Intelligent / Outgoing / Funny
Havanese
One of the crowning breeds of the Toy Group, Havanese are a bouncy little dog known for their ever-enduring cheerfulness and constant love for both family and strangers alike. Bred to be companions, these dogs are happiest at your side and can often be found on the lap of or anywhere near the ones that they most love.
Average Size and Life Expectancy
Height
Life Expectancy
Height
8.5-11.5 inches
Size
Life Expectancy
Height
7-13 pounds
Life Expectancy
Life Expectancy
Life Expectancy
14-16 years
What to expect when caring for a Havanese
Health
Grooming
Grooming
Although generally very healthy and long-lived, Havanese can be prone to several conditions, including eye disorders, chondrodysplasia, deafness, heart murmurs, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (which affects the hip joint), and patellar luxation. As responsible breeders, we do health testing on all breeding stock through Orthopedic Foundation
Although generally very healthy and long-lived, Havanese can be prone to several conditions, including eye disorders, chondrodysplasia, deafness, heart murmurs, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (which affects the hip joint), and patellar luxation. As responsible breeders, we do health testing on all breeding stock through Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) testing to insure that your puppy is as healthy as possible when you take him/her home.
Grooming
Grooming
Grooming
The long, soft, silky double coat of the Havanese should be brushed daily and washed weekly to be kept from matting and tangling. Starting this process the day that your puppy comes home with you and continuing it daily throughout adulthoood trains your dog to accept and even enjoy being groomed. Along with daily brushing, the inner eye o
The long, soft, silky double coat of the Havanese should be brushed daily and washed weekly to be kept from matting and tangling. Starting this process the day that your puppy comes home with you and continuing it daily throughout adulthoood trains your dog to accept and even enjoy being groomed. Along with daily brushing, the inner eye of the Havanese should be cleaned daily to prevent tear-staining and irritation. Many people also choose to cut their dog's hair short to reduce grooming time, something that we recommend you do at home to avoid the germy and often trauma-inducing state of professional grooming facilities.
Exercise
Grooming
Exercise
With moderate exercise needs, Havanese can benefit from a brisk walk around the neighborhood or moderate playtime in the backyard with their owner but do not need lengthy or overly fast-paced exercise. Even merely having free-range of the home can enough to satisfy the athletic needs of a Havanese. Avoid over-exercising your Havanese; if
With moderate exercise needs, Havanese can benefit from a brisk walk around the neighborhood or moderate playtime in the backyard with their owner but do not need lengthy or overly fast-paced exercise. Even merely having free-range of the home can enough to satisfy the athletic needs of a Havanese. Avoid over-exercising your Havanese; if they are panting and struggling to keep up, it is time to go home. Havanese are able to thrive in both apartments and homes, although they should never be left alone for more than a couple hours at a time.
Training
Agreeable, intelligent, and eager to please, Havanese are easily able to pick up new tricks if taught using only methods of positive reinforcement and a happy attitude. Take care to never scold your puppy harshly or use negative means of enforcement, as this breed is extremely sensitive. Even more important than training, however, begin socializing your puppy in many different situations and allow them to be introduced to a variety of people from a very young age, always ensuring that the interactions are positive rather than scary. Gentle, patient training will result in a wonderful companion dog.
Nutrition
Havanese should be fed a high-quality dry or raw food diet appropriate for their age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some Havanese can be prone to obesity, making it important to watch their calories and ensure that they are staying on track for a healthy, enjoyable life. Never feed a Havanese table scraps or "human" food, as in our experience they can have extremely sensitive stomachs and are often prone to vomit and diarrhea when their diet is changed. If you choose to give your puppy treats, do so in moderation. Check with your vet for specifics on your dog's diet, weight, or feeding schedule.