You may be looking for a hypoallergenic dog if you have allergies but still want a furry friend.

This article defines hypoallergenic canines and explores whether Dachshunds meet the criteria.

When do you use the term “hypoallergenic”?

When something is hypoallergenic, it has been formulated to have few or no ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction.

Finding a “hypoallergenic dog” means you want a breed that won’t trigger your allergies or will only produce mild symptoms.

If you or someone you know has ever experienced an allergic reaction to a dog, what factors contribute to the development of those symptoms?
In most cases, a person who is allergic to dogs is allergic to the dander that the animals shed.

Dander is the skin flakes and scales that dogs and other household animals shed.

Hypoallergenic dogs are those that don’t shed, as shedding is when most of a dog’s dander is released.

It is also possible, though much less common, for a person to be allergic to a dog’s saliva.

People can be allergic to Dachshunds for a number of reasons.

In rare cases, an allergic reaction might occur after being licked by a dog or coming into touch with a puppy’s drool.

Even while hypoallergenic dogs don’t shed very much or produce very much pet dander, it’s vital to remember that all dogs sweat some. Inevitability is a given.

What about the Dachshund, as a hypoallergenic dog breed?

Dogs of the Dachshund breed are not thought to be hypoallergenic.

The American Kennel Club classifies them as moderate shedders. Dachshunds, being little to medium in size, don’t shed nearly as much as larger dogs.

You can find Dachshunds with either a smooth (short) coat, a long coat, or a wire coat. Which one provides more light is a point of contention.

To the untrained eye, Dachshunds with smooth, short coats may appear to shed more frequently than their longer-coated brethren.

The explanation for this is probably due to the fact that short hairs are more prone to embed themselves in fabrics than longer hairs since they do not clump together.

However, the longer hair on a Dachshund tends to stick together and settle on top of surfaces, so there may be less of it in the air.

That also makes it less difficult to steal from furniture and bedding.

A Dachshund’s coat can cause it to shed in different ways, hence the breed is not hypoallergenic.

Because of their double coat, or normal hair and a thick, deep undercoat, wire-haired Dachshunds actually have more hair to shed than other breeds of dog.

The longer, coarser hairs may be held in place by the undercoat, and the undercoat itself may fall out in clumps, just like longer hair.

The fact that the undercoat needs to be scraped off twice a year suggests that it doesn’t shed well on its own.

Is there any evidence that a Dachshund cross breed is hypoallergenic?

Only purebred Dachshunds will benefit from the knowledge we’ve shared so far.

I fully endorse the idea that people should adopt dogs from shelters, but it’s important to note that it’s likely that any Dachshund you get will be a mix.

The best way to ensure that the Dachshund you adopt is indeed a purebred is to get him or her from a rescue organization that specializes in protecting purebred animals (because they should be able to identify if it is mixed with something else).

It is impossible to say for sure if a dog of a mixed breed may bother your allergies. Some Dachshund mixes shed more than others, depending on the breeder.

Many people believe that a Doxiepoo, or a hybrid between a Dachshund and a poodle, will shed less than a purebred Dachshund.

Poodles are generally thought to be hypoallergenic, which is why this is the default assumption.

Nonetheless, a Dachshund-poodle hybrid is not guaranteed to shed less and be more hypoallergenic than a purebred Dachshund.

It is impossible to say which breed characteristics will predominate in a mixed-breed dog.

While many people believe that the Doxiepoo, a designer dog breed, sheds significantly less than a purebred Dachshund, this is not the case.

Getting a dog that is a mix between a Dachshund and a hypoallergenic breed is not a surefire way to ensure that your dog will be less of an allergen to your family than a purebred Doxie.

A purposefully mixed breed dog (commonly referred to as designer breeds) may or may not be hypoallergenic, and they may also have other undiscovered health problems.

There are two main causes for this: first, a mix breed may be more vulnerable to hereditary disorders found in either parent breed; and second, the combination of diverse genes might “conflict” with each other (potentially doubling the risk for health issues).

Lessening Your Allergy Symptoms When Around Your Dachshund

If you are allergic to dogs but have your heart set on a Dachshund, there is still hope. Most cases of pet-related allergy responses can be controlled or mitigated by following these guidelines.

– Petting your dog is great, but you shouldn’t allow him lick your face or go too close to your face right away (wash your hands first).
– If you have severe allergies, you should not let your dog sleep on your pillow or in your bed.
Vacuum frequently with a machine especially built for cleaning up after pets. Use an air purifier that removes pet dander and other allergens (depending on the size of the unit and the size of your area, you may need to position a couple throughout the house). They are made specifically to get rid of the tiniest strands of hair and dander off your pet.
– Maintain a regular cleaning and dusting schedule.
– Maintain a regular brushing routine with your dog.

It is not true that a person with a dog allergy can’t have a dog if the dog is not of a hypoallergenic breed. When you have a dog, there will inevitably be stray hairs and dander floating around the house.

– You should bathe your dog frequently. If you must wash them more frequently than once a month, then you should choose a mild shampoo that will not irritate their skin. A dog shampoo formulated to lessen the appearance of pet dander is a useful addition to regular bathing.
– Be sure to give your dog only the best food. This can mean different things for different dogs, but generally speaking, a dog with a poor diet will shed more hair than one with a healthy diet. A diet deficient in omega oils may result in dry hair and skin, however supplementing with these oils can help.
– Consult your primary care physician or an allergist. One possibility is that they will prescribe you an oral medication to take everyday in order to lessen your reaction to allergens. Also, your doctor can give you an allergy shot that may “cure” your allergy.

The Nuts and Bolts of Dachshunds and Allergies

The Dachshund is not suitable for those who suffer with allergies.

If your allergies are particularly severe, it’s advisable to avoid certain dog breeds.

However, with the right preparations, you should be able to share your home happily with a Dachshund.