Havanese Adult Dog Breed Characteristics and Needs

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Posted Oct 22, 2024

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Havanese Dog on a Walk
Credit: pexels.com, Havanese Dog on a Walk

The Havanese adult dog breed is a small but mighty companion. They typically weigh between 7 and 13 pounds.

Their compact size makes them a great fit for city living or small homes. They need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Havanese adults are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They make great family pets and are often described as " Velcro dogs" because they love to be close to their people.

To keep your Havanese adult happy and healthy, make sure to provide regular grooming sessions, which can include daily brushing and occasional bathing.

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Care and Nutrition

The Havanese adult requires a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to stay healthy and lean. They may benefit from the addition of omega-3 fatty acids into their diets.

Daily grooming is critical for the Havanese, and their medium-length coat requires frequent brushing to stay free of tangles. Brushing a few times a week will help prevent mats and tangles.

Credit: youtube.com, Havanese Nutrition: Feeding Your Dog for Optimal Health

The Havanese breed does best with daily walks and a moderate amount of play time. This will help keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

Feeding a commercial kibble or wet food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a good way to ensure your Havanese receives a complete and balanced diet. This will provide the necessary nutrients for their overall health.

Havanese dogs respond well to training, and positive reinforcement works well with this sensitive breed. Treats can be used, but be careful not to overdo it, as this can lead to obesity.

The recommended caloric intake for a Havanese varies from dog to dog and depends on their physical size, metabolism, neuter status, and activity level. Be sure to discuss with your veterinarian to determine the best portion sizes.

Daily eye care is essential for the Havanese, and wiping their eyes daily with a soft, moist cloth will help remove debris. This will prevent tear staining and potential eye irritation.

For another approach, see: Havanese Breed Standard

Health and Wellness

Credit: youtube.com, Havanese Q&A | Working full time, barking, & more

Havanese adults can live a long and healthy life, with an average lifespan of 14-16 years. They are prone to a few diseases, including deafness, eye disorders, heart disease, and bone and joint issues.

Regular teeth cleaning is crucial for Havanese adults, as they are susceptible to dental issues. This can be done at the vet's office or at home by brushing their teeth.

To protect yourself from costly vet bills, it's essential to purchase pet insurance for your Havanese before they show symptoms or are diagnosed. This can help cover the costs of conditions like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.

Health Issues

The Havanese breed is known for its overall good health, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have a life expectancy of 14-16 years, which is impressive for a small dog.

One of the most common health issues in Havanese is hip dysplasia, a genetic hip deformity that can lead to arthritis later in life. This condition requires costly surgery to repair.

You might like: Havanese Health Issues

Close-Up Shot of a Cute Havanese Dog Lying on Green Grass
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of a Cute Havanese Dog Lying on Green Grass

In addition to hip dysplasia, Havanese can also be susceptible to kneecap issues, specifically patellar luxation, where the kneecap can easily get knocked out of place. This condition is relatively rare, but can be painful for the dog.

Regular eye exams are crucial for Havanese, as they can be prone to eye disorders. Owners should take their Havanese to a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist for a yearly eye exam.

Dental issues are also common in Havanese, due to their small jaw size and crowded teeth. Regular teeth cleaning, either at the vet's office or at home, can help prevent dental disease.

Here's a rough estimate of the costs associated with some of these conditions:

To protect yourself from these potential costs, consider purchasing pet insurance for your Havanese before they show symptoms or are diagnosed.

Overview

The Havanese is a wonderful breed that's perfect for many families. They have a long lifespan of 14 to 16 years.

Close-Up Shot of a Cute Havanese Dog Running on Flower Field
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of a Cute Havanese Dog Running on Flower Field

One of the reasons they live so long is their low exercise needs, which makes them a great fit for apartment living. They're also easy to train, which is a big plus for first-time pet owners.

The Havanese is a small breed, weighing between 7 to 13 pounds, and they're generally very healthy. They do require lots of grooming, though, so be prepared to spend some time brushing their beautiful coats.

Here are some key health and wellness facts to keep in mind:

Overall, the Havanese is a wonderful breed that's perfect for many families. With their low exercise needs, easy trainability, and beautiful coats, they're a great addition to any home.

Behavior Tips

Havanese adults are intelligent and easy to train, so make sure to use positive reinforcement methods and training games to keep them engaged.

They thrive on attention, so be prepared to give them plenty of love and playtime. A busy Havanese is a happy Havanese, after all!

Credit: youtube.com, Havanese Dogs Breed Guide | Dogs 101 - Havanese Dog

To socialize them properly, expose your Havanese to new people, animals, and situations from an early age. This will help them become confident and calm in new environments.

