Basic Things You Should Know About The Havanese

The Havanese (also known as the "Havana Silk Dog") is a toy breed of dog. They feature a curly non-shedding coat in many colours. The breed first appeared in the 15th century. They were originally bred for providing companionship to Spanish sailors. These days they are popular as a companion dog for families or allergy sufferers. They can be recognized by their cheerful and eager-to-please nature. They are thought to originate from Cuba and are a descendant of the now-extinct Blanquito de la Habana with the Poodle and other Bichon types.

They are classified as a small sized dog. The recommended male and female size is 8.5-11.5 inches high with a weight of 7-13 pounds. Their temperament is well-known to be curious and affectionate. They are typically friendly with strangers, and this plus their small size makes them unsuitable as a guard dog. The breed is known to be highly intelligent, and ranks quite highly compared to all other breeds when learning new obedience instructions.

They are playful and affectionate with children, which can make them very suitable as a family pet. They do get along well with other animals such as dogs of a similar size that become good playmates. Grooming them is a time consuming task. They need regular brushing every second day, and full grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. They enjoy having a small (but is actually happiest with their family) yard to run around in, but can be highly be suitable for apartment life.

Like most small sized breeds, they are primarily long-lived with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Their most severe health concern is patellar luxation or PRA, and they are also susceptible to cataracts, hip dysplasia or dry skin. They enjoy hobbies like playing games or running around the house. They have a medium level of energy, which means they need moderate walks each day to prevent destructive behavior.

If you own the Havanese you need to be prepared to give them a high amount of attention and plenty of mental challenges. They are less suitable for people who are not home often, but highly suitable for families, apartment dwellers or allergy sufferers who'll give plenty of attention. One of the best things about this breed is that it has an affectionate nature and is playful with kids which makes it a good family pet and companion.

If you want to learn more Havanese information and other related topics take a look at this page.