About the Havanese breed
Havanese, the only breed native to Cuba, are cheerful little dogs with a spring in their step and a gleam in their big, brown eyes. These vivacious and sociable companions are becoming especially popular with American city dwellers. Distinctive features of the Havanese include a curled-over tail and a gorgeous silky coat, which comes in a variety of colors. Some owners enjoy cording the coat. in the manner of a Puli, and others clip it short to reduce grooming time. Happily, Havanese are just as cute no matter what hairdo you give them. Their small but sturdy bodies, adaptable nature, and social skills make Havanese an ideal city dog, but they are content to be anywhere that they can command attention of admirers young and old alike. Havanese, smart and trainable extroverts come with the comic instincts of a born clown, are natural trick dogs. Havanese are excellent watch dogs and take the job seriously, but will usually keep the barking to a minimum.
Hypoallergenic?
The Havanese dog is often considered a good choice for people with allergies because it is commonly described as hypoallergenic. Unlike many other breeds, Havanese dogs have a long silky coat that produces less dander- the main trigger for pet allergies- and they shed very little. Their hair grows more like a human hair than typical fur, which helps reduce the amount of allergens released into the air. However, no dog is completely allergy-free, and individual reactions can vary. Regular grooming, bathing, and cleaning can further minimize allergens, making the Havanese a popular companion for allergy- sensitive households.
Average sizes and life expectancy of breed
Height 8.5-11.5 inches
Weight 7-13 pounds
Life expectancy 14-16 ye
Affectionate With Family
How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people they know well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while others breeds treat everyone they know as their best friend.
10 out of 10
Health
Havanese are generally healthy and fairly long-lived. There are several conditions that the breed can be prone to, including eye disorders, chondrodysplasia, deafness, heart murmurs, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and patellar luxation. A responsible breeder does health clearances on all breeding stock.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club:
Patella Evaluation
Hip Evaluation
Baer Testing
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Grooming
The long, soft, and silky coat of the Havanese needs to be groomed daily to be kept free of mats and tangles. This can be done by gently running a comb or brush over the dog while he is on your lap. Pet owners often choose to have their dog's coat clipped to a short trim to reduce grooming time. Havanese should also be bathed occasionally as needed.
Exercise
The Havanese has moderate exercise needs. They will benefit from a brisk daily walk or fun playtime with their owner in the backyard, as they are happiest when someone is with them. Romping inside the home can also provide enough activity. Never over-exercise a Havanese of any age. If they are panting and struggling to keep up, it's time to go home. Havanese do well in both houses and apartments, but they are not happy left alone for hours at a time.
Training
Havanese are highly intelligent and eager to please, and they are easily trained so long as you only use positive methods. This can be a sensitive breed, so care must be taken to not scold them harshly. Socialization from an early age is very important. Expose them calmly to a wide variety of new places and people, always ensuring that the experiences are positive and not intimidating. Gentle, patient training will result in a wonderful companion dog. They are affectionate with people and get along with other nonaggressive pets.