Havanese Pros and Cons: Everything You Need to Know

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Posted Oct 19, 2024

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Two Adorable Havanese Dog Puppies
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The Havanese is a popular breed known for its playful and affectionate nature. They are often described as " Velcro dogs" because of their tendency to stick close to their owners.

One of the biggest advantages of owning a Havanese is their intelligence. According to the breed's history, they were originally bred as companions for Cuban aristocrats, which suggests a high level of trainability and adaptability.

Their small size makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers, requiring minimal space to roam. However, they do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Havanese dogs are known for their low-shedding coat, which makes them a great choice for people with allergies.

Check this out: Havanese Breed Standard

Characteristics

The Havanese is a great breed for many types of homes, including apartments, due to their small size and low barking tendency.

Their friendly and gentle personality makes them suitable for families with children and other pets. They're known to be great with kids and are a great choice for families.

Here are some key characteristics of the Havanese breed:

Characteristics of the Havanese

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The Havanese is a small dog breed that's perfect for many types of homes, including apartments. They're great with children and other pets, making them a fantastic choice for families.

These dogs are known for their friendly and gentle personality, which is a big plus for many owners. They're also relatively easygoing, so they're a great choice for first-time dog owners.

One thing to keep in mind is that Havanese dogs need plenty of attention and companionship. They don't do well when left alone for long periods of time and can develop separation anxiety or destructive habits if they get bored or lonely.

Here are some key characteristics of the Havanese breed:

As you can see, the Havanese is a great breed for many owners. Just remember to give them the attention and care they need, and they'll reward you with love and loyalty.

Physical Appearance

The Havanese is a small dog breed with a sturdy body that's slightly longer than tall, typically weighing between 7 to 13 pounds.

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Their height ranges from 8 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches, making them a "toy" size dog.

Havanese dogs have drop ears and expressive eyes that add to their adorable appearance.

Their tail is curled over their back, giving them a sweet and endearing look.

The Havanese coat is one of its most distinctive features - it's a long, soft double coat that can be either straight or wavy, earning them the nickname "Havana silk dogs".

Here's a list of the many colors that Havanese dogs come in:

  • White
  • Black
  • Black & Tan
  • Black & Silver
  • Cream
  • Chocolate
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Fawn
  • Blue
  • Red
  • Red Sable
  • Red Brindle
  • Gold Brindle
  • Silver Brindle
  • Black Brindle
  • Fawn Brindle
  • Blue Brindle
  • Chocolate Brindle
  • Black and Silver Brindle
  • Black and Tan Brindle
  • Gold Sable
  • Fawn Sable
  • Silver Sable
  • Chocolate Sable

Are Hypoallergenic?

Havanese dogs are not technically hypoallergenic, as all dogs can cause an allergic reaction.

However, because Havanese dogs don't shed as much as other canines, dog-allergy sufferers may be less likely to have a reaction when around them.

If you or someone in your family has a dog allergy and is considering adopting a Havanese, it's best to spend time around a Havanese first to gauge any potential allergic reactions.

Care

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Havanese care is a top priority for any owner. A nutritious diet is essential, and it's crucial to feed your Havanese the correct amount of food per meal to avoid overeating and obesity.

Overeating can lead to a myriad of health problems, so be mindful of your dog's food intake. Havanese can quickly become overweight if they consume too much food.

Exercise is another critical component of Havanese happiness. Due to their small size, they can often burn off their energy indoors, but they still enjoy playing outside.

Regular playtime, whether it's a walk, a run around the yard, or a game of fetch, will keep your Havanese happy and healthy. They can even thrive in apartments or houses, making them great companions for RVers.

Here's a quick rundown of the exercise needs of Havanese dogs:

Health and Problems

The Havanese is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Deafness is a congenital condition that can occur in the Havanese, and it's often seen in this breed.

For more insights, see: Short Hair Havanese Breed

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Hip dysplasia is a common health problem in the Havanese, and it can cause pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia is also a concern, and it's often seen in conjunction with hip dysplasia.

Hypothyroidism is a relatively common endocrine disorder in the Havanese, and it can cause weight gain, lethargy, and skin changes. Allergies are also a common issue in this breed, and they can cause skin irritation and scratching.

Cataracts are a common eye condition in older Havanese dogs, and they can cause vision loss. Patellar luxation is a loose knee joint that can lead to lameness and knee arthritis.

Here are some common health problems in Havanese dogs:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Cataracts
  • Patellar luxation
  • Deafness
  • Allergies

The life expectancy for a Havanese is between 12-16 years, but their lifespan can be affected by their diet, exercise routine, living environment, and overall health.

It's essential to schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your Havanese's health and catch any potential issues early on.

Owning and Cost

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Owning a Havanese dog comes with a range of costs. You can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 for a purebred Havanese puppy, although prices can range from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the dog's pedigree and location.

The cost of owning a Havanese dog is not just about the initial purchase price. They also require regular grooming, which can be expensive. High grooming needs are a con of owning a Havanese dog.

Here are some estimated costs associated with owning a Havanese dog:

Overall, owning a Havanese dog requires careful consideration of the costs involved.

Adopting or Buying

Adopting or buying a Havanese dog can be a wonderful way to bring a new furry friend into your life. You can start by checking your local animal shelter and rescue groups for Havanese dogs in need of homes.

