Understanding the Havanese Breed
If you are considering getting a Havanese dog, it is important to understand the breed’s characteristics, history, and temperament. Havanese dogs are a small toy breed that originated in Cuba. They are also known as Havana Silk Dogs, Bichon Havanais, and Spanish Silk Poodles. Havanese dogs were originally bred to be companion dogs for Cuban aristocrats, and they have since become popular pets in many parts of the world.
One of the most distinctive features of the Havanese breed is their double coat. The outer coat is long and silky, while the undercoat is short and dense. Regular grooming is required for this breed to prevent fur matting and tangling. Havanese dogs also require regular exercise and socialization to keep them healthy and happy.
Havanese dogs are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are affectionate and playful, making them great family pets. Despite having stubborn nature, they are easy to train as they are quire intelligent. Havanese dogs make good watchdogs, as they are alert and will bark to alert their owners of any potential danger.
The American Kennel Club recognizes the Havanese breed and provides breed standards for show dogs. According to the AKC, Havanese dogs should be between 8.5 and 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 7 and 13 pounds. They come in a variety of colors, including white, blue, fawn, red, brown, gray, black, brown/chocolate, and yellow/gold.
Havanese Training Doesn’t Need to be Complicated
Training a Havanese dog doesn’t have to be a difficult process, this breed is intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. However, like any other dog breed, they require consistent training and socialization to ensure they develop good behavior and habits.
When it comes to training your Havanese, it’s important to start early. Begin with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Reward your dog immediately after they perform a desired behavior to help them understand what you’re asking of them.
Socialization is also key when it comes to Havanese training. These dogs are social animals and thrive on human interaction. Make sure to expose your Havanese to different people, places, and experiences to help them become well-adjusted and confident.
Consistency is also important in Havanese training. It is important to establish a routine for your dog and follow it precisely. Use the same commands and techniques consistently to avoid confusing your dog. If you’re having trouble training your Havanese, consider enrolling them in a professional training class.
Crate Training Your Havanese
Crate training is an effective way to potty train your Havanese and keep them safe and secure while you are away. Some ways to help you crate train your Havanese are mentioned below.
Choosing the Right Crate
Choose a crate that is the right size for your Havanese. The size of the crate should be enough for your Havanese to move around easily. However, it should not be too big, as this may encourage your dog to use one end of the crate as a bathroom.
Introducing Your Havanese to the Crate
Introduce your Havanese to the crate gradually. Start by placing treats and toys inside the crate to encourage your dog to go inside. Once your Havanese is comfortable going inside the crate, start closing the door for short periods of time while you are home. You can gradually increase your dog’s time in the crate.
Using the Crate for Potty Training
Use the crate to help with potty training. Take your Havanese outside to go to the bathroom, and then place them in the crate for a short period of time. When you take your dog out of the crate, take them outside again to go to the bathroom. Repeat this process until your Havanese learns to associate going outside with going to the bathroom.
Avoiding Separation Anxiety
Avoid leaving your Havanese in the crate for long periods of time. This can lead to separation anxiety and other behavioral problems. Instead, use the crate as a safe place for your dog to rest while you are away.
Crate Training Tips
Some additional ideas to crate train your Havanese:
- Never use the crate as a punishment.
- Make sure your Havanese has access to water while in the crate.
- To prevent boredom, it is important to engage your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Always supervise your Havanese when they are outside of the crate.
- Be patient and consistent with your training.
Physical Characteristics of Havanese Dogs
Havanese dogs are small and sturdy, with a slightly longer body than their height. They have drop ears, expressive eyes, and a tail curled over their back. The average weight of Havanese dogs ranges from seven to 13 pounds, and their height ranges from 8.5 to 11.5 inches. They are considered a toy breed.
The Havanese coat is double-layered, long, silky, and straight or wavy with ringlets. They come in a variety of colors, including black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, and sable. They can also have red undertones in their coat. Male and female Havanese dogs are similar in appearance, with no significant physical differences.
Havanese dogs are fully grown at around 12 to 18 months of age. They have a slow growth rate, and it is essential to feed them a balanced diet to ensure they grow at a healthy rate. Havanese dogs do not shed much, making them a great option for people with allergies or those who prefer a cleaner home.
The Havanese Personality
Havanese dogs are known for their friendly, cheerful, and sociable personalities. They make excellent companions and are popular among families with children and seniors. They are often referred to as “velcro dogs” because of their strong attachment to their owners and their desire to be near them at all times.
