Hypoallergenic Dogs: The Havanese Breed
Dogs are amusing, intelligent, compassionate, and loyal, but they are not people.
They need to be fostered and directed in a way that is natural for them to understand since they have complicated emotional lives and demands.
Your interactions with any dog will rely on your behavior as their owner.
Although much has previously been stated regarding breed and temperament, there are still many factors to take into account when looking for the ideal dog to go on adventures with you.
Regardless of whether you want a mixed-breed dog or not, it's critical to have a clear list of your requirements.
And so, here’s what you need to know for you to decide whether a Havanese dog breed is the best fit for you.
Havanese Breed Overview
The Barbet, a large water dog that came after the Poodle and is related to the barbichon family (a mix of Barbet and Bichon breeds) of canines, is the ancestor of the Havanese. The Mediterranean served as the home base for the barbichon family.
There are 10 dog breed mixes with the Havanese breed. The Maltese and Bichon Frise have likely shared ancestors with the Havanese, which is a member of the old Bichon family of little white dogs.
The Havanese, a breed of companion dog, thrives in a family environment. When left alone, they may have separation anxiety, so it's ideal if someone is home during the day to keep them company.
The Havanese is a wonderful and adaptable pet in spite of his quirks. Read on to learn more about the Havanese dog breed below!
History of the Havanese
Some of these canines were imported by Spanish traders as gifts for Cuban ladies, enabling them to forge commercial ties. Little dogs were treated as special pets in Cuba by the rich.
They were dubbed "Habeneros," and some of them later returned to Europe where they were known as "White Cubans." They gained considerable popularity, both as performance dogs and as the pets of the wealthy.
In terms of "dog years," the Havanese breed is fairly ancient. Given that it is exceptional in many ways, its history is intriguing and crucial to determining the type. Cuba's sole native breed and a national dog is the Havanese.
However, as circus dogs, they continued to act as tricks across all of Europe while their appeal as pets declined.
Eventually, the breed's population fell so low that it was all but extinct in both its native Cuba and Europe.
However, only a small number stayed in Cuba, and between the years of the 1950s and 1960s, three families with their Havanese departed for the US.
Havanese Appearance
The Havanese is a small, powerful, short-legged dog, and emphasizes the dog's happy personality with a characteristic gait.
On the other hand, their double coat's undercoat and outer coat are both gentle.
The thick outer coat can be straight, curly, or wavy and is quite long, measuring 6 to 8 inches.
Small dogs, weighing seven to 13 pounds, are known as Havanese. They feature drop ears, a tail that folds over the back, and a body that is longer than they are tall.
Although Havanese attain their maximum size between 6 and 8 months of age, they often mature when they reach the age of 1 year.
Both the outer and undercoats of a Havanese's coat are silky and light in texture, however, the outer coat is thicker.
The coat is long, thick, and wavy; it stands slightly apart from the body yet moves with the animal.
Havanese Temperament
Havanese are kind and joyful dogs. They want to stay with their owners and are not good kennel dogs, which is why they need to be trained. On the other hand, these dogs are lively and like practicing tricks and playing games with their owners.
This energetic, inquisitive dog is happiest when living in the family's center of attention.
The Havanese is friendly with members of the family, kids, strangers, other dogs, and animals. When taught, this breed is intelligent and eager to please.
Due to their size, Havanese only need to exercise for up to 30 minutes every day, making them relatively low maintenance.
Since Havanese are active dogs, they can play inside or outside and get most of the exercise they need, though they may also enjoy a few daily walks.
The Compostable Dog Poop Bag & Dispenser is a great tool to have while you're out for walks with your dog. With this, you can enjoy going out with your dog while also maintaining your surroundings clean.
The Havanese is a pleasant and gentle breed that fits in well in a variety of homes, including flats. Due to their compact size and low barking, they make an excellent choice for RV life.
Havanese Health and Lifespan
Numerous illnesses and medical issues are inherited, which means that they are influenced by the breed of any pet.
Although the Havanese breed is generally in good health, prospective owners should be aware of a few hereditary health problems.
The average lifespan of a Havanese is between 14 and 16 years.
The breed is prone to a variety of diseases, such as patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, deafness, abnormalities of the eyes, chondrodysplasia, and irregular heartbeats.
Havanese and Allergies
Atopy, a skin allergy that is common in Havanese dog breeds, affects them. The feet, belly, skin folds, and ears are most often afflicted.
The majority of the time, symptoms start between one and three years old and may get worse every year.
Licking the paws, petting the face, and recurring ear infections are the most prevalent signs. The good news is that there are several effective treatments for this allergy.
What Are Pet Allergies Caused By?
Knowing the basics of pet allergies and following a few common sense rules will help those with allergies choose and live with a Havanese.
It is important to know the causes of allergies, such as how the skin's glands generate small proteins that can cause allergies in people with weak immune systems.
These proteins are easily dispersed in the air as well as remaining on the dog's body. Dog saliva and urine both include proteins.
One or more of these proteins may cause an allergic reaction in sensitive people. The most frequent cause of allergies is dander, followed by saliva and urine.
Individual responses to these protein allergens might range from being quite low to extremely severe.
Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, skin irritation, rashes, hives, headaches, coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and potentially fatal asthma episodes are just a few of the possible reactions.
Are Havanese Hypoallergenic?
You may have heard that Havanese are hypoallergenic and do not shed. However, with that information in mind, it's still important to know that no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic.
Breeds that seem to cause allergic responses less frequently, like the Havanese, are generally referred to as hypo-allergenic.
This may be partially related to the breed's propensity to sweat less and have lower dander levels than other breeds.
