If you suffer from allergies, you have probably wondered if Havapoos are hypoallergenic. This is a concern for many people wishing to have a Havapoo, one of the best designer dogs for families.
Havapoos are considered hypoallergenic; however, there is a degree to that. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog breed. But, some breeds, such as Havapoos, cause fewer allergies, and people react less to them.
If you are considering getting a Havapoo, this article will shed light on the things that make Havapoos some of the dogs believed hypoallergenic. Read on for insights on taking care of one as far as keeping it hypoallergenic goes.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
The Cleveland Clinic describes hypoallergenic as a term used to refer to something with a slight chance of causing an allergic reaction. This term is widely used in the cosmetic industry to describe products with ingredients that are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
However, the term hypoallergenic is one of those you take with a pinch of salt. Why? Because the use of it on products or anywhere else does not guarantee 100 percent safety against any allergic reactions.
The FDA insists that the term hypoallergenic is mainly used to insinuate that products will be more gentle than others, especially in the cosmetic industry.
What Makes Dogs Hypoallergenic?
When it comes to dogs, hypoallergenic refers to those with a minimal or no chance of causing a reaction.
Sadly, the American Kennel Club confirms that no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic, simply because we all react differently to allergens, including dog’s coats, etc. That said, you shouldn’t stay away from exploring your love for dogs because you have pet allergies.
Many different dogs are less allergenic, and you could find a suitable hypoallergenic breed for your situation such as a Cavapoo or the adorable Cavachon . Dogs that are considered hypoallergenic have coats that barely shed and produce less dander. This minimizes the chances of having an allergic reaction.
What Causes Allergies to Dogs?
Usually, pet allergies arise from allergic reactions to proteins naturally found in the pet’s skin cells, urine, or saliva. The Mayo Clinic defines the symptoms to be similar to those of hay fever. These include a runny nose and sneezing, with some people showing signs of difficulty breathing and wheezing.
In most cases, an allergic reaction to dogs is triggered by exposure to dander which is the dead flaky substance a dog sheds. Dander builds upon the dog’s skin and flakes when brushing the coat or when the dog scratches the skin.
Most people attribute dog allergy to the fur the dog sheds, but the dander is the culprit. That said, you can have a high-shedding dog and not react even though you know you have pet allergies.
As long as it does not produce dander, you may not suffer allergies at all. However, most high-shedding dogs tend to have dander hence the interrelation to causing allergic reactions.
Are Havapoos Hypoallergenic?
As far as dogs are concerned, the word ‘hypoallergenic’ is used objectively. For Havapoos specifically, the term hypoallergenic is used to define them as dogs with fewer if any allergy-causing substances.
So, what makes Havapoos hypoallergenic? First, it would be great to understand Havapoos as a breed to understand how and why they are considered hypoallergenic.
Havapoos Breed Characteristics
A Havapoo is a crossbreed of the Havanese and the Poodle. Havapoos are sweet, cuddly, soft-fur dogs that fit pretty perfectly in families. Here are some of their outstanding characteristics:
- They come in different sizes depending on the size of their parents, which generally ranges from toy to standard size.
- Havapoos have floppy furry ears.
- The eyes are round and dark.
- They have a signature, button-like black nose.
- Havapoos have a soft, curly, shiny coat.
The soft curly coat of the Havapoos calls for regular care and, although it does not shed much, can be prone to forming tangles and mats. The Poodle’s non-shedding characteristic contributes to Havapoos being hypoallergenic dogs. However, remember that no dog can be 100 percent hypoallergenic, so there is a chance you could react from having one.
What Makes Havapoos Hypoallergenic?
Havapoos are considered hypoallergenic because they are a crossbreed of the Poodle and the Havanese. The Poodle is known to be one of the best dogs for people with pet allergies. It barely sheds and does not produce dander which is a leading trigger for allergies.
On that note, the mixed background of the Havapoo makes it a hypoallergenic dog. Remember, for a dog to be hypoallergenic, it needs to have a low-shedding or no-shedding coat. In this case, the Havapoo is a low shedding because of the parent dog, the Poodle.
It is important to note that; even with the Poodle low-shedding characteristic in the Havapoo, there could be a chance that someone in the family may suffer an allergy. But, if a reaction occurs, it may not be as extreme as from a dog that is not hypoallergenic.
On this note, you may suffer allergies from Havapoos even though they are considered hypoallergenic, especially if you react to dogs’ fur. It is therefore essential to consult your doctor before having one as a pet in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Havapoos Shed?
Havapoos are considered low-shedding dogs. But does that mean they do not shed at all? Well, shedding in dogs is a natural life process essential to developing a new coat over time. Since Havapoos are a mixed breed, they have excellent genetic characteristics from their parents, the Poodle and the Havanese.
The Poodle coat is naturally curly, and that manifests strongly in the coat of the Havapoos. Like other dogs, the coat sheds, but it does not spread all over the floor, furniture, etc. So why are Havapoos considered low-shedding, yet they shed like other dogs?
These dogs have a thick outer layer that holds the shedding hair keeping it trapped in the coat. Additionally, the skin traps the shedding hair and can only be reached by brushing the Havapoo’s coat.
This is majorly why they are considered non-shedding since you will hardly see a strand of hair on a surface. But when grooming, you will realize the undercoat has some trapped hair, essentially the shedding hair from the coat.
From this, you realize the importance of regular grooming of your Havapoo.
Havapoos Grooming
Owing to their thick curly hair, Havapoos require more grooming than other breeds. If you skip brushing the coat daily, the shed hair and dead skin easily get trapped in the skin and forms mats and tangles. While this is not a cause for alarm if you have pet allergies, the knots and mats can increase the risk of your Havapoo developing skin infections.
Therefore, you need to gently brush the coat daily to get rid of any shed hair. Remember, a Havapoo, a low-shedding dog, does not mean it does not shed at all. So you need to groom it as often as you would for high-shedding dogs.
Should You Keep A Havapoo If You Have Pet Allergies?
Havapoos are cute and cuddly, and anyone that loves furry dogs would like to have one in their home. Considered a hypoallergenic dog, you can keep one, but that does not mean you will not react to it at all.
Pet allergies differ from one individual to another; therefore, your friend may not react to a Havapoo as much as you would and vice versa. The best thing is to have a skin-prick test which helps determine the different allergies you could be having.
If you do not want to go down that route, you can choose to spend some time around a Havapoo and note down any reaction you get; either instantly or after a while. If you start to sneeze, have a runny nose, or have watery eyes, it could indicate an allergic reaction to the dog.
Ultimately, the best approach is to consult your doctor to advise whether a Havapoo is suitable for you and your family. Your doctor may suggest testing for allergies before getting a Havapoo to ensure you are okay to have one in your home.
The Bottom Line
Bringing a Havapoo home can be exciting, and while you cannot consider it 100 percent hypoallergenic, it is a much friendlier dog to people with pet allergies. Coming from low-shedding parents, the Poodle and the Havanese, Havapoos are considered hypoallergenic.
However, there is still a chance that the dog could cause an allergic reaction hence the need to consult with your doctor before getting one. All the same, Havapoos are lovely, sweet, and cuddly, making them the perfect choice for a family.
