The Havanese is a family dog that enjoys spending time with its owners. When left alone, he can experience separation anxiety, so it’s better if someone is there to keep him occupied during the day. The long, silky hair, expressive eyes, and cuddly size of the Havanese dog breed have earned them many fans. They were bred as a companion dog for the Cuban elite in the 1800s, getting the nickname “Velcro dog” for their uncanny ability to stick to their owner’s side.
- Grooming– Taking care of their coat is a big task. Havanese need to be brushed and combed on a weekly basis, as well as clipped and trimmed every few months. Otherwise, their coat will continue to grow and become matted. Consider keeping the coat short to reduce the amount of brushing and combing needed. Your Havanese would then have the appearance of a cute puppy for the rest of his life. Ether you leave their coat long and full or trim it short, the amount of grooming required varies. For a full, long coat, brush them daily and bathe them once a week. A dog with short hair should be bathed every two weeks and will need to be trimmed every few weeks, so it will need less grooming overall. You can learn more about Havanese on Gateway Havanese, they provide you with all the essential information you need.
- Housebreaking issues– The Havanese, like the Bichon Frise and Maltese, belongs to the same “family” of dogs they are both sluggish to housebreak. Crate teaching must be done on a regular basis. A doggy door is often needed so that the dog can go outside anytime he wants. Don’t give up if the possibility of housebreaking is a deal-breaker for you. Consider fostering an adult Havanese who has already been housebroken by a rescue organization.
- Separation anxiety– For the Havanese and his master, this can be a serious concern. The easiest way to deal with this issue is to stop it in the first place. Don’t leave the dog alone for long durations, and if you do, keep him busy in a crate with plenty of durable toys.
- Havanese Temperament- The Havanese is an excellent choice for a family dog because they are energetic but not overly so. They love playing with children and would enjoy going for regular walks, but they are not too enthusiastic. The breed does need early socialization because some dogs are timid and may become too attached to their owners, causing separation anxiety.
- Potential health problems- The majority of Havanese people live to be 100 years old. However, they are susceptible to allergies, which can have a negative impact on their quality of life. Fleas, grass, pollen, and other allergens can cause allergic reactions in Havanese. Allergies cause a dog’s skin to become infected with scratching and chewing. Urinary issues and bladder stones, as well as loose knee joints that may need surgery, are other concerns in the breed.
