Collection of frequently asked questions. Please feel free to contact me if your question is not listed.
- What is the life expectancy of a Havanese?
- Are Havanese hypoallergenic?
- Do Havanese shed?
- Do Havanese get along with other pets?
- Are Havanese good with children?
- What health-related issues are common in Havanese?
- How often do Havanese need to be brushed?
- What’s a puppy cut and how do you find a groomer?
- Are Havanese yappy dogs?
- Do males or females make better pets?
- Do you ship puppies?
- What are the colors of a Havanese?
- Are Havanese difficult to housetrain?
- Why are pet quality puppies sold on a spay/neuter contract?
Q: What is the life expectancy of a Havanese?
A: They are a breed relatively free of many serious genetic diseases that can cause premature death. With good veterinary attention and loving care from its family, they will live well into their teenage years. [back to top]
Q: Are Havanese hypoallergenic?
A: No, but their coat is much more like human hair and people who may be allergic to other breed’s of dogs and cats may find they can get along fine with a Havanese. [back to top]
A: Yes, all dogs shed. However, they do not shed their coats seasonally like other breeds. They will loose dead hair when brushed, and you may occasionally find hair where dust bunnies hide. [back to top]
Q: Do Havanese get along with other pets?
A: Because of their lively personality, they get along well with most other animals. More than likely, your puppy will probably be the smallest animal in your household and you will need to supervise a rambunctious larger dog more closely when playing with a Havanese. Also, they generally do not fear larger animals.
They also get along well with cats in your house. However, do be cautious as a cat may choose to use their claws in play which can cause severe eye damage. [back to top]
Q: Are Havanese good with children?
A: Absolutely! I have a child of my own, and they adore each other. While they may look like a stuffed toy, they are not. If you have children that want a dog to ruff house with or to roll and play with on the floor you may want to consider another breed. Some breeders prefer not to place a puppy in a household with small children. [back to top]
Q: What health-related issues are common in Havanese?
A: Juvenile Cataracts, Chrondrodysplasia (CD), Patellar Luxation, Hip Dysplasia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes. Visit HCA, HEARTbreeders, and OFA for more information on these diseases and conditions.. [back to top]
Q: How often do Havanese need to be brushed?
A: To keep a Havanese in full coat, they need to be brushed a minimum of 2-3 times per week and bathed every 2 weeks. If the coat is kept in a puppy cut (short), you can get away with brushing once every week or two and bathing once every 4-6 weeks. [back to top]
Q: What’s a puppy cut and how do you find a groomer?
A: It’s a much shorter version of an adult coat. I recommend families take plenty of pictures of their puppy while it’s growing. When you decide its time for a puppy cut, take a picture with you to the groomer. That way, they’ll be able to see what a true Havanese puppy cut looks like firsthand. If your breeder doesn’t live locally, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation of a groomer in your area. [back to top]
A: No, but they will bark when the door bell rings, someone knocks on the door, or strangers walk by. They’re great little watch dogs too! [back to top]
Q: Do males or females make better pets?
A: There is little difference between a neutered male (no marking or straying) and a spayed female (no heat cycles, blowing coat, or PMS days). Both make wonderful pets! To me, the boys are more cuddly and the girls more independent. Someone once described the difference to me as, “The girls love you, but the boys are IN love with you.” And I agree 100%! [back to top]
A: No, but my home is just 30 minutes from the Atlanta airport. Adoptive families can carry their puppy on board with them in a soft-sided carrier like a Sherpa bag, or alternatively pay my expenses to deliver the puppy. [back to top]
Q: What are the colors of a Havanese?
A: Havanese come in a variety of colors from solids to 2 or 3 color combinations. Additionally, they may change as the dog matures. Some examples of solid colors are white, cream, sable, black, silver, blue, or chocolate. Parti colored Havanese are at least 50% white with spots or patches of a second color. [back to top]
Q: Are Havanese difficult to housetrain?
A: Not anymore than any other toy breed. They have very tiny bladders which simply can’t hold much urine. Therefore, they need to potty often. Patience and consistency are the keys to success. That is why I start litter box training once they are weaned. When my babies leave, they are well on their way to being litter box trained. For more information, go to “Potty Training.” [back to top]
Q: Why are pet quality puppies sold on a spay/neuter contract?
A: When one adopts a Signature Havanese puppy as a pet, it will be eligible for AKC Limited Registration. This means that your Havanese can be registered as a purebred Havanese, but is not to be bred. If your Havanese is bred, its offspring cannot be registered with AKC. Havanese with limited registration can participate in AKC competitions such as obedience, agility, rally, etc. just not conformation classes. Potter, our Berner, has limited registration. Even though I show and breed Havanese, we weren’t willing to make the commitment when we adopted him. [back to top]