Are Havanese Dogs Hypoallergenic?

The Havanese is an adorable medium-sized dog breed that is popular for its floppy ears, shaggy coats, and docile demeanors. Ranked as the 24^th most coveted breed in America, the Havanese makes a fantastic addition to almost any home. But is this dog a good choice for folks who have allergies? He sure is! Havanese dogs are actually a low-shedding breed and make excellent pets for allergy sufferers.

To learn all about the benefits of bringing a Havanese into your home, let’s explore more about this breed.

What is a Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?

A hypoallergenic dog breed simply means that the breed will cause fewer allergic reactions than non-hypoallergenic dogs. While many people assume that pet allergies are caused by a dog’s fur, the real source comes from a certain type of protein found in dog saliva. This saliva can stick to your pet’s dander and become airborne.

While there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog breed, Havanese dogs are considered to trigger fewer allergic reactions than other breeds. This is because their long, silky coats trap a majority of their own shed hair, releasing a lot less dander and fur into the air.

Why Are There No Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds?

As we stated before, a certain protein present in a dog’s saliva will trigger allergy symptoms. Dog hair will not.

Two types of protein, called Can f 1 and Can f 2, are the culprits behind pet-related allergies. These proteins come from a dog’s saliva and urine. If a person with allergies comes into contact with these proteins, whether from getting a friendly lick or cleaning up dog hair, they’ll suffer from allergy symptoms.

Herein lies the reason why no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic. Every dog has these proteins in its body. But because there is less of a likelihood of encountering these proteins with Havanese pups, there is a much lower risk of an allergy flare-up.

Dog Allergy Symptoms

Before you run out and buy a Havanese puppy, it’s a good idea to understand pet allergy symptoms. Even though the Havanese is considered to be a hypoallergenic breed, there is still a small chance that you’ll suffer from an allergic reaction.

If you want to avoid having any allergic symptoms, it’s not the best idea to bring any type of dog into your household.

Havanese Grooming

Although you won’t spend hours upon hours vacuuming up dog hair, you will still need to groom your Havanese. These Cubin canines have unique coats that trap the fur they shed. If you don’t diligently brush your dog’s coat, the trapped hair can become tangled or matted.

It’s recommended to groom your Havanese at least once a day to keep his coat shiny, smooth, and healthy.

• Related read: Are Samoyeds Hypoallergenic? What You Need to Know!

Ways to Minimize Dog Allergies

If you’re set on buying a Havanese, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of allergy symptoms.

These precautions will help you to eliminate most of the dog allergens and keep your home clean.

Are Havanese Dogs Hypoallergenic? The Bottom Line

While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, the Havanese is a good breed for people with pet allergies because they don’t constantly shed. To reduce the risk of allergy symptoms, you should brush your Havanese daily, buy a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and limit your pet’s time in your bedroom.

Havanese dogs make fantastic and loving pets for many families. Even if you have dog allergies, this could be a great pooch for you.

Featured Image Credit: office174, Pixabay