The Havanese is one of a select few dog breeds that won't make your allergies worse. Compared to other dog breeds, Havanese have less dander (dead skin cells that peel off the body), and they shed far less.
Do Havanese Shed?
Despite having silky hair, Havanese do not shed much. It is considered a hypoallergenic breed due to its low shedding hair.
However, it may not be suitable for allergy sufferers to have breeds with Havanese-poodle mixes.
But when these dogs do, these dogs only rarely do shed. When they do lose hair, it usually isn't dropped to the ground but is instead gathered by the outer coat.
Even while a dog without hair may be music to your ears, Havanese nevertheless need a lot of upkeep.
How to Care for a Havanese to Minimize Allergic Reactions
Just like how it is with humans, a lot of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is part of being a responsible dog owner.
And the basics for maintaining their care are to watch their nutrition, make sure they get plenty of exercise, and routinely wash their teeth and coats.
You must choose a veterinarian before you bring your Havanese home in order to provide your priceless puppy with the finest possible Havanese treatment. Although it's not always available, this is the ideal situation.
Ideally, none of the allergies that affect Havanese will affect your dog, but it is possible. Despite having a reputation for being a generally healthy breed, Havanese dogs may still develop allergies. These allergies are often to foods, substances, or even pollen.
Your Havanese's skin and digestive system will be impacted if they have allergies. Dogs can occasionally get ragweed and pollen allergies, much like humans, although this is uncommon.
Skin rubbing and spots such as bald, red, and irritated areas may or may not be symptoms of chemical sensitivity to food, laundry detergent, dog perfume, or flea saliva.
And of course, allowing your Havanese dogs to be away from any chemicals that could have triggered the response should be your first line of defense if you can't get to a vet right away.
This will help to minimize allergic reactions. Giving these dogs some time to relax is similarly critical for food allergies.
Given this, it is suggested that dog owners prepare their meals such as having a meal plan to avoid future food allergies.
Brush Your Pet Often
The Havanese is not a wash-and-go dog since they need regular grooming. A thorough brushing out two to three times per week, combined with baths every one to two weeks, is recommended depending on the quantity of coat.
Never brush a dry coat; instead, spritz it with a moisturizing spray very sparingly.
Some Havanese dog owners suggest using a buttercomb or greyhound combs as these are said to be useful even if they could be a little pricey.
Additionally, be sure to choose a soft, high-quality slicker brush. In comparison to a mat rake, they are better at cleaning mats and less damaging to coats.
Give Them a Bath
The magnificent coat of your Havanese may or may not be ruined by bathing, but it is a necessary element of upkeep.
The Havanese is a breed of dog that needs regular brushing and washing. This clever, mischievous little dog has a thick, double coat that requires bathing anywhere from once per week to only once every three weeks.
The number of coats and the lifestyle of Havanese dog breeds will determine how frequently you should bathe them.
Even though many owners give their Havanese baths as frequently as once every week, doing so increases the likelihood of drying out their skin and coat.
Remember that excessive shampoo use will deplete your Havanese dog of the natural oils that are present on its skin and all over its coat. Their coat and skin are to be kept healthy and hydrated by these oils.
Take Care of the Hair
Brushing a Havanese's dog hair at least twice a week, although more is ideal, is an essential aspect of grooming them.
Regular brushing can help prevent knots. It has a rich, wavy texture that is smooth and airy.
Using thinning shears, neaten the dog's outline all around, eliminating any stray hairs that get in the way.
Regular hair removal through vacuuming or using specialized equipment like the Reusable Dog Hair Remover may help in maintaining the hair of your Havanese dogs.
And if weekly washing and brushing are not enough to maintain the thick, double coat, feel free to have your Havanese groomed into a shorter trim or cut.
Use a Dander Remover
Small fragments of dead skin cells called dander flake off the body when the skin renews itself. All dogs that have skin create dander.
Although certain dog breeds, such as the Havanese, appear to generate low(er) quantities of dander, it is important to remember that each dog produces different amounts of dander.
As a result, one Havanese may irritate allergic people more than another Havanese. Dander flakes that are so small and nearly undetectable may also float in the air.
Pet dander may be eliminated by regularly vacuuming your home or grooming your pet to reduce the quantity of dander they create.
Due to the propensity for pet dander to accumulate in clothing, bedding, furniture, and carpet. As a result, keeping the area surrounding your residence clean will help reduce pet dander.
Most importantly, the first step to removing dead skin cells and fur from your pet is to frequently brush them. Additionally, dog owners can apply anti-allergen sprays or restrict their canines to specific rooms in the house.
You can dampen a cloth and add a dander removal spray to it before applying it delicately to your dog's hair or fur.
On the other hand, there are shampoos available that may safely remove pet dander and neutralize allergens that irritate and cause sensitivity in Havanese dogs.
Is a Havanese the Right Dog For You?
The Havanese breed is still a favorite today and makes excellent lap dogs. They are extremely intelligent, simple to train, and make great family pets.
Their compact stature is perfect for anybody living in a small place or without a lot of outside room for a dog to run and exercise, and their hypoallergenic coats make them fantastic for anyone with allergies.
The Havanese adapts well to a variety of circumstances, including tiny flats and large homes with yards, as long as he is an indoor dog.
The backyard is not the right environment for this breed. When they are around their families, they are happy.
Even though they don't bark much, if your residence has noise limitations, this breed might not be right for you.
However, if you're searching for a dog who is intelligent, enjoys making you laugh with silly antics, and will make the best companion, the Havanese dog is the best choice for you!
Of course, you must provide the attention and care that the animals need as a good pet owner or "dog parent." Discover Our Calming Dog Bed – Suitable For Any Havanese.
