Havanese
Temperament:
These outgoing and playful dogs have become an extremely popular dog breed in Germany. Due to their small body size and uncomplicated character, Havanese are ideal as a companion dog for everyone. It is definitely a low-maintenance dog. This dog breed is very open-minded and trusting towards others. Because of their nature, they are often used as therapy or tracking dogs.
Characteristics
The Havanese belongs to the small dog breeds and is classified in group 9 according to FCI recognition. With a height of about 23- 27 cm and an average body weight of 5 - 7 kg, this breed is rather small and yet extremely energetic, active and agile.
Visually particularly striking are the hanging ears of the quadrupeds. These are set high on the head of the animal and occupied by long strands of hair. Overall, the physique of the animals is somewhat rectangular with a low center of gravity. A very special feature of this breed is the long silky shiny coat, which can be found in a wide variety of colors and shades. The basic color of the coat is always white, which is then interspersed with different tones.
The top coat of the animals can become very long and is usually pleasantly soft. The structure of the hair can be smooth, slightly wavy or even curly and is thus as individual as the animal itself.
The Havanese is basically a very more balanced, sociable Dog. He has a lovable nature, is extremely docile and happy. These animals especially enjoy learning new tricks and feats, which is why they often perform in front of an audience as so-called "show dogs". They are very active and have a lot of energy.
Since these dogs love to romp and play and have a tremendous urge to move it is important that Havanese Sufficient outlet get. Extensive walks and games where the little ones can run a lot are beneficial here. Even if the little four-legged friends like to cuddle and cuddle, they are by no means to be regarded as pure lap dogs, but need just as much exercise as large dog breeds.
Havanese build a close and intense bond with their owners and families, and often appear in relation to them very affectionate. Some Havanese tend to have pronounced Separation anxiety and want to be with them always and everywhere. They do not feel comfortable when they are alone in the house and should therefore not be left completely alone if possible. If being left alone is unavoidable, it makes sense to teach the animal to do this when it is still a puppy, so that separation anxiety does not arise in the first place.
Like all dogs, Havanese need attention and care, but can occupy themselves for short periods of time. Despite their small body size, Havanese have a strong protective instinct and would do anything to protect their owners. Havanese are very intelligent dogs, which have an quick thinking dispose
The animals are very fixated on us humans and dependent on them which has the consequence that they can learn a lot from us if we allow this and encourage accordingly. It makes sense to educate the Havanese at a young age, at best of course in puppyhood, and teach him all hand.
Both strangers and unknown dogs, and even other creatures, this breed is Always open minded. The calm, self-confident and completely aggression-free charisma of the animals makes them pleasant companions. Problems in dealing with new and unknown situations appear very rarely with these small lively four-legged friends.
Their curiosity and desire to learn new things ensures that the breed is also ideal as a Therapy dog suitable. Especially in the support of people with disabilities or impairments Havanese are used with pleasure. The animals have great pleasure in their occupation and can also do something good. Not infrequently, Havanese are also trained to pick up tracks.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
The Havanese has a relatively high life expectancy of 10 to 13 years on average. However, so that this can also be maintained, a balanced, healthy diet of enormous importance for the animal. The intake of nutrients and vitamins is important and should be provided by a selected feed.
Since Havanese, like probably most dog breeds, have a tendency to seem insatiable, special care should be taken when it comes to the daily amount of food. Overfeeding the animal quickly leads to obesity, that has a negative effect on the joints of the dogs. It is particularly important for small dogs that they maintain their weight and do not tend to be overweight, as the often short and thin legs of the four-legged friends can otherwise hardly support the body weight. Joint pain and discomfort are then the result.
The correct daily amount of food depends on various factors. These include the size and weight of the animal as well as the age and the urge to move. In general, the more active the dog, the higher the dosage of the food may be.
Health & Care
Havanese need with regard to the Coat care very special attention. The long top coat of dogs must be regularly washed, brushed, groomed and trimmed if necessary. Dirt and grime like to settle on the coat, so it must be cleaned and protected from matting.
It should also be noted that the hair of the animals should be tied at full length in the face of the dog, so that it does not interfere with the field of vision of the animals. The areas around the eyes should also be cleaned daily or shortened if necessary to prevent inflammation of the eyes.
In summer, the danger of ticks, which can hide in the long, messy hair of dogs, is enormously high. The annoying parasites are hardly detectable at first glance, so regular coat checks should be carried out.
There is no change of coat between seasons in Havanese. In winter the fur keeps the animals warm and in summer it protects them from overheating. This positive feature is due to the Cuban origin of the dogs. In general, Havanese shed very little dog hair, so that this breed is also well suited for allergy sufferers who normally react to precipitating dog hair.
Havanese belong to the healthy dog breeds, which are currently not overbred and therefore do not have any diseases typical for the breed. Nevertheless, a dog can get diseases. Regular control visits to the vet and compliance with all relevant vaccinations are therefore mandatory.
Suitable accessories
Havanese love to romp and play for their lives, so as a dog owner it is essential to have some Toys should acquire. Also, the animals gladly accept so-called Agility trainings participate or have pleasure in Games of skill. Playdates with other dogs are also a good solution to keep the little fur-balls busy.
Havanese like to have everything in sight, which is why they like to choose places that are higher. This includes sofa backs or chairs, for example. Since the animal's world is difficult to see from their perspective, they often want to be high up, so don't be surprised if your Havanese always chooses elevated places to sleep or linger.
Origin & History
The Havanese comes, as the name suggests, originally from Cuba. First ancestors of today's breed are said to have existed there already in the 15th century. Even then, Havanese were considered faithful companions and were often kept by nobles and wealthy people.
As a popular breed dog, he was then brought to Europe, especially to Spain, France and England, where especially in the middle of the 19th century a real peak in terms of breeding and popularity of the breed arose. In the meantime, however, this "hype" has subsided again, which brings the advantage for future owners of Havanese that these animals are not overbred.
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