The Truth About Rescued Havanese Dogs

However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. If you're going to share your home with a dog, you'll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds: Some dogs shed year-round, some "blow" seasonally -- produce a snowstorm of loose hair -- some do both, and some shed hardly at all.

If you're a neatnik you'll need to either pick a low-shedding breed, or relax your standards. Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you've got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you're a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.

Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog that needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it. Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia.

This doesn't mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they're at an increased risk. If you're buying a puppy, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you're interested in, so you can ask the breeder about the physical health of your potential pup's parents and other relatives. Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that's prone to packing on pounds, you'll need to limit treats, make sure he gets enough exercise, and measure out his daily kibble in regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.

Dogs come in all sizes, from the world's smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if he is compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right large dog for you!

Easy to train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt such as the word "sit" , an action sitting , and a consequence getting a treat very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training. Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a "What's in it for me? Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies.

If they don't get the mental stimulation they need, they'll make their own work -- usually with projects you won't like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue. Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn't puncture the skin.

Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or "herd" their human family members, and they need training to learn that it's fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a chew toy that's been stuffed with kibble and treats. Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how the dog vocalizes — with barks or howls — and how often. If you're considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening?

If you're considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious "strangers" put him on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they'll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses, or that bunny that just ran across the path, even if it means leaving you behind.

High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they're more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells. Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away.

When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you'll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying. A vigorous dog may or may not be high-energy, but everything he does, he does with vigor: These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who's elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life. Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise -- especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, such as herding or hunting.

Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility. Some dogs are perpetual puppies -- always begging for a game -- while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.

The Havanese shines his affectionate personality on everyone, including strangers, children, other dogs, and even cats. But his family will get the lion's share of his love; given the choice, he'll stick like glue to his owner's side.

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The potential downside to all this devotion is that, when left alone, the Havanese can become anxious. His Velcro personality isn't so surprising, considering he was bred to keep the wealthy families of his native island of Cuba company. Since then, however, the Havanese has proven that he's good for much more than warming laps.

Havanese dogs are quite trainable , and they've worked as therapy and assistance dogs, sniffed out mold and termites, and shown off their clownish antics as performing dogs. They've also got a surprising amount of energy for their size, and for the family looking to compete, the Havanese will happily tackle such sports as agility , freestyle, obedience, and flyball.

As with many small dogs, it's common for adoring owners to overindulge their Havanese. This breed is a sharp con artist, and you may find that your Havanese is training you, rather than the other way around. In spite of his quirks, or maybe even because of them, the Havanese is a wonderful and versatile pet. After Columbus claimed Cuba for Spain in , Spanish settlers began arriving on the island.

Their signature coat was thick and silky, which helped insulate the dog from the tropical sun the coat is like raw silk floss, profuse, but extremely light and soft, and insulates against the tropical rays in much the same way that yards of silk sari protect the women of India. By the early s, Havanese were gracing the laps of many aristocratic families in Cuba.

Breed Characteristics

European travelers who became enamored with the breed brought dogs back to England, Spain, and France. The breed became trendy in Europe in the mids, and Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens were among his well-known fans at the time. Like most breed trends, this one petered out. At one point the Havanese became almost extinct, even in his native Cuba. A few Cuban families still bred and kept the dogs, however, and with the Cuban Revolution in , 11 Havanese were brought to the U.

The renaissance of the breed began in the s,when an American couple who bred dogs found a few descendents of the 11 dogs who were brought from Cuba. Charmed by their intelligence and affectionate nature, they began tracking down other Havanese and working to reestablish the breed. Because most Havanese outside of Cuba today can trace their ancestry to just 11 dogs, breeders are working to widen the gene pools of the American-bred Havanese. The Havanese is a gentle and affectionate breed that thrives on human companionship. Your Havanese will often follow you from room to room throughout the day, and he can get very anxious when left alone.

He's intelligent as well, and will enjoy making you laugh with goofy antics, or simply sitting on your lap watching the world go by.

Things to consider

Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or the one who's hiding in the corner. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Socialization helps ensure that your Havanese puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start.

Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Havanese are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Havanese will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents.

Havanese Angel League Organization

Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. In Havanese, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA for hip dysplasia with a score of fair or better , elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certifying that eyes are normal.

