Weimaraner in the woods

The Weimaraner is a popular large dog breed with a beautiful shiny coat and distinctive eyes, and was primarily designed for hunting. This athletic dog breed is a common favorite amongst dog owners and due to their relatively short coat, many dog owners assume that the Weimaraner is a hypoallergenic dog breed.

However, the Weimaraner is not hypoallergenic, so it is not the best pick for dog owners who suffer from allergies caused by pet fur and dander.

Are Weimaraners Hypoallergenic?

The Weimaraner is not considered to be a hypoallergenic dog breed because they shed a moderate amount of hair and produce a high amount of dander. This does not make them ideal for people looking for a dog that will not trigger their allergies.

Weimaraners have a single coat and the fur length can range from short to medium in length. However, the amount of fur and dander that they shed is not ideal for people with allergies. This dog breed does not tend to drool excessively which makes their saliva less likely to affect people with allergies and they will rarely lick themselves to groom, so fur and dander are the main contributing factors that trigger allergies.

It is possible to own a Weimaraner if you suffer from mild allergy symptoms, as you can manage the amount of fur and dander they shed by regularly having this dog breed groomed, and ensuring that the loose hair is vacuumed up from your clothing, furniture, and other areas in your household.

What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?

No dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic, but people with allergies to their pets will usually opt for a dog breed that is hypoallergenic because these types of dogs are less likely to trigger their allergies. Most people with dog allergies are sensitive to the fur and dander the dog produces, which triggers an allergic reaction. It should also be noted that dog saliva can also cause an allergic reaction.

Hypoallergenic dogs typically shed very little and do not produce a large amount of dander, and will cause fewer allergy-based symptoms in comparison to other dog breeds. Some examples of hypoallergenic dog breeds are the Affenpinscher, Yorkshire Terrier, or a Maltese Poodle which hardly shed their fur and dander. Even a hypoallergenic dog breed will still need to be bathed and brushed regularly, though, to help reduce the amount of loose fur and dander that builds up in their coat. Dogs who do not produce much saliva are also often considered hypoallergenic because dogs’ saliva contains at least 12 different allergy-causing proteins.

A dog that does not shed or produce much saliva regardless of its coat length is usually considered to be hypoallergenic, but the Weimaraner does not fully meet these requirements—even though they are considered to have a low to moderate shed and produce very little saliva.

Weimaraner in the desert
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

How Much Does a Weimaraner Shed?

The amount of hair that Weimaraner sheds will depend on their diet and how often they are groomed. Most Weimaraner’s shed very little hair and dander, but if they are not kept clean and brushed a few times a week, both the short and medium-sized coat length varieties can shed every year. You should expect your Weimaraner to shed their undercoat twice a year due to seasonal changes, usually during the transition from winter to summer and vice versa.

Weimaraners will shed their undercoat during the summer months to help keep themselves cool because they do not need the thick undercoat as insulation in cold weather. The loose fur that is not managed by regularly brushing and washing can accumulate on clothing and the floor, or get trapped in air vents which can trigger your allergies.

Final Thoughts

Although the Weimaraner is a low-shedding dog breed, it does not make them hypoallergenic. If you are someone who suffers from allergies but wants to own a large breed of dog such as the Weimaraner, then it is best to look for dogs who are known for being hypoallergenic and are not just low shedders. Or, if your heart is set on this breed, you can take steps to manage your allergies effectively.


Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock