The Havanese dog is a little dog breed and is even the national dog of Cuba. These dogs are playful, loving, and super friendly, making them great family pets. They’re also really cute, with round faces and floppy ears.
Havanese aren’t just lapdogs, though. They enjoy learning tricks and are easy to train. They can adapt to almost any home environment, which is another reason people love them.
Could a Havanese be the right dog for you? Keep reading to find out about their appearance, personality, training, history, and more so you can make the best choice for your family.
History of the Havanese Dog:
The Havanese is an old breed with a unique history. Its ancestors came to Cuba from Spain, traveling through the Canary Islands. This breed is likely related to the bichon frise. In Cuba, the Havanese became a favorite pet of wealthy families.
The name “Havanese” comes from Havana, the capital of Cuba. Later, these dogs also became popular in Europe and were even owned by famous people like the writer Charles Dickens.
The Havanese came to the U.S. during the Cuban uprising in 1959, when only a few dogs were left to rescue the breed. Since then, the Havanese has grown in popularity in the U.S. and Europe. In 1996, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed.
Havanese Characteristics
Physical Appearance & Size
Havanese dogs are small, toy-sized dogs with weight ranging from 7 to 13 pounds and size about 8.5 – 11.5 inches. They have sturdy little bodies that are longer than they are tall. You’ll notice their cute, floppy ears, bright, expressive eyes, and their tail that curls over their back. Read about coywolf here.
One of the things that makes Havanese unique is their soft, double coat. The fur can be straight or curly, and it’s so silky that they’re known as “Havana silk dogs.”
Havanese come in many colors, including:
- White
- Black
- Black & Tan
- Black & Silver
- Cream
- Chocolate
- Gold
- Silver
- Fawn
- Blue
- Red
These colors make every Havanese dog look unique and special!
Temperament and Personality
Havanese dogs are loving, smart, and full of joy. They’re active little dogs who love to be with their owners, play games, and learn new tricks.
Their happy and friendly nature makes Havanese a great choice for families and retired seniors. They have lots of energy, get along well with kids and other pets (especially gentle ones), and enjoy outdoor activities. Plus, they can adjust to almost any home as long as they’re with their people.
Havanese make good watchdogs; they’ll let you know if someone is around. However, they aren’t great guard dogs because of their small size. Also, without proper training, some Havanese might bark too much.
Diet and Nutrition: Havanese Dog
Feed your Havanese two meals a day, with a total of about half to one cup of dry dog food. Avoid leaving food out all day for “free-feeding,” as this can cause quick weight gain. Canine obesity can shorten a dog’s life and lead to health issues.
If you see weight gain, talk to your vet about the right feeding and exercise routine for your dog based on their weight, age, and activity level.
Also, don’t give your Havanese human food. These dogs can be sneaky and may try to “train” you to share your food! Make sure everyone in your family knows that the Havanese should only eat their dog food.
Average Lifespan
Havanese dogs usually live between 13 and 16 years, with an average lifespan of about 14.5 years. Females often live about a year longer than males.
With good care, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, these cute little dogs might even live longer than their average lifespan.
Havanese Dog Care:
Here’s how to take care of a Havanese, from exercise to grooming.
Exercise
Havanese are moderately active and need daily exercise, but they don’t require more than about 30 minutes a day. A routine walk and some playtime indoors are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy. With the right amount of activity, Havanese are perfectly happy to snuggle on your lap when they’re not playing, making them great for apartment living.
Grooming
Because of their silky coats, Havanese need regular grooming. Here’s what to do:
- Brushing: Brush your dog’s coat at least once or twice a week to keep it tangle-free.
- Haircuts: Since their coats don’t shed much, Havanese need regular haircuts. In winter, keeping their fur a bit longer helps them stay warm.
Training
Havanese dogs are smart and love to learn, so basic training with positive reinforcement works well for them! Training helps keep your Havanese happy and makes them a well-behaved part of the family.
One challenge with Havanese is that they can take a little longer to house-train. Be patient and consistent, or consider a doggy door so they have easy access outside.
Many Havanese don’t like getting wet, so having a covered area outside can be helpful. Although some Havanese can swim if they’re used to water, they are best suited to being indoor pets.
Common Health Problems In Havanese Dog:
The Havanese is usually a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can sometimes have certain health issues. Some of the common health problems that can occur in Havanese include:
- Deafness: Some Havanese are born with hearing problems, which is known as congenital deafness.
- Luxating Patella: This is when the knee joint becomes loose, which can cause limping or arthritis in the knee.
- Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: Though many people think of this as a problem for larger dogs, Havanese can also have joint problems in their elbows and hips. This can cause pain and limp.
- Hypothyroidism: This is when the thyroid gland doesn’t work properly. Havanese can have this condition, which makes it harder for their body to control energy use. They may need treatment for the rest of their life.
- Allergies: Havanese can develop skin allergies to fleas, grass, or pollen. These allergies can make them itchy and cause them to scratch or chew on themselves. These allergies can usually be treated with medication.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to talk to your vet for help.
Havanese Dog With Children and Other Pets
The Havanese is a great family dog. They are very friendly and love spending time with everyone, including kids and other pets. They are especially good with children of all ages and other dogs. However, because the Havanese are small, it’s important to be careful not to hurt them accidentally.
If you have kids, teach them how to be gentle with the dog. Children need to learn how to approach and touch dogs the right way. Always watch the kids when they are around the dog to make sure no one pulls on the dog’s ears or tail or tries to bite.
Also, remind your children not to approach a dog when it’s eating or sleeping and never to try to take the dog’s food. No matter how friendly a dog is, it should never be left alone with young kids without adult supervision. This helps keep both the dog and the child safe.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Havanese?
If you’re thinking about getting a Havanese, you can start by visiting your local animal shelter or rescue companies. Sometimes, Havanese dogs are looking for loving homes. There are also national rescue groups for this breed that can help you adopt one.
If you’re looking to buy a Havanese puppy, they usually cost between $1,500 and $3,000 from breeders. The price can be higher, sometimes up to $3,500, depending on the doggie’s family history and availability in your area.
Before buying from a breeder, it’s important to do some research. Make sure the breeder takes good care of their dogs and provides a healthy living environment. Ask for the dog’s medical history so you can make an informed decision.
Conclusion:
The Havanese is a friendly and happy dog who loves spending time with its owners. It has lots of energy and enjoys playing outside, but it is just as happy cuddling with its family.
Even though they don’t need much space, they can live in almost any home, whether it’s a big house or an apartment. However, because they have a long, soft coat, they do need regular grooming to keep it from getting tangled or matted.
If you’re looking for a loving and playful dog to be your companion, the Havanese could be the perfect fit for you and your family.
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