You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Although the Havanese is a small breed, he has a fair amount of energy to burn. A lengthy walk or an active game of fetch each day will keep him happy. This breed isn't suited for life in the backyard. He is happiest when he is with his family. Although they're not overly yappy, they do bark at passersby, so if your home has noise restrictions, this may not be the breed for you. His eagerness to please his owners makes the Havanese fairly easy to train in most cases.

Basic obedience , beginning with puppy classes, is recommended. Housetraining , however, can be particularly challenging for a Havanese, so you'll need to be especially patient during this process. You'll get there, but crate training is a must. Separation anxiety can be a serious concern for the Havanese and his owner. The best way to deal with this problem is to avoid it altogether.

Don't leave the dog alone for long periods of time and, when you do leave, put him in a crate with plenty of sturdy toys to keep him occupied. Though he's small and fuzzy, a Havanese isn't a toy. Like all breeds, he needs to learn good canine manners. Don't spoil him with table scraps or by carrying him all the time he'll get fat or become overly possessive of you. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog.

Keep your Havanese in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. If you're unsure whether he's overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward.

You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he needs less food and more exercise. For more on feeding your Havanese, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. The Havanese coat is thick but silky, soft, and light, and it doesn't shed easily. The coat is long and ranges from straight to curly, although wavy is considered the ideal for the show ring.

It comes in white, black, black and tan, sable, gray, and a myriad of other colors and markings. Many owners clip the Havanese coat short to make it easier to care for.

When kept long, the coat needs daily brushing to prevent mats from forming, and frequent baths to keep it clean. Unless you're highly motivated and skilled, you're probably better off with a professional groomer. Owners can learn to groom their dogs, but it takes a dedicated person to keep this breed's coat in good shape. Watery eyes and resulting tearstains are common in the Havanese. Keep in mind that excessive tearing can signal an eye problem and should be checked by a veterinarian.

However, most tearstains are not serious, and the cause is simply unknown. You can improve the stained look by keeping the hair around the eyes clean wipe daily with a damp cloth. There are whitening products on the market made specifically for lightening the stains, which some owners find helpful. He is a clown and performs all the time. His willingness to please, ease of training, and quick wit combine to make the Havanese a joyful companion. The only thing he's not too excited about is being alone. Sturdier than most toy breeds, the Havanese also has a deeper voice.

His bark is not yappy but sounds like it's from a bigger dog. Always alert, he makes a good watch dog. Thanks to his cheerful and loving temperament, he's wonderful with children and is good at obedience and agility. The Havanese makes a terrific therapy dog because of his easy temperament, not to mention he fits onto any size lap. A wonderfully happy breed, the Havanese has a unique gait, referred to as springy, that announces his cheerful temperament.

He springs along and makes you laugh. Watching Havanese play is a giggle. They like to tear around the house or yard and will play for hours with anyone who has the patience and stamina to keep up with them. They are also happy to settle on a lap — anything is fine with a Havanese as long as it involves attention.

Any dog, no matter how nice, can develop obnoxious levels of barking, digging and other undesirable behaviors if he is bored, untrained or unsupervised. Avoid giving them too much freedom to roam the house too soon. Start training your Havanese puppy the day you bring him home. Even at 10 to 12 weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him.

Never wait until he is six months old to begin training, or you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines like kennel cough to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines including rabies, distemper and parvovirus have been completed.

In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know something about your lifestyle and personality. Whatever you want from a Havanese, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood.

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. The Havanese has the potential to develop a number of health problems. They include Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, luxating patellas, various eye problems, deafness, hypothyroidism , and heart problems.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease affects a wide range of small breeds, including Havanese. The blood supply to the head of the femur the ball in the ball and socket joint of the hip is inadequate, which causes the head of the femur to degrade. Patellar luxation happens when the knee cap pops out of normal position.

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It can range in severity from mild causing very little problem for the dog except for increased risk of knee injury and arthritis later in life to severe which may require suergery. Cataracts are an opacity that forms in the lens of the eye, and either clouds or blocks vision. Sometimes, surgical treatment is recommended. However, if the cataract isn't causing pain or other medical issues, understand that most dogs, including Havanese, get around just fine when they're blind. Congenital deafness is screened for with the BAER test, but there is no treatment.

