Breed Overview
The Havanese is part of the Toy group and is recognized for its small, yet sturdy stature. They stand about 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall and weigh between 7 to 13 pounds. Boasting a double coat, it is long, silky, and can be straight or wavy with ringlets. The coat colors vary widely, including black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, or red. With a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years, the Havanese is an intelligent, playful, and bright companion, known for being even-tempered and very companionable.
Characteristics of the Havanese
- Affection Level: High
- Friendliness: High
- Kid-Friendly: High
- Pet-Friendly: High
- Exercise Needs: Medium
- Playfulness: High
- Energy Level: Medium
- Trainability: High
- Intelligence: Medium
- Tendency to Bark: Low
- Amount of Shedding: Low
Care and Grooming
Havanese dogs are high maintenance when it comes to grooming. Regular brushing is essential, ideally 2 to 3 times a week, along with bathing every 1 to 2 weeks. Nails should be trimmed regularly, and eye care involves wiping the corners daily. Ear care is crucial, with regular cleaning needed to prevent infections.
Training and Socialization
Positive reinforcement is the recommended approach for training a Havanese. They are intelligent and attentive, making them quick learners. Housebreaking can take time, so consistency and patience are key. Socialization from a young age is important to prevent timidity around strangers.
Health Considerations
While generally healthy, the Havanese can be prone to certain health issues, such as deafness, luxating patella, elbow and hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, allergies, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, and chondrodysplasia. Routine vet check-ups can help monitor and address these concerns.
Living with a Havanese
Havanese are known for requiring constant interaction and companionship, as they can suffer from separation anxiety. Their exercise needs include daily walks and playtime but not high-energy activities, making them well-suited for apartment living due to their small size and low barking tendency.
Additional Tips for Owners
- Playtime: Regular playtimes prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
- Feeding: Provide high-quality dog food and avoid table scraps to maintain digestive health.
- Health Monitoring: Keep up with regular veterinary check-ups for early detection of potential health problems.