Is the Havanese Right for You?

 

Let Me Tell You About the Havanese

Absolutely! The Havanese is a delightful little dog with a big personality. Here's a full rundown of what makes this breed so special:

🐶 Breed Overview

• Origin: Cuba (national dog of Cuba)

• Group: Toy breed

• Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches

• Weight: 7 to 13 pounds

• Lifespan: 14 to 16 years

• Coat: Long, silky, and can be straight or wavy

• Colors: Wide range including white, black, chocolate, cream, gold, red, silver, and more

💖 Personality & Temperament

• Affectionate & Friendly: Known for being loving and gentle with family members

• Great with Kids & Pets: Very tolerant and playful, making them ideal family dogs

• Social Butterflies: Thrive on companionship and love being around people

• Trainable & Intelligent: Quick learners and eager to please

🏡 Living Needs

• Perfect for Apartments: Small size and low barking make them great for urban living

• Companionship is Key: They don’t do well when left alone for long periods and may develop separation anxiety

• Moderate Exercise Needs: Daily walks and playtime are enough to keep them happy

🧼 Grooming & Care

• High Grooming Needs: Their long coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles

• Low Shedding: Considered hypoallergenic due to minimal shedding and dander

• Health Considerations: Prone to issues like deafness and luxating patella, so regular vet visits are important

🐾 Fun Facts

• Descended from Mediterranean “Barbichon” dogs, related to the Bichon Frise and Maltese

• Once known as the “Havana Silk Dog” or “Spanish Silk Poodle”

• Ranked 25th most popular breed by the AKC in 2022

references: www.akc.org, www.thesprucepets.com, www.dogster.com