However, dogs adapt better to deafness than people do. They can be trained to respond to hand signals. A skeletal defect called osteochondrodysplasia can occur, as well as progressive retinal atrophy, liver shunts, heart murmurs and missing incisors. One group of breeders has formed the Havana Silk Dog Association of America , which registers only Havanese that meet certain requirements, including a conformation test, photographic proof that the dog is not chondrodysplastic, hip and patella certifications from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, an eye clearance from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation, and an OFA or GDC test for congenital deafness based on the BAER test.

Not all of these conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and it can be hard to predict whether an animal will be free of these maladies, which is why you must find a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. They should be able to produce independent certification that the parents of the dog and grandparents, etc.

Conscientious breeders will do additional testing such as SA liver shunt and cardiac exams. Breeders must agree to have all test results, positive or negative, published in the CHIC database. If the breeder tells you she doesn't need to do those tests because she's never had problems in her lines and her dogs have been "vet checked," then you should go find a breeder who is more rigorous about genetic testing. Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices.

Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live a good life. Not every Havanese visit to the vet is for a genetic problem. Some have allergies; some get hurt while darting about. Keeping a Havanese at an appropriate weight generally between 7 and 13 pounds is one of the easiest ways to promote overall health and longevity.

The Havanese has a double coat that can be silky or fluffy.

Havanese Dog Breed Information and Personality Traits

If it's not cut, it will grow to about six to eight inches. The amount of grooming a Havanese needs depends on whether you prefer a long or short coat as well as whether the coat is silky or fluffy. A Havanese kept in full coat requires daily grooming and brushing and a weekly bath while a Havanese kept in a short puppy cut needs professional grooming every six to eight weeks and a bath every two weeks. Between professional grooming sessions, the coat should still be brushed several times a week to remove mats or tangles.

With the dog shampoos available now, you can bathe a Havanese weekly if you want without harming his coat.

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The Havanese coat will cord naturally or can be trained to cord—that is, to mat into ringlets—but not everyone finds the look appealing. It takes time for the cords to form, usually six months. It is important to dry the coat thoroughly, however, or it will mildew and stink. The Havanese is referred to as a non-shedder, but all dogs shed at least a little bit. Never believe anyone who tells you that the Havanese is hypoallergenic. All dogs produce dander dead skin cells and their saliva also contains allergenic substances.

Havanese are prone to tear staining. Use a warm, wet cotton ball or wash cloth to clean around their eyes. Their nails grow rapidly and need to be trimmed regularly. All toy breeds have dental issues, and the Havanese is no exception. Brush his teeth regularly with a vet-approved pet toothpaste and have the veterinarian check them during office visits.

Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind. Finding a good breeder is a great way to find the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will without question have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as is possible. He or she is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than in making big bucks. A good breeder can tell you about the history of the breed, explain why one puppy is considered pet quality while another is not, and discuss what health problems affect the breed and the steps she takes take to avoid those problems.

Find a breeder who is a member in good standing of the Havanese Club of America and who has agreed to abide by its code of ethics , which include screening all dogs being bred for genetic diseases, selling only with a written contract and guaranteeing a home for any dog they breed if the owner becomes unable to keep him.

Choose a breeder who is not only willing but insists on being a resource in helping you train and care for your new dog. The HCA has guidelines on how to interview and select a Havanese breeder. The Havanese Club of America and the Havana Silk Dog Association of America recommend purchasing puppies from breeders who provide the following documentation for both parents: According to the HCA website, breeders on the HCA Breeders List must provide proof that their dogs have passed the above tests, and many do additional testing such as SA liver shunt and cardiac exams.

Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run. Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations.

The cost of a Havanese puppy varies depending on his place of origin, whether he is male or female, what titles his parents have, and whether he is best suited for the show ring or a pet home. For that price, the puppy you buy should have been raised in a clean home environment, from parents with health clearances and conformation show titles to prove that they are good specimens of the breed. Before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Havanese might better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams.

An adult Havanese may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home.

If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that. There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Here is how to get started. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the Havaneses available on Petfinder across the country.

AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears. Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Havanese. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations.

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Networking can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. You can also search online for other Havanese rescues in your area. Most people who love Havaneses love all Havaneses. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Havanese home with you to see what the experience is like. You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup.

Wherever you acquire your Havanese, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter.