Dachshunds are not considered hypoallergenic. However, adopting a mixed breed may result in a dachshund mix that will shed less and be less likely to activate your allergies.
Keep reading to find out which types of dachshunds are more allergy-friendly and what you can do to minimize your reactions to your furry friend.
What Causes Allergic Reactions to Dogs?
It’s essential to keep in mind that a hypoallergenic dog breed does not mean that you will have zero reaction to being around them. It simply means that hypoallergenic dogs are less likely to cause allergic reactions and cause fewer symptoms than other dog breeds.
So what causes allergies to dogs? Well, many people think it is solely the fur, or shredded fur, of the dog, so sticking with a short-haired dog will solve their allergy problem. This misconception might be why you were thinking of getting a dachshund instead of a long-haired breed.
However, it’s not just the shedding fur that will cause you issues. It is also the dander, which consists of dead skin cells much like dust. Dander is what causes harm to those with overly sensitive immune systems.
It is also possible that you will react to a dog’s saliva. If this is you, you might want to rethink getting a dog, as it can be challenging to avoid a dog’s saliva between playing with your dog and the occasional lick to your face as a sign of affection.
Even a hypoallergenic dog breed can cause an allergic reaction, so make sure you think through your decision to get a dog and what that might mean for your allergies before rushing out to the nearest animal shelter.
Do Dachshunds Shed a Lot?
Dachshund dogs are moderate shedders, but because they are a smaller breed, they will not cover your house in as much fur as a bigger breed. After all, there’s only so much fur on their bodies.
Don’t be fooled by their short hair, though. Just because a dog has shorter fur does not mean that it is less likely to shed. Short fur can be worse for those with allergies, as shorter hair is more likely to stay airborne than longer hair.
There are three different types of fur on other dachshund breeds, and they have differing effects on how much they shed:
- Smooth fur: have short coats and may appear to shed more than other breeds of dachshunds. The shorter hairs don’t clump together and can stick to fabric and float in the air more easily. It can get into every area of your living space, making it more challenging to clean up and avoid.
- Long fur: may seem to shed less since the hair will clump together and is more likely to stay on surfaces instead of airborne. It is also easier to clean since it will be in larger pieces. Keep in mind that long hair means more frequent brushing and grooming in general.
- Wire fur: have two coats of fur with a thick underlayer. The undercoat may help to keep the long hair from shedding and cause it to clump together, but it also means that there’s twice the fur to be shed.
Out of all three types, the wire-haired dachshund is the best for those with allergies. They shed seasonally due to their long fur, and while they might shed a lot during these periods, they are less likely to shed throughout the rest of the year, unlike the other types of dachshunds. Learn more about how to manage shedding in this vet-reviewed article from PetMD.
Is Dachshund Mixed Breed Hypoallergenic?
It is possible that getting a dachshund mixed with a hypoallergenic breed can result in a hypoallergenic dog. However, it isn’t easy to guarantee this since it will depend on which breed mixed with the dachshund and the individual dog itself.
You may also run into other health-related issues should you decide to get a mixed breed since there will be conflicting traits.
Minimizing Your Allergic Reactions to Dachshunds
If getting a dachshund is what you truly desire, but you have that pesky dog allergy getting in the way, here are a few tips you can try to decrease your allergic reactions.
- Avoid letting your dog rub against your face or touching your face after being around them, and wash your hands after petting them.
- Avoid letting your dog sleep in your bed or getting fur on your pillow.
- Invest in a good air purifier to clear dander out of the air. You may need more than one, depending on how big your living space is.
- Get an attachment for your vacuum that is specifically for hair and vacuum often. Remember to clean anything with fabric on it, such as furniture and curtains, as fur can easily stick to those surfaces.
- Clean hard surfaces regularly for dust and fur.
- Make a habit of brushing your dog consistently. Also, consider bathing your dog more often and use shampoo specifically for reducing shedding.
- Keep your dog on a healthy diet. Healthy food will ensure your dog’s fur is healthy as well, and it will be less likely to fall out. Consider adding omega oils for additional health benefits.
- Consider asking a doctor for medication to reduce your allergies.
Remember that the best source of information is always a medical professional. If you continue to have issues with your allergies, you should reach out to them for advice about your specific circumstances.
Final Thoughts
While dachshunds are not a hypoallergenic breed, there are things you can do as the owner, from being mindful of which dachshund breed you choose to how best to clean up the dander to ensure that you can live in harmony with your furry companion. However, if you have more severe allergies, it would be better to consider hypoallergenic dog breeds. For a list of possible hypoallergenic dog breeds to choose from, check out this article from the American Kennel Club.