HAVANESE DOG BREED

Description:

The Havanese is a cheerful breed, which belongs to the Bichon family. The Havanese earned the nickname “Velcro dog” because he sticks so closely to his owner. This breed is a companion dog to the Cuban aristocracy in the 1800s. This is the national dog of Cuba, recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996.

Height: 8.5-11.5 inches  Weight: 7-13 pounds  Lifespan: 14-16 years

Characteristics:

The Havanese is a delightful little dog. He is very intelligent, curious and playful to the extreme. This dog breed gets very attached to humans, and he strives for a trusting relationship with its owner. Besides, Havanese is especially fond of children. They are great guards, always ready to warn you of unexpected visitors or any kind of danger. The Havanese is exceptionally loyal and devoted friend. Comparable Breed: The Lhasa Apso and Papillon.

Character:

The Havanese is a very loyal breed, and it is very important to reside in a family environment. Do not expose your dog to severe stress, and try not to leave him alone for long periods of time. This small dog gets along well with children and other pets. It has a truly remarkable character that captivates you from the very first glance. Indeed, the Havanese is an excellent pet.

Coat / Care:

Havaneses are covered with a very beautiful coat, consisting of two layers. The outer is very long and thick. Also, it is soft in structure and pleasant to the touch. The hair can be both absolutely straight and slightly wavy. The undercoat is sometimes completely absent. These dogs come in a range of colors, including pure white, cream, silver, sable, chocolate, gray or black. Dogs of this breed do not shed. Therefore, they are especially suitable for people who suffer from various kinds of allergies The length of an adult Havanese coat can be up to 20 centimeters.

It is clear that such a long hair is rather difficult to maintain. The Havanese needs to be carefully combed at least twice a week, but if you want to simplify your task, you can just trim it. It is important to regularly check the dog’s eyes and ears and to properly clean them. Hence, the fact that this dog breed is genetically predisposed to infectious diseases is the reason to maintain good hygiene. In addition, oral hygiene is equally important to prevent early teeth loss.

Health Problems:

The Havanese is a generally healthy breed but can be prone to Canine Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia, Legg-Perthes disease (particularly during weather changes), Chondrodysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Cataracts, Deafness. The Havanese has a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years.

Weight / Height

The male Havanese dog breed’s height is around 8.5-11.5 inches and weighs around 7 and 13 pounds. Female Havanese dogs can reach a size from 8.5-11.5 inches and weighs between 7 and 13 pounds.

Training:

The Havanese is a very clever dog that enjoys the learning process. He is especially successful in obedience and agility. Representatives of this breed love to swim and generally wallow in the water. Havanese gets great pleasure from being in the spotlight, and they are always eager to perform all kinds of amusing tricks. Since this is a very cute and affectionate dog, the Havanese is an indispensable partner for Canistherapy. This beautiful breed, like many other small dogs, is not always overly responsive to the house rules concerning cleanliness. Training should be conducted on the basis of firmness, fairness and consistency. And of course, love and respect are a must.

Activity:

The Havanese is a rather energetic dog, always ready to run and play, or simply accompany you during hiking. Still, these dogs do not need a large amount of physical activity, so this breed can easily be kept in a city apartment or in a house with a small yard. Thus, in order that your pet does not get bored, make sure to spend enough time with it. Also, engage the dog in family games and other activities.

Photo credit: Brad Saunders/Flickr; Hemlit 🙂/Flickr