Their loving nature makes them a great addition to families with children and pets, but be aware that they can be vocal and may alert you to unexpected visitors, like the mailman.

Early socialization and positive reinforcement training will help your Havanese puppy become comfortable around new people, animals, and situations, and will even make them a great therapy dog or emotional support animal.

Grooming and Upkeep

The Havanese is a low-shedding breed, but that doesn't mean they don't require regular grooming. Brushing their coat two to four times a week is essential to prevent tangles and mats.

Their medium-length coat can be straight or wavy, and regular brushing is necessary to keep it free of tangles. Daily grooming is critical for the Havanese, and brushing a few times a week will help prevent mats and tangles.

Broaden your view: Havanese Dog Grooming Styles

Credit: youtube.com, Havanese Grooming. How to wash, brush, dry, and trim a Havanese with long hair. Plus, tools links.

To save time and effort, some owners opt to get their Havanese's hair trimmed or corded. However, this shouldn't be done too frequently, as the Havanese breed does best with a regular coat maintenance routine.

Regular nail trimming, occasional baths, ear cleaning, and eye wiping are also essential parts of Havanese grooming.

Upkeep

The Havanese breed requires regular coat care to prevent tangles and mats. Brushing two to four times a week is a must, especially for loose hairs that tend to get caught in the outer hairs.

Daily walks and a moderate amount of playtime are essential for this breed. A short walk or a good play session can meet their exercise needs.

Their medium-length coat can be straight or wavy, and frequent brushing is necessary to keep it free of tangles. Brushing at least 3-4 days a week is recommended to prevent tangles and mats.

Regular nail trimming, occasional baths, ear cleaning, and eye wiping are also part of their grooming needs. Havanese owners need to be careful not to overdo it with treats, as this breed can easily become obese.

Havanese owners should be especially careful when handling them, as they are naturally more fragile. Supervise playtime with small kiddos and teach children to properly interact with pets.

Expand your knowledge: Short Hair Havanese Breed

Appearance

Credit: youtube.com, Grooming Tips Everyone Should Know ✨ | self care practices to make you look clean + expensive

Their long, fluffy coats can hide just how small Havanese dogs are, with adults standing at 8.5–11 inches high at the shoulder and weighing 7–13 pounds.

Havanese puppies tend to change colors, with their coats darkening, lightening, or changing hue entirely around 1 year old, making it difficult to predict their adult coat color.

The Havanese's large, dark brown eyes are a dead giveaway to their playful, intelligent nature, and their distinctive bouncy walk is a trait that starts in puppyhood and lasts a lifetime.

The soft, wavy coat, which comes in many different colors, is sometimes "corded", or formed into dreadlocks, requiring extra attention during grooming sessions.

A different take: Havanese Dog Colors

Getting Started

Getting started with your Havanese adult is an exciting time. If you're new to dog sports, consider taking an Intro to Dog Sports class to learn the basics.

To find a canine partner, you can enroll in a program that accepts mixed breeds, such as Canine Partners.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Crate Train A Puppy or Adult Dog | Wittle Havanese

Keep in mind that dog sports have their own set of titles and abbreviations, which can be confusing at first, so it's a good idea to brush up on the terminology.

If you're still unsure which sport to do with your dog, consider the characteristics of your Havanese adult, such as their energy level and size, and choose an activity that suits them.

To get started in dog training, focus on building a strong foundation of basic obedience skills, such as sit, stay, and walking on a leash.

If you can't make it to in-person dog sports and events, consider participating in virtual dog sports and events, which can be a great way to stay engaged and active with your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a Havanese get?

Havanese dogs typically weigh between 7-13 pounds and stand 8.5-11.5 inches tall at the shoulder. They reach their full size between 6-8 months, but mature physically at 1 year of age.

Is Havanese a calm dog?

Yes, Havanese are generally calm dogs, known for being peaceful and gentle with humans and other pets. However, proper socialization is key to bringing out their confident and outgoing temperament.

Is Havanese a good house dog?

Yes, Havanese dogs can thrive in homes with regular exercise, grooming, and attention. However, they may not be ideal for homes with shared walls due to their tendency to bark.

Do Havanese dogs bark a lot?

Havanese dogs are generally quiet and rarely bark, except to alert their owners to new arrivals. They make good watchdogs, but only if you're paying attention!

Terry Williamson

Junior Writer

Terry Williamson is a rising star in the world of writing, bringing a fresh perspective to the topics she covers. With a passion for animal welfare and education, Terry has established herself as a go-to expert on canine companions. Her articles on the standard poodle and poodle breeds have been widely read and appreciated for their engaging style and informative content.

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