Are Havanese Dogs Hypoallergenic? What You Need to Know

The Havanese is an adorable medium-sized dog that is popular for their floppy ears, shaggy coat, and docile demeanor. Ranked as the 25^th most coveted breed in America, the Havanese makes a fantastic addition to almost any home.¹ But is this dog a good choice for folks who have allergies? They can be! Havanese dogs are considered hypoallergenic because they are a low-shedding breed, so they can make excellent pets for allergy sufferers.

To learn all about the benefits of bringing a Havanese into your home, read on to explore more about this breed.

What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?

A hypoallergenic dog simply means 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 produced by the dog’s body, including in their saliva. When they groom themselves, the saliva sticks to their fur and becomes airborne when they shed.

While there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic breed, Havanese dogs tend to trigger fewer allergic reactions than many other breeds. Their long, silky coats trap most of their own shed hair, releasing less dander and fur into the air.

Why Are There No Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds?

A certain protein present in a dog’s saliva and other fluids will trigger allergy symptoms. Dog hair alone will not. Two types of protein, called Can f 1 and Can f 2, are the culprits behind pet-related allergies.² These 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.

This is the reason that no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic. Every dog has these proteins in their body. But since 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 at all, 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 Cuban canines have unique coats that trap the fur that 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 their coat shiny, smooth, and healthy.

Ways to Minimize Dog Allergies

If you’re set on buying a Havanese, there are 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.

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 pup for you.

• See also: Are Samoyeds Hypoallergenic?

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Featured Image Credit: office174, Pixabay