Havanese

Coat & Grooming: Many Havanese owners will opt for a short cut to keep their hair at bay, but you will find longer haired versions as well. Professional grooming is important unless you plan to spend a lot of time dealing with your Havanese and that unruly coat. Keeping the hair out of the eyes is usually a good idea for cute looks and helping the dog’s vision.

Watery eyes and tear-staining are very common to the breed. Keep the fur around the eyes clean with a dry cloth wipe. There are also whitening products and food additives that claim to help with stains from watery eyes. While you’re doing your regular grooming, make sure to also check their nails, ears, and teeth for signs of problems or irritation.

Shedding: Havanese have a very minimal or nonexistent undercoat. They don’t shed much, but it helps to give them a regular brushing (at least twice per week) as well as a good bathing every so often. Consider investing in a good brush or a dog glove to make the process easier for you and more comfortable for your Havanese.

Training: Training your Havanese is quite easy given their high intelligence and eagerness to please their owners. House training is usually a snap if you use your crate, and they love to play games and learn new tricks. From therapy clinics to the circus, many different businesses use the Havanese as a working breed because they are so easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement through praise and dog treats. As with any breed, early socialization and obedience training are crucial in the early stages of life. They need a moderate amount of exercise, so be sure to use every opportunity to play fetch and let them run around a safe place to play.

Barking: Havanese don’t bark too much, but they will sound the alarm if startled or alarmed by something out the window or at the door. It’s important to develop good habits and expose them to a variety of environments and people early in the life of your pet

They typically won’t bark at strangers if the owner seems at ease. Havanese love to play outside and run around a backyard enclosure. They don’t like to sleep outside and Havanese always prefer to be close to the center of action. Don’t leave them alone all day in your home because they can suffer greatly from separation anxiety.

Personality: Havanese are very social animals. They love to be around people and generally offer love and affection to everyone in the room. The Havanese isn’t overly chatty with their bark, but they are very animated and happy to be around humans and other pets.

Temperament & Behavior: The Havanese is a small yet energetic dog with a big heart. Early training and socialization are key to developing a smart and attentive dog later in life. Havanese have very high levels of attachment and loyalty to their owners. They don’t do well if left in isolation for long periods. Havanese are very quick to learn (especially as puppies) and take to house training very easily.

Expect a lovable and affectionate dog with a big personality and an eagerness to be part of the family. The Havanese is a lovely dog that’s perfect for a family companion role in your household.

Behavior with Kids: The Havanese is a super kid-friendly dog. They are sturdy despite their size, and their personality is gentle and loving. This breed is very popular with families with children.

Protection: If you are looking for a watchdog or a protector, the Havanese isn’t necessarily the best choice. They are overly friendly and happy to make new friends with everyone they meet. Don’t be surprised to see them curled up at the feet of a burglar!

Life span: On average, Havanese have a life span of 14-16 years.

Inherited Health Issues: There have been several conditions identified in Havanese that are either inherited or occur at increased frequency in the breed. Most of the conditions listed below are suspected to be heritable. Congenital portosystemic shunt, cataracts, distichiasis, sebaceous adenitis, retinal atrophy and congenital deafness.

Preventive Care: Routine veterinary attention is the most important aspect of keeping your Havanese healthy for the long haul. Your veterinarian has been extensively trained to pick up on subtle changes that may indicate larger health concerns before they become more problematic. Keeping your dog at a healthy body weight is another important way to prevent problems before they start. Obesity can exacerbate a host of medical conditions and is best avoided. Be sure to feed your Havanese a well-balanced diet with closely controlled portions to keep your dog lean and healthy.

Since Havanese are prone to developing tear staining, be sure to carefully clean around your dog’s eyes with a damp soft cloth regularly. Regular brushing and grooming will prevent hair mats from developing. If left unattended, their skin can become quite irritated or even infected.

Appropriately portion controlled meals of a well-balanced diet will help to keep your Havanese lean and healthy. Avoid offering treats or table scraps in excess, as this can lead to obesity.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Havanese is 1/4 to 1/2 cup.

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: A little running around the backyard and a daily walk to the park should be plenty of exercise to keep your Havanese happy and healthy. Make sure to give your dog a lot of love to make sure they feel welcome and accepted by your family. One of the weird quirks of this breed is their fondness for “perching” or sitting somewhere up high to take in their environment with a watchful eye. They also love to shred and eat paper – consider investing in some dog-proof waste baskets for your home.

Climate: The Havanese does well in most climates. If you live in a very hot or very cold place, just remember to keep a close eye on your pet for overheating or exposure. Excessive panting or shivering means you need a break from the extreme weather. Otherwise, the Havanese is equally happy in cool and warm weather.