The Havanese dog breed has won many admirers with their long, silky hair, expressive eyes, and cuddly size. Bred as a companion dog to the Cuban aristocracy in the 1800s, they’ve earned the nickname “Velcro dog” because they stick so closely to their owner’s side.
The Havanese breed is ideal for a person who wants a small, active dog who does not require a large yard and can be contented with frequent walks and games of fetch. These dogs do not do well left alone for long periods.
Overall, these smart dogs are good-natured and make great family dogs. They are highly trainable and can learn tricks and perform in agility and obedience competitions. This clever dog will also make up its own games and train you to play them with him. The Havanese may also be used as a visiting therapy dog, especially if the dog has been well-socialized to not be timid with strangers.
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, an old breed and only native breed that was developed in Cuba when its canine ancestors came to Cuba from Spain in the early 1500s by way of Tenerife in the Canary Islands—the “islands of the dogs.” The Havanese was a beloved pet of Cuban aristocrats and later became popular among wealthy Europeans, including Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens.
SIZE
Males and females stand 8 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches tall, and weigh 7 to 13 pounds. The body is longer than tall; they have drop ears and a tail that curls over the back.
COAT AND COLORS
The breed may have one or two colors including, but not limited to, black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, and red. Its coat can vary drastically from silky straight to very wavy with ringlets.
LIFE EXPECTANCY
14 to 16 years. Havanese generally mature at 1 year of age, although they reach their full size around 6 to 8 months.
CHARACTERISTICS
Havanese are affectionate and happy dogs. They do not make good kennel dogs and prefer being with their owners. They are active dogs and enjoy learning tricks and playing games with their owners.
Havanese are intelligent and trainable. They need socialization to prevent them from becoming timid with strangers.
Like every dog, the Havanese needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they’re young. Socialization helps ensure that your Havanese puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.
The Havanese is a wonderful and versatile pet. The Havanese does well in all types of housing, from apartments to homes with large yards. But he’ll probably bark when he sees someone passing by the house or when he hears a strange noise. The good news is that he doesn’t bark just for the sake of hearing his own voice.
Havanese need a large amount of interaction with people. They are generally good with other pets if properly socialized, and they enjoy outside activities.
The Havanese can be a good watchdog but poor guard dog because of the small size. Occasionally, one may bark excessively if not properly trained.
The Havanese loves to watch the world from up high, and will find his way onto the backs of sofas and tables to watch the day pass by.
To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they’re free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MALE AND FEMAL HAVANESE
Whilst the Havanese breed in general has a very friendly nature and a love for your attention, the males tend to be the most easy-going. With a more laid back and calmer personality for some, they are the preferred gender. As they are more tolerant and playful they tend to display more affection and are often better when in an environment with children, although it is important to note that both the male and female Havanese are known to be very friendly and affectionate dogs who develop strong bonds with their families.
Female Havanese tend to be a lot moodier and emotional. They are typically more dominant and present an attitude of ”love me” instead of acting overly loving towards you.
BREED
If you are buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy’s parents. 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.org).
AVERAGE COST OF A HAVANESE PUPPY
Buying a Havanese is usually expensive. The average cost of a purebred Havanese puppy is around $1,000-$1,500. But that does not mean to say that you can always expect to pay over $1000 for a Havanese. There are a number of different factors that can affect cost.
Sometimes you can get a Havanese from just $700, while other times you can be asked to pay up to $2,500.
The most significant factor to affect the cost is the dog’s breed quality, in that the finer the quality, the higher the price tag.
WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT THE COST OF A HAVANESE DOG?
Here (in no particular order) is the long list of factors that can potentially affect the cost of a Havanese dog:
- Age of the dog
- Location bought from
- Experience of the breeder
- Any apparent health issues
- Pedigree & genetic history
- Any obvious blemishes or marks
- Exotically colored fur or rare looks
- AKC certification status of the breeder
Some of these factors will have a stronger influence than others, and you should try to cover some of the more significant aspects.
Leave a Reply