Are Havanese Hypoallergenic?

The Havanese is among one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and there are plenty of reasons why. It’s an adorable toy breed, for one, that is well equipped to handle a range of living situations. Lovable and playful, the breed is well beloved by many and has been since the 1500s.

One of the most common reasons that many people purchase or adopt a Havanese, though, is because the breed has been labeled as a “hypoallergenic” breed or an allergy-friendly breed. But how true is that? Are Havanese truly hypoallergenic?

What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?

The term “hypoallergenic” is relatively vague and has no specific parameters by which we can define it. Essentially, the term means that something is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction. In this case, we are using it to describe pets that are unlikely to trigger allergies.

For a dog to be classed as hypoallergenic, they usually have to have a predictable and non-shedding coat that will typically produce less dander than other breeds. This means that their coat catches any shed fur and that the dander (flakes of skin in an animal’s fur) remains trapped within the coat. This prevents it from traveling onto clothing, into the air, or carpet, making it substantially less likely to cause a reaction in those allergic to dander.

However, for those allergic to a dog’s saliva and the proteins that it contains, there is no breed with hypoallergenic saliva. This means that people with this allergy will likely struggle to have a dog at all, as dogs use their saliva to clean their fur, and the saliva will also be all over toys, clothes, and food bowls.

Breeds that have hypoallergenic coats are ideal for those with minor allergies, but it is important for anyone with allergies to be aware that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Every dog sheds, even if it is only tiny amounts.

Is the Havanese Hypoallergenic?

To an extent, the Havanese is a hypoallergenic breed. They have a coat that works well to trap any fur as it sheds, reducing the amount of hair and dander that ends up on furniture, clothing, and even in the air.

So whilst Havanese are considered hypoallergenic, they do actually shed. It is just that the shedding does not get into the house until the dog is brushed or bathed and it is freed that way.

Are Havanese Crossbreeds Hypoallergenic?

Since the Havanese is an incredibly popular breed in the US, it should come as no surprise that it is regularly bred with other small breeds to create designer breeds. Many of these breeds share similar traits with the Havanese, but whether or not they are hypoallergenic will usually depend on the breed itself, what the mix is with, and how much of the Havanese genetics the mixed breed has taken on.

For example, with the 5 most common Havanese crossbreeds, some of them are and some of them aren’t.

The Havashu (a Havanese x Shih Tzu), one of the most popular Havanese crossbreeds, is likely to be hypoallergenic as both of the parent breeds are. Likewise, the Havepoo (Havanese x Poodle) is also likely to be hypoallergenic to some degree, as both of the parent breeds are.

For other Havanese crossbreeds, like the Havapom/Ewokian (Havanese x Pomeranian), whether the crossbreed is hypoallergenic varies greatly from pup to pup. Ultimately, the breed is unlikely to be as hypoallergenic as a purebred Havanese would be, but if the crossbreed has taken on the genetics for the Havanese coat over the Pomeranian, it is likely to be at least a little bit hypoallergenic. The same applies to another popular crossbreed, the Cheenese (Havanese x Chihuahua).

How to Minimize the Risk of a Havanese Allergy

If you do bring a Havanese home, only to find that you are still suffering from allergies, rest assured that you do not need to rehome them. Before taking such measures, there are a number of things that you can do to minimize the risk of a Havanese allergy.

First of all, make sure that you groom your Havanese regularly. Keeping your Havanese’s coat in good condition will allow it to better catch and hold the shed fur and dander. You should also make sure that you bathe and brush your Havanese regularly in an isolated space. Designate a dog room, or if possible, do these tasks outside.

Brushing your Havanese will remove all of the caught shed fur and dander, and will allow the coat to continue to collect sheddings. If not done regularly, the coat will be overloaded and you may begin to notice that your Havanese sheds. Likewise, be sure to bathe your Havanese every 7 to 10 days to remove any dander and to prevent skin infections caused by dirt caught in the trapped fur.

In addition to regular grooming, those with allergies will benefit from purchasing an air purifier or filter for their homes. This will help to combat any airborne dander and fur, helping to reduce the amount of inhaled allergens. Similarly, regularly vacuuming will help to reduce the amount of dander and fur around the home.

Those with severe allergies may also benefit from washing their hands and changing clothes after contact with a Havanese. This will help to prevent direct contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth, and will also reduce the amount of dander and fur that you’ll be in contact with.

Finally, if the allergy is to both saliva and dander, be sure to regularly wash the toys that your Havanese plays with. These will likely be caked in saliva, and leaving them around the house can be detrimental to those with allergies.

5 Hypoallergenic Alternatives to the Havanese

If a Havanese doesn’t seem like a suitable hypoallergenic pet for you, rest assured there are plenty of breeds out there that are less likely to trigger allergies. There’s bound to be a breed that will suit you and your lifestyle!

1. Poodle

The Poodle comes in three sizes, standard, miniature, and toy, and all of them are known to be hypoallergenic. They are very intelligent breeds and were bred as working dogs. They’re great with children and even with other dogs, and have bounds of energy. They’d make a fantastic family pet or hiking, traveling, or exercise companion.

2. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is another small dog breed with an extensive history. They’re incredibly lively and playful, and are known for their sociable nature. They love older children, but aren’t always great to have around younger children. They’re perfect for someone looking for a loving and loyal companion.

3. Labradoodle

Bred specifically for this purpose, a Labradoodle is the result of a Poodle x Labrador mix. They are intelligent, ridiculously trainable, and are often considered to be one of the most intelligent crossbreeds out there. They have lots of energy, and are great with other dogs, children, and will thrive with lots of attention and playtime.

4. Samoyed

This breed is one of the rare hypoallergenic dogs. Originally from Siberia, this breed is recognizable for its glorious cloud-like appearance. They are very friendly and social and will make a great family pet, even if there are other dogs involved. They are, however, rather stubborn and can prove difficult to train.

Summary

Havanese are great pets to have, and for those who suffer from dander allergies, they are one of the breeds that is the least likely to set off any allergies. Their coat catches most dander and shed fur, preventing it from becoming airborne or from attaching itself to your person, consequently helping to reduce reactions.

However, it is important to consider that no dog is really hypoallergenic. Those with sensitive allergies, or allergies to saliva, will likely still experience allergic reactions to the presence of a Havanese. There are ways to tackle this, like grooming regularly, washing your hands, washing your Havanese, and making sure that the house is kept very clean and hair-free, but these methods will have varying success. It all depends on the person and the severity of their allergies – you should always consult with your doctor!

Not to worry if a Havanese isn’t the hypoallergenic breed for you, though. There are numerous other breeds that are also considered to be hypoallergenic. These may better suit your lifestyle, for example, if you’re looking for a larger breed, a more energetic breed, or perhaps a breed with incredible amounts of intelligence.