These dogs have a playful and affectionate nature, and they love to be around people. Being intelligent and eager to please their people, they are easy to train. They are also adaptable and can thrive in both big homes with big families or inside a small apartment in the city.
Havanese dogs have a great sense of humor and enjoy entertaining their owners. They are also known for their gentle nature and make great therapy dogs. They are not aggressive and get along well with other pets, making them an excellent addition to any household.
Havanese Dogs and Cats
If you have a Havanese dog and are considering getting a cat, or vice versa, it’s important to introduce them properly to ensure they get along. Havanese dogs are generally friendly and sociable, making them a good match for cats, but it’s still important to supervise their interactions and take steps to prevent any potential problems.
When introducing your Havanese dog to a cat, start by keeping them separated for a few days to a week. This will give them time to get used to each other’s scents and sounds without being able to physically interact. It may be wise to incorporate something positive like eating togather. You can start by feeding them on the opposites sides of the door.
Once you feel that they are ready to meet face-to-face, keep your Havanese dog on a leash and let the cat approach them on their own terms. If they seem scared or uncomfortable, don’t enforce them to interact. It’s also important to provide plenty of escape routes for the cat, such as high perches or hiding spots, so they can retreat if they feel threatened.
If your Havanese dog and cat seem to be getting along well, you can gradually increase their time together and eventually let them roam freely around each other. However, it’s important to always supervise their interactions and separate them if any aggressive behavior occurs.
It’s also important to note that some Havanese dogs may have a tendency to lick, which can be annoying or even harmful to cats. If your Havanese is a licker, try to discourage this behavior and provide plenty of toys and distractions to keep them occupied.
Feeding Your Havanese Dog
Feeding your Havanese dog is an essential aspect of their care. It is crucial to ensure that your dog is receiving the proper nutrition they need to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Here are some tips on how to feed your Havanese dog.
Amount of Food
The amount of food your Havanese dog needs will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. As a general rule, adult Havanese dogs should be fed around 1/2 to 1 cup of food per day, split into two meals. However, this may vary depending on your dog’s individual needs. Puppies will require more frequent feeding, with smaller portions given throughout the day.
Type of Food
The type of food you choose to feed your Havanese dog is also important. It is recommended to choose a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for small breed dogs. Look for dog food that contains real meat as the first ingredient, and avoid foods that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.
Feeding Schedule
Establishing a feeding schedule for your Havanese dog is essential to help them adjust to a routine. It is recommended to feed your dog at the same time each day, ideally in the morning and evening. Avoid free-feeding your dog, as this can lead to overeating and weight gain.
Treats
Treats can be a great way to reward your Havanese dog for good behavior, but it is important to choose the right ones. Avoid giving your dog table scraps or human food, as this can lead to digestive issues and obesity. Instead, opt for small, healthy treats that are specifically made for dogs.
Water
Lastly, make sure your Havanese dog always has access to fresh, clean water. Change their water bowl daily and ensure it is filled up throughout the day. Dehydration can be dangerous for dogs, so it is important to monitor their water intake.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Havanese dog is receiving the proper nutrition they need to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Socializing Your Havanese
Socializing your Havanese is an important part of their development. It helps them become well-rounded and confident dogs. Here are some tips to help you socialize your Havanese:
- Start early: Havanese can be quite social if they start socializing at a young age. The prime period set to introduce this behaviour is between 3 to 16 weeks.
- Introduce new environments: Take your Havanese puppy to different settings like parks, pet-friendly cafes, and friends’ houses to familiarize them with diverse environments.
- Organize playdates: It will be a great idea to introduce your Havanese with other dogs through playdates. They can grow to be socially active and make new pals. However, every dog should be monitored closely for aggressive behavior.
- Supervise interactions: Always supervise your Havanese when they are interacting with other dogs or people. This will help evaluate their behaviour in a better way and timely prevent any negative behaviour that may lead to aggression.
- Positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise to help your Havanese associate socialization with positive experiences.
- Exposure to different stimuli: Introduce your Havanese to different stimuli such as different sounds, textures, and smells. This will introduce an adaptive quality in them and make them less fearful towards new experiences and places.
Remember, socializing your Havanese is an ongoing process. The more experiences they have, the more well-rounded and confident they will become.
