeds of dogs that are a potentially a good fit for people with an allergy to canines.

What causes an allergic reaction to dogs?

Before we look at whether Dachshunds are hypoallergenic, we first need to understand what factors can trigger a person’s allergic reaction to dogs.

Dander is one of the biggest elements to consider. They’re microscopic pieces of dead skin that a dog’s body secretes that are often likened to human dandruff.

Dander can float in the air undetected by the naked eye and enter our bodies through the mucous membranes (nose and lungs).

Some breeds like Poodles have low-shedding coats that can catch and retain most of the dander until they’re groomed or washed.

However, moderate to high shedders not only leave a trail of hair behind but their fur is carrying dander.

Dogs can carry other allergens such as pollen and salvia that they pick up on their daily walks or trips to the dog park.

Are Dachshunds hypoallergenic?

Dachshunds are universally loved for their dainty frames and big personalities.

However, if you suffer with an allergy to pups you may want to think again about getting a Dachshunds.

Doxies are not hypoallergenic.

Dachshund shedding

According to the AKC, Dachshunds are moderate shedders that require weekly brushing to maintain the appearance, health and quality of their coat.

However, the grooming needs of the breed can vary depending on what type of Dachshund you own.

There are three varieties of these wonderful little Sausage dogs: smooth coated, long haired and wire haired.

Smooth coated Dachshunds are the easiest to maintain. The AKC describe their care needs as “wash and wear”. They don’t need a lot of grooming comparatively to the other two types of Doxies.

Longhaired Dachshunds have a soft, wavy outer coat and a warm, fleecy undercoat. They will require regular brushing depending on the thickness of their coat to prevent their hair from becoming matted or tangled. It can also help to get rid of some allergens that they may have picked up from outside.

Wirehaired Dachshunds have a dense and thick undercoat, which means they shed more than smooth coated Doxies. They’re usually identifiable by their bushy eyebrows and beards. These Sausage Doxies will need daily brushing to maintain the healthy condition of their coat. They’ll also be need to be stripped twice a year.

Dachshund cross breeds

If you’ve got your heart set on a Dachshunds but you’re worried about the shedding and potential allergy problems, there could be a solution.

Some dog breeds have been mixed with low shedding canines like the Poodle in an attempt to create a hypoallergenic cross breed.

Goldendoodles, which are a mix between Golden Retrievers and Poodles, were created to provide a hypoallergenic dog for people in need of a service or therapy animal but suffering with allergies.

Doxiepoo (also go by the names Doodle, Dachdoodle, Doxiedoodle, Doxiepoodle, Dachshunddoodle, Dachshundpoo) is a dog that has been mixed with a Dachshund and a Poodle.

In theory, Doxiepoos could have a “hypoallergenic coat” given the influence of the Poodle parent. However, there’s no guarantee that a Doxiepoo will be suitable for those with an allergy to dogs.

According to VetStreet, the Doxiepoo is one of the most unpredictable crossbreeds because they could have the long body of the Dachshund and curly coat of a Poodle, or, a Poodle’s body and Dachshund’s fur.

Ultimately, whether a dog is hypoallergenic will depend on each individual pooch and human.

Hypoallergenic dog breeds

While the AKC make it clear that no dog is 100 per cent hypoallergenic, they list 19 breeds that could be better suited to allergy suffers.

Affenpinchser – a small German toy breed of dog.

Afghan Hound – an elegant specimen originating from the mountains of Afghanistan.

American Hairless Terrier – As their name states, a hairless variety of dog.

Barbet – a beautiful low shedding French water dog.

Bedlington Terrier – Look like a lamb and don’t shed a lot.

Bichon Frise – have a silky coat with corkscrew curls.

Bolognese – don’t have an undercoat.

Chinese Crested – hairless like the American Hairless Terrier.

Coton de Tulear – have a coat that is cotton-like in texture.

Giant Schnauzer – regal dogs that don’t shed a lot.

Irish Water Spaniel – an low shedding Irish dog.

Kerry Blue Terrier – is another breed from Ireland that doesn’t shed much.

Lagotto Romagnolo – has a waterproof double coat that requires a lot of grooming.

Maltese has silky fur like Bichon Fraise but doesn’t have an undercoat.

Peruvian Inca Orchid yet another hairless dog that needs protection from the sun.

Poodle – one half of the Sheepadoodle.

Portuguese Water Dog – a low shedding dog that likes to make a splash.

Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka – a breed that doesn’t shed much.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier – have soft, silky hair that does not shed.

Schnauzer – like their larger relatives, are low shedders.

Xoloitzcuintli – is a hairless breed of dog that is known in the English language as the Mexican hairless dog.

Anything else to consider?

We recommend consulting with your local doctor or health expert before you decide to adopt a dog if you have a history of asthma or allergy problems.

If you decide to go for a Doxie cross breed due to purported hypoallergenic qualities, you should ask the breeder to meet the pup’s parents and other puppies that they’ve given for adoption.

In conclusion

Dachshunds aren’t hypoallergenic. How much these small dogs shed can depend on what variety of Doxie you opt to bring into your home.

Smooth coated, long haired and wire haired Dachshunds all shed varying amounts and have different care requirements.

If you’re eager to a bring a Doxie home but you’ve got an allergy to dogs, you may want to consider the Doxiepoo.