Your Havanese Dog and Water
Havanese dogs are adorable with their long goofy hair and soulful faces, but they don’t exactly look like the best swimmers, do they? If someone were to pick a pet to be their lifeguard at the beach, it probably is not going to be a Havanese. However, you may be surprised by the amount of muscle and athleticism beneath their furry coats.
Can Havanese Dogs Swim?
Yes, Havanese dogs can swim. We take Nessie out to the cabin at the lake and she loves to get into the water and swim after sticks. Which is funny because she isn’t a very good retriever, but in the water she loves it. We have a life jacket for her which works well, but often around the shore we just let her go in and out of the water.
Having said that, Havanese are not water dogs, and not specifically designed as great swimmer, especially if they have longer hair that will weigh them down when they get wet. It is important to always watch your dog and be with it when it is swimming.
Havanese dogs are pretty tough for their size, though you would never know it unless you took the shaver out and gave your pup a trim. But hold on – before you toss your Havanese dog into the lake and see if they can swim, read the rest of this article!
Do Havanese Like Water?
This might be a better question. Almost every animal can “swim” if you toss it in some water. But whereas many dogs instinctively run into the waves and splash around in the water, a Havanese may be coyer about the situation. The first time your Havanese dog is exposed to water may be frightening, and it may take some time before they get used to it. If given enough time and experience, it is highly likely that your Havanese will not only be able to swim, but they will enjoy it!
Because the Havanese is such a tiny dog, you do need to take some precautions before diving straight into the water. Your pup needs to wet their toes and learn the ropes. They can undoubtedly learn how to swim, but whether or not they enjoy it is the question. Most do, but it is entirely possible you’re your Havanese only tolerates the activity because you are standing at the water’s edge with your arms crossed. Watch my Havanese swim.
Can I Teach My Havanese How to Swim?
Absolutely, yes. There are many reasons to teach your Havanese how to swim. This is especially true if you have small children and live near a body of water or have a pool on the property. In the case of an emergency, you want your Havanese to have the skills necessary to help a small child get out of the pool safely. It is better that your dog is prepared for the situation rather than caught by surprise. This is true for the Havanese as well. In a watery emergency, it is important that your dog understands how to swim itself to safety.
Because your fully grown Havanese dog is not going to weigh any more than 13 pounds, it has a head start in the floating business. Your dog is already buoyant and should be able to paddle its way across the pool no problem. However, you want to keep your dog inside of a life jacket while learning how to swim, at least until they get used to the water. Before teaching your dog to swim, make sure you learn proper canine first aid and pet CPR.
Can Havanese Puppies Swim?
Nobody recommends that puppies swim, especially your Havanese pup. Even if they can swim, it is a terrible idea to start teaching your Havanese dog before they have grown to adulthood. This is due to a huge number of reasons. The first of which is the potty training. You want to make sure your dog fully understands the business… well, it’s business before you start playing in the water. A water potty training accident could be a regretful mess.
The second biggest reason is that water can have some pretty ugly contaminants inside of it. Chlorine is especially harmful to dogs, and everything is more harmful to puppies. Their immune systems are still developing, and any kind of pollutant or pathogen is going to do serious damage. Even natural water, like lakes or beaches, is going to contain dangerous things that can potentially harm your puppy’s system. It is highly recommended that you wait until your Havanese is a minimum of one year old. Make sure they are grown and developed before you take them for a swim.
Can My Havanese Dog Swim in the Pool?
There are short answers and long answers to this question.
The brief answer is yes, your Havanese dog can swim in the pool. The long answer is… well, they probably shouldn’t. First of all, is chlorine. Chlorine is absolutely terrible for dogs. It burns their eyes, hurts their ears, and irritates their skin. It’s a chemical that dogs simply don’t agree with. If your Havanese happens to swallow the chlorine water, which is ever possible, they are likely going to have some issues later on with their stomach. They can swim in the pool, sure, but try not to make it a daily activity.
The second reason you want to keep your Havanese away from chlorine is because of their beautiful shaggy coats. Chlorine is going to cause your dog’s hair to mat, tangle, get dry and brittle, and take on a dirty, non-colourful appearance. In short, your Havanese will start to look like a junkyard dog after too much time in the pool.
