Are Cavachons Hypoallergenic?

The addition of a new family member, in the form of a furry friend, is always an incredibly exciting time for folks. Whether a pet for adults or a young family with children, choosing the appropriate animal takes an abundance of consideration. In terms of dogs, many people believe that they are the perfect inclusion to a home. This is because dogs are loyal, affectionate, playful, intelligent, and so much more. However, what are folks to do when someone in the household has allergies? You may be wondering, are Cavachons hypoallergenic?

While many believe this puts an immediate halt to an animal entering your home – that doesn’t have to be the case! Many dogs are considered “hypoallergenic,” making them an excellent option for folks with a medical history of pet-related allergies. In this particular article, we’ll be taking a closer look at and discussing Cavachons – a delightfully sweet and allergy-friendly dog.

So, Are Cavachons Hypoallergenic?

Simply put, yes, Cavachons are classified as being a hypoallergenic breed of dog. They shed less and produce less dander and proteins in their urine and saliva, all of which cause allergic reactions. However, like any dog breed, it’s essential to thoroughly research and understand Cavachons before purchasing one.

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

First and foremost, before we discuss Cavachons in detail, we ought to go over what it means to have a hypoallergenic dog and how this affects your allergies. In the present day, it’s approximated that 10-20% of the world’s population suffers from pet-related allergies.

While these percentages may seem startling, this is due to increased exposure to these specific allergens. More and more people are choosing to have a household pet and, therefore, allow allergens like pet dander, urine, and saliva proteins to exist. Despite having allergies, many folks would prefer to take medications or research specific breeds to have a pet still as they desire.

Hypoallergenic dogs are defined as dogs that shed less. The number one cause of pet-related allergies in humans is dander. These flecks of skin cling to dogs’ loose fur, which easily flies throughout a home when a dog shakes or moves. A lack of shedding allows for a decreased amount of skin and dust particles floating throughout the air, which will help alleviate the severity of allergic reactions. Hypoallergenic dogs will produce a much lesser amount of dander in general. Dogs like Maltese, Poodles, and Bichon Frise, are commonly considered hypoallergenic.

You may be wondering if Cavachons shed. Find out here.

Now, while this sounds like a fabulous solution for anyone suffering from allergies, there is one factor that’s important to note. While hypoallergenic dogs can help decrease the number of allergens within a home, they will never be non-existent. As the American Kennel Club states, there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in existence. Every dog still can both shed and produce dander. Only some do so at a much lesser rate. This makes them most suitable for someone with severe allergies.

Cavachon Background Information

Cavachons are a known mixed breed of dog, sometimes referred to as a “designer breed.” They are derived from the cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. Being a mixed breed, Cavachons have inherited qualities from both parental breeds. These compact dogs are sweet-natured, spunky, intelligent, and loving companions. Due to their size, they make an excellent choice for an apartment dwelling family and any home with a yard. However, these sweethearts deserve a good daily walk like any dog.

Because of the dominant genes in the Bichon Frise, more often than not, Cavachons take on similar fur and skin attributes. While Cavalier King Charles are medium-coated dogs that require a lot of routine maintenance, a Bichon Frise will require less. Their shorter coat has a thick underlayer that often traps loose fur. Still requiring proper grooming, Cavachons, having more similarities in texture and skin condition to a Bichon Frise, also produce fewer allergens like dander.

Are Cavachons Safe For Someone With Allergies?

Cavachons are an excellent option for someone with allergies, considering they’ve been deemed a hypoallergenic breed. As previously mentioned, there’s no guarantee that you will not experience allergic reactions if you choose to purchase this dog breed. There is, after all, no completely hypoallergenic breed of dog. Cavachons are merely a better option because of their fur, skin, and lesser amounts of proteins within saliva and urine.

It is crucial to consider the severity of any given persons’ allergies. If someone is consistently physically ill from a dog being brought into the household, it may not be the best decision – regardless of which breed you choose. However, minor allergies are easily combatted with proper grooming of your dog, cleaning your household, and perhaps routine allergy medication (if doctor recommended).

READ: Are Cavachons hard to potty train?

How to Minimalize Allergens From Your Cavachon

Now that you’re well aware that a Cavachon will produce some allergens, it’s best to be conscious of ways in which you can minimize them. Most folks are very aware of the need to groom your dogs routinely, but there are also other aspects to consider, like removing rugs or carpeting and proper air filters.

Regular Grooming

While most people know that you must care for said dog to have a dog, not everyone is aware of everything that can entail. Some critical steps to take to cut down on the number of allergens within a home are:

• Daily Brushing
• Regular bathing with the best shampoo for Cavachon’s
• Routine Nail Trimming
• Cleaning Around the Eyes and Ears
• Proper Haircuts with dog clippers/Groomer’s Trips

The most vital aspect of regular grooming and the depletion of allergens is daily brushing. Brushing your dog every day in a controlled environment will cut back on the amount of fur and dander accumulated throughout your home. A controlled environment is crucial to stop the fur from having the ability to spread through the air, catching every piece of clothing and furniture along the way.

Using a highly recommended product for grooming your Cavachon at home is a must. Using the wrong brush can have the potential to be very bad for your Cavachons’ coat. This is why you need to use the best brush for a Cavachon.

Removing Rugs and Carpeting 

Both rugs and carpets are the number one holders of pet dander. This is because pets generally enjoy laying and rolling on carpets, which cause their fur and dander to become intertwined in the fibers. This makes it difficult for even top-quality vacuums to rid the rug or carpet of the minuscule flecks of skin and tangled fur.

Removing all carpets and rugs is an excellent idea for anyone who suffers from allergies but would still enjoy owning a Cavachon. This will eliminate the ability for allergens to linger undetected. If you choose to have a carpet or rug, try to opt for one with very short fibers or fabric. This will also reduce the ability of fur to remain behind once vacuumed.

Air Filters and Purifiers 

Lastly, folks that own pets but suffer from severe allergies should consider routinely replacing their home’s air filters. Air filters ought to be replaced about four times a year (every quarter) and can be done even more frequently if seen fit. High-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) are the proper choice for folks in this situation. Skipping out on quality will only allow for more allergens to continue to exist, while a good quality filter will trap unwanted hair and dander. 

Certain people may even want to consider purchasing a proper air purifying system if they find the issue remains. These systems are often portable, making them moveable to the areas of a home in which your pet frequents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cavachons make a fantastic choice of dog breed for folks who suffer from pet-related allergies. Being a fabulous addition to any family, these lovable fluffy pals are hypoallergenic, making it, so they spread less common allergens throughout your household. They shed less, produce less dander, and even have minimal amounts of protein in their urine and saliva compared to other breeds. This is without mentioning the very easy steps an owner with allergies can take to further reduce their contact with allergens, like daily brushing or removing carpets. With all of this cumulative information, the hope is that folks with allergies will feel more comfortable adding a Cavachon to their home.

As part of our conclusion, we always like to mention the importance of “adopt don’t shop.” But, if you do bring a puppy back, have a read of what you should do when bringing a Cavachon puppy home here. As Cavachon’s are a mixed breed, you’ll occasionally find them at shelters and rescues. While it’s always nice to purchase a dog from a reputable breeder, there are so many sweet dogs in need of loving homes stuck in centers. Please consider the possibility of searching for a Cavachon (or any breed) in a shelter or rescue. We promise it will be one of the most rewarding things you could do. Be part of the movement, save a life – adopt, don’t shop!