Raising a Havanese at home is a very rewarding experience. They are intelligent, affectionate, and playful dogs that bring a lot of joy to their families. However, it requires regular attention and care, especially regarding the beauty of its fur and meeting its need for companionship.
Breeding Havanese dog at home
The Havanese is a wonderful and beloved breed to raise at home. It has a playful, affectionate personality and intelligence, making it an ideal companion. Here is detailed information about raising a Havanese at home:
General Characteristics of the Havanese:
Size: Small, weighing between 4.5 and 7.3 kg and standing between 23 and 29 cm.
Temperature: Playful, affectionate, intelligent, sociable, responsive, and family-oriented.
Lifespan: Typically lives 14 to 16 years.
Coat: It has a long, soft, and silky coat, available in a wide range of colors and patterns. It does not shed much, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers, but it does require regular grooming.
Origin: It is the national dog of Cuba and is also known as the "Havana Silk Dog."
Coat Care (Grooming):
Daily Brushing: The Havanese's coat is long and prone to matting and tangling, so it needs daily brushing or at least every other day to prevent matting. Use a wide-toothed comb and a slicker brush.
Bathing: The Havanese needs regular bathing, every one to two weeks, using a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner. Make sure to remove all knots before bathing, and dry the coat thoroughly after bathing to avoid tangles.
Haircutting: Many breeders prefer to give their Havanese a regular "puppy cut" to reduce grooming time. You can do this yourself if you have the necessary tools or take it to a professional groomer every month or two.
Eye and Ear Care: Clean the corners of the eyes daily to prevent tear staining, and check the ears regularly to ensure they are clean and free of excess wax or dirt. Some Havanese dogs may need to have excess ear hair plucked to keep them ventilated.
Nail Trimming: Trim your Havanese's nails regularly to keep their feet healthy and comfortable.
Feeding:
Feed a high-quality food specially formulated for small breeds. The amount of food depends on the dog's age, weight, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.
For puppies, feed puppy food 3-4 times daily until 6 months of age, then twice daily. Adult dogs usually eat twice daily.
Exercise and Diet:
Despite its small size, the Havanese is an active dog and requires moderate daily exercise, about 20-40 minutes per day.
Daily walks and playtime at home or in a secure garden are sufficient to keep it active.
The Havanese loves interactive games and learning tricks, which helps stimulate it mentally and physically.
Health:
In general, the Havanese is a healthy breed, but it can be prone to some health problems, such as:
Bone and joint diseases (such as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and luxating patellas).
Eye problems (such as cataracts).
Dental and gum problems.
Regular veterinary checkups and adherence to a vaccination schedule are important.
Training and Behavior:
Intelligence and Training: The Havanese is intelligent, easy to train, and responds well to positive reinforcement (rewards and praise).
Keep training sessions short and fun, especially with puppies.
Use positive reinforcement such as tasty treats, praise, and play.
Consistency and consistency are key to successful Havanese training.
Socialization:
It is very important to socialize the Havanese from a young age to accustom them to new people, other animals, and different environments.
Lack of adequate socialization can lead to shyness or anxiety.
Pool Training: Toilet training the Havanese can be challenging due to their small bladder and emotional state.
Start with crate or potty training.
Let the puppy go outside frequently, especially after waking up, after eating, and before bedtime.
Reward them immediately when they relieve themselves in the right place.
Separation Anxiety: Havanese are very social dogs and prefer to be with their owners. They don't like to be left alone for long periods of time and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone.
Start by training your dog to be alone for very short periods of time and gradually increase the time.
Providing interactive toys or toys with rewards can help distract them while you're away.
Home Life with the Havanese:
Ideal Family Dog: The Havanese is an excellent family dog, getting along well with children and other pets.
Unsuitable for loneliness: Due to its strong need for companionship, it's not recommended to raise a Havanese if you work outside the home for long periods and leave them alone.
Good Guard Dog: Despite its small size, it makes a good guard dog and alerts its owners to any intruders or strange sounds.
City-Friendly: Its small size and adaptable nature make it an ideal dog for living in apartments and cities.