How Can I Teach My Havanese Dog to Swim?
Learning to teach Havanese Dogs is not as hard as it sounds.
Havanese are very sensitive to their owner’s emotions and outputs. This is why the only good style of training for swimming is going to be positive reinforcement training. This is true with everything for the Havanese since they are such sweet animals. You want to allow your Havanese access to some clean, preferably chlorine-free water, and then reinforce good water behaviour and swimming skills with treats and happy praise.
Here are some of the basic commands you want to train your Havanese dog to obey when around water. First, teach your dog to only enter the water when you say so. Two, teach your dog to exit the water on command, using certain exit points.
That is pretty much it. Follow these simple rules and your Havanese will be swimming in no time!
What about the Hot Tub?
Havanese and really any dog for that matter should not go into the hot tub. It is not a safe environment for them.
Will a Havanese Swim in a Swimming Pool?
My In-laws have a swimming pool and yes a Havanese will swim in a pool. We sometimes have her life jacket on and sometimes we don’t. We are always there with her either way.
Watch my Nessie Havanese swim.
Havanese Swimming FAQ
Can Havanese Dogs Swim?
Havanese, like all dogs, have the innate capability to swim. However, they’re not naturally strong swimmers like some other breeds. If you’re (Havanese owners) introducing your Havanese to water, there are some important considerations:
- Start Slowly: Introduce your Havanese to water gradually. Begin with shallow waters and watch their reactions. If they seem fearful, it’s essential to be patient and not force them.
- Safety First: Always ensure your Havanese is wearing a dog life vest when swimming, especially in deeper water or if they’re still getting accustomed to swimming. This will provide buoyancy and help keep them safe.
- Supervision: Never leave your Havanese unsupervised around water, even if they’ve become confident swimmers. Unexpected situations can arise, and it’s always best to be present to assist if necessary.
- Grooming After Swimming: Havanese have a thick, double coat. After swimming, it’s crucial to rinse off any salt or chlorine from their fur. Additionally, ensure they’re thoroughly dried and brushed to prevent tangles and matting.
- Watch Out for Exhaustion: Dogs might not realize when they’re getting tired, so be sure to monitor your Havanese for signs of fatigue and get them out of the water if they seem tired.
- Pool Safety: If you have a pool, ensure it’s fenced or has a safety cover. Also, make sure your Havanese knows where the stairs or exit points are in case they accidentally fall in.
While not all Havanese dogs will love the water, with the right introduction and precautions, many can come to enjoy swimming. Always prioritize safety and comfort when introducing your dog to new experiences.
What Are Havanese Known For?
Havanese dogs are known for several distinctive traits and qualities:
- Origin: They are the national dog of Cuba and are named after the Cuban capital, Havana. Their lineage can be traced back to dogs of Spanish settlers, and they’ve thrived in Cuba for centuries.
- Temperament: Havanese dogs are known for their friendly, affectionate, and playful nature. They bond closely with their families and are particularly good with children.
- Intelligence and Trainability: They’re smart dogs and often excel in obedience and agility training. Their eagerness to please combined with their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train.
- Adaptability: You can teach Havanese dogs because they are versatile and can adapt well to different living environments. Whether in a city apartment or a suburban house with a yard, they are happy as long as they’re with their family.
- Silky Coat: Their long, silky, and wavy coat is one of their most distinctive features. While beautiful, this coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
- Companion Dogs: Havanese are known for being excellent companion dogs. They thrive on human interaction and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
- Size: They are a small toy breed, typically weighing between 7 to 13 pounds when fully grown, making them suitable for families or individuals with limited space.
- Sturdiness: Despite their small size, they’re quite sturdy and not as delicate as some other toy breeds.
- Watchdogs: While they’re friendly, Havanese dogs are also alert and can be good watchdogs, often barking to alert their owners of visitors or unusual noises.
- Health: They are a generally healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help ensure they live a long, healthy life.
Overall, the Havanese breed is known for its loving temperament, adaptability, and beautiful appearance, making them a popular choice for many families and individuals.