There are a number of nationwide rescue groups for this breed, as well as responsible breeders for those set on adopting a puppy. You can find reputable breeders by researching local breeders who provide comfortable living conditions for their dogs and share their medical history.

For another approach, see: Havanese Dog Rescue Florida

Credit: youtube.com, More than adoption fees: The real cost of owning a pet

Havanese puppies typically cost between $1,500 and $3,000 from breeders, though some prices can be upwards of $3,500 depending on the dog's pedigree and availability in your area.

If you're interested in adopting a Havanese, start by checking your local rescue groups and animal shelters for pups in need of a home. You can also look into similar breeds, such as Maltese, Bichon Frise, Papillon, Coton De Tulear, and Bolognese.

Here are some resources to help you find a Havanese:

  • Havanese Rescue
  • Havanese Angel League Organization for Rescue
  • The Havanese Club of America
  • AKC Havanese Breeders

How Much to Pay?

When buying a Havanese puppy, you can expect to pay around $1000 to $1500 for a purebred one.

The cost of a Havanese dog can vary depending on several factors, including the age of the dog.

A Havanese dog's price is also affected by the experience of the breeder.

The location where you buy the dog from can also impact the cost.

Many people find that the price of a Havanese dog is worth it for the companionship and joy they bring to their lives.

You might like: Havanese Cost

Living with a Havanese

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Living with a Havanese dog requires some consideration, as they're not happy if left alone for hours at a time. They're perfect for families who are home most of the day.

Their small size means they do well in apartments, but they also thrive in houses with yards. One thing to keep in mind is that they need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.

Attending to their training needs is also crucial, as they can be mischievous if left unchecked. With patience and consistency, you can teach them to behave well in public and at home.

Their affectionate nature makes them excellent with kids, but it's essential to teach children how to handle them gently. No climbing, pulling ears or tails, and gentle petting are all important lessons to teach.

Training and Behavior

Havanese are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train with positive methods.

Early socialization is crucial to prevent them from becoming timid, so it's essential to introduce them to new people, animals, and places from an early age.

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These dogs have moderate exercise needs and require daily walks or playtime in the backyard to keep them entertained and active.

If you notice your Havanese panting or struggling to keep up, it's a signal to slow down and head home.

Establishing good habits and behaviors early on can make a world of difference, so begin training your Havanese the day you bring them home.

Havanese can be great swimmers if socialized to water from an early age, but they generally don't enjoy getting wet.

Personality

Havanese dogs are known for their affectionate and intelligent nature, making them great companions for families and retired seniors.

Their outgoing temperament allows them to adapt easily to new environments and get along well with children and other pets.

In fact, they're so social that they'll often follow their owners around the house and can become anxious if left alone for too long.

This curiosity and playfulness is especially true for puppies, who love to approach people and feel loved when they're held.

Black And White Havanese
Credit: pexels.com, Black And White Havanese

However, it's essential to socialize your Havanese puppy early on to ensure they grow up to be friendly and trustworthy around people.

Exposure to new sights, sounds, and experiences is crucial during this time, and enrolling them in a dog training class can be a huge help.

As for their barking habits, Havanese dogs can be prone to excessive barking if not properly trained, making them poor guard dogs despite their good watchdog instincts.

Overall, with the right training and attention, Havanese dogs can thrive as beloved family pets.

Training

Training is key to developing good habits and behaviors in your Havanese. They are a smart dog breed and respond well to positive training methods.

Havanese can be sensitive, so early socialization is crucial to prevent them from becoming timid. This means introducing them to new people, animals, and places from an early age.

It's essential to establish good habits and behaviors early on, so start training your Havanese the day you bring them home. This will make a world of difference in their development.

Additional reading: Are Havanese Good with Kids

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Havanese can be a bit stubborn, especially when it comes to housetraining. They may take longer to learn than other breeds, but with persistence and patience, they'll get the hang of it.

Remember to reward your dog for a job well done, and avoid overindulging them. This will help prevent poor behaviors from developing.

Socialization is just as important as training. Introduce your Havanese to new experiences, like water, to help them develop a more adaptable and well-rounded personality.

Does Bark?

Havanese dogs are very quiet, hardly barking or making noise.

They will, however, make their presence known through cute movements, which is a characteristic of their breed.

In general, Havanese dogs are not prone to excessive barking, making them a great choice for apartment dwellers or those who value a peaceful living environment.

Their quiet nature is likely due to their friendly and gentle disposition, which makes them more likely to use body language to communicate rather than vocalizations.

General Information

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The Havanese is a small, playful dog breed that originated in Cuba. They typically weigh between 7-13 pounds and stand 8.5-11.5 inches tall at the shoulder.

One of the most notable characteristics of the Havanese is their silky, single-layer coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. This coat comes in a variety of colors including white, cream, fawn, and chocolate.

Havanese dogs are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and are often described as "velcro dogs" because of their tendency to stick close to their owners.

Robin Morissette

Writer

Robin Morissette is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for crafting compelling content. With a keen eye for detail and a love for storytelling, Robin brings a unique perspective to their writing. Their portfolio showcases a range of topics, from in-depth explorations of the Havanese breed, to informative articles on canine origins.