You may have heard the claim that the adorable Havanese breed is ‘hypoallergenic’, or that they hardly shed at all. But what’s the truth? Are these delightful little dogs the perfect solution for those who love pets but cannot stand a house full of fur? Or are these claims overblown, and you’ll soon find yourself wrestling with a cloud of fur every time you groom your Havanese? Today, we will tackle this intriguing question: Do Havanese shed a lot?
Contrary to some popular notions, there really isn’t such a thing as a completely ‘non-shedding’ dog. The American Kennel Club (AKC) confirms that all dogs shed to some degree. However, the intensity of shedding and the allergens they produce can vary dramatically among different breeds. This is where the Havanese comes into the picture.
Belonging to the Bichon family, Havanese are known for their charming, cuddly demeanor and their plush, silky double coats. One look at their luxurious fur, and you might think you are genuinely inviting a shedding disaster into your home. But, you’ll be surprised to know that Havanese ranks low on the shedding scale. Their unique hair growth cycle, similar to humans, tends to retain fallen hairs within the coat instead of dropping them all over your house. This means less fur on your couch and fewer allergy-triggering pet dander floating around your house.
One factor leading to the Havanese’s low-shedding nature is that unlike many breeds that have fur, these dogs have hair. You may wonder, ‘Isn’t Fur and Hair the same thing?’. Although used interchangeably, there is a significant difference that impacts the shedding. Fur grows quickly to a certain length and falls out regularly, while hair, especially the hair of a Havanese, grows slower and stays in much longer before eventually shedding.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the term “low-shedding” is not synonymous with “no grooming.” A Havanese’s gorgeous coat requires regular brushing to prevent it from matting and tangling, a common issue with breeds with hair. Brushing helps to remove the loose hairs entwined in the coat, and it’s also good for their skin, promoting better circulation and distribution of natural oils.
Because Havanese shed less, it also means that dead hair may stay trapped in its coat. Without frequent grooming, these hairs can lead to mats and even skin infections. Thus, a consistent grooming routine is a must for these furry friends. So, while you may not need to spend as much time vacuum-cleaning your house, you’ll definitely need to invest in grooming tools- a good quality comb, a slicker brush, and possibly grooming scissors- for your Havanese.
Regular baths are also a good idea if you own a Havanese. Bathing will help remove dead hairs that brushing may miss. Use dog-approved shampoo and conditioner to keep their skin healthy and their coat soft and shiny.
Another essential consideration is your Havanese’s diet. Good nutrition is vital for a healthy coat and less shedding. Foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil, help improve coat quality, reducing hair shedding.
Unlike grooming-heavy breeds like the Poodle or Shih Tzu, a Havanese doesn’t need to be professionally groomed as often. But trimming the hair around the eyes, ears, and paws will keep your Havanese looking neat and tidy. Professional grooming every couple of months would suffice to maintain their coats in good condition unless you’re showing your Havanese at dog shows.
In conclusion, the Havanese are on the ‘low-shedders’ list, making them a great choice for individuals or families who prefer less hairy situations at home. It’s important to note, however, that ‘low shedding’ doesn’t mean ‘no grooming.’ Regular brushing, periodic baths, and good nutrition are fundamental elements to manage shedding, keep their coat healthy, and their adorable, cheery selves comfortable. Just remember, every hair you brush out is one less to clean off your carpet or clothes!
So, if you can accommodate a few grooming sessions into your weekly schedule, and don’t mind finding occasional hair around your home, a Havanese may be the perfect companion for you. These lovable, non-temperamental creatures will not only light up your home with their playful antics and unquestionable affection but also save you from the endless battle with the vacuum cleaner!
