Yes, Havanese are hypoallergenic.
Unfortunately, while the Havanese is less likely to trigger mild allergies than heavily shedding breeds (like the Siberian Husky), it is still not truly hypoallergenic.
For those with minimal dog allergies, reducing shedding may eliminate allergy symptoms.
For those with severe dog allergies, though, the Havanese can still trigger severe allergy symptoms like:
- Swelling of the nasal and throat tissues.
- Wheezing or trouble breathing.
- Blocked nasal passages.
- Shortness of breath.
- Very rarely, pet allergies can also trigger anaphylaxis.
The Havanese
The only Cuban dog breed, the Havanese, is a toy breed that stands between 8 ½” to 11 ½” tall at the shoulder and weighs between 7 lbs. and 13 lbs.
This small dog has a long, silky double coat that requires brushing weekly to keep it shiny, healthy, and free from knots and tangles.
The long hair-like coat of the Havanese is more like human hair in its growth pattern.
Hair goes through a natural growth cycle that begins with new hair growing in and ends with old hair falling out to make room for new hair growth.
This ongoing hair growth cycle means that only a tiny amount of hair sheds throughout the year, but this is less noticeable than the seasonal coat shedding we see in dogs like the Labrador Retriever.
Less dog hair around the house means fewer allergens in the air for you to breathe in – but dog hair is not the only problem with dog allergies.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
Hypoallergenic means that something is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
If a Havanese sheds less hair in the home, that can help to reduce the chances of an allergic reaction, but it does not necessarily mean that the dog is hypoallergenic.
The immune system identifies something harmless as harmful when the human body has an allergic reaction.
Useful: Top 20 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds – Facts And Considerations.To protect itself from this seemingly dangerous substance, the immune system launches an attack against it that causes the allergy response.
When someone is allergic to dogs, their immune system reacts to a protein in a dog’s saliva, urine, and skin cells (dander.)
So, although less hair shed can mean less dander, it does not eliminate the proteins on your dog’s skin and in their urine and saliva.
So, no matter how little a dog sheds, there is no way to make a dog hypoallergenic!
Are Havanese Hypoallergenic?
Although breeders may advertise the Havanese as a hypoallergenic dog, the truth is that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic breed.
Despite not being hypoallergenic, the Havanese shed less hair than many other breeds.
This reduced shedding is good news since dog hair can be an irritant for people who have allergies.
To further reduce allergens in your home and ease your allergy symptoms, there are some additional steps that you can take.
If you have minimal dog allergies and decide to bring home a Havanese anyway,
Regular Grooming and Brushing
Although breeders may advertise the Havanese as a hypoallergenic dog, the truth is that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic breed.
Check out this incredible Self-Cleaning Slicker Dog Brush for Shedding Hair, Fur…
Despite not being hypoallergenic, the Havanese shed less hair than many other breeds.
This reduced shedding is good news since dog hair can be an irritant for people who have allergies.
To further reduce allergens in your home and ease your allergy symptoms, there are some additional steps that you can take.
If you have minimal dog allergies and decide to bring home a Havanese anyway,
Healthy Diet
Another crucial factor in reducing the amount of hair and dander floating around your home is your Havanese diet!
A healthy and nutritionally sound diet ensures your dog gets the necessary vitamins and minerals for a healthy coat and well-moisturized skin.
A poor-quality diet can cause dry skin, rashes, irritation, and hair loss, which means more dander flying around the house again!
Regular Veterinary Care!
Regular veterinary care is another crucial step in ensuring that your dog’s skin and coat are healthy.
Annual wellness visits with your vet will help to diagnose any health conditions that could be affecting the health of your pup’s fur or skin.
For example, food sensitivities and allergies can cause dogs to scratch incessantly and send more dander into the air worsening your symptoms!
Havanese Hypoallergenic? Conclusion
So, while the Havanese is not truly hypoallergenic, this toy breed does shed less hair than many other breeds, which means fewer irritants in the air and around the home!
If you experience severe allergic reactions to dogs, however, do not expect the Havanese to be the answer to your prayers – this intelligent pup will still set off your allergies!
