How do Big Do Havanese get?
The Havanese is a toy breed that has become very popular in recent years. Many pet owners are adopting the breed because of its playful, cuddly nature–as well as its regal appearance and long, silky fur!
In fact, the Havanese is currently the 24th most popular dog breed in America, as according to the American Kennel Club. The Havanese is a pint-sized companion and is a perfect choice if you want a pup who will not leave your side.
Read on to learn more about the Havanese breed and how large you can expect them to grow to be.
What Is a Havanese Dog?
First things first, what is the Havanese dog? The Havanese is a breed that is easily recognizable by bright, expressive eyes and a long, silky coat that can come in a variety of colors.
They have a body that is longer than it is tall when measured and drop ears with a cute tail that curves over their back. They have an easy temperament, which can make them appealing pets.
Havanese dogs are intelligent and quick learners–so while they were not bred to be working dogs, they can benefit from the structure of obedience training and can learn tricks, or can do very well in agility training, too! They also have a calm, sweet, and playful disposition.
However, it is important that you do not leave a Havanese alone for long periods of time–these dogs were bred as companion dogs and can easily develop separation anxiety. Separation anxiety can then lead to bad habits such as extended bouts of barking or destructive behavior like chewing.
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Havanese Breed History
The Havanese first came from Cuba, and the breed is the national dog of Cuba to this day. Later, their popularity rose and the breed spread around the world–it is especially popular in Canada and America these days, as well as some parts of Europe.
In the 1500s, Spanish farmers and other Spanish settlers brought dogs over with them to Cuba. These dogs were the ancestors of the Havanese that we are familiar with today. The Cubans began to breed Blanquitos–also known as Havana Silk Dogs–with dogs from the Bichon family such as the poodle.
They selected the traits that they liked, and the resulting offspring were the first of the Havanese breed.
The Havanese quickly gained popularity with the wealthy and the aristocracy of Cuba. This breed was a companion dog and simply kept its owners company. Then came the Cuban Revolution, and some of these wealthy families were able to escape to America with their dogs.
This is where the Havanese was introduced to the rest of the world–American breeders started to breed more of the Havanese from the dogs that had come to America, and the rest was history.
The American Kennel Club then recognized the Havanese as an official breed in the year 1996.
Havanese Size Expectancy
The Havanese is typically fully grown by the time they are 1 year old. This is a breed that does not get very large, as they are bred to be a toy breed. For height, the Havanese average between 8 to 12 inches high at their shoulder.
They usually weigh anywhere between 7 to 13 pounds. However, this can vary, as these are just averages. The Havanese does not differ in size based on sex–both male and female Havanese dogs average to be around the same size when fully grown.
Read Also – How Much Should a Havanese Eat in a Day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Havanese a good house dog?
The Havanese breed is one that can make a great house dog! This is due to their small size because they are a toy breed of dog. In addition to their small stature, the Havanese have a temperament that is well suited for being an indoor dog.
They are affectionate and playful and like to stay close to their people. They also do not bark, which can be good if you live in an apartment building or in a neighborhood where the houses are very close together.
Are Havanese dogs high maintenance?
The Havanese dog is not necessarily high maintenance, as they are a laid-back and generally happy breed of dog. They simply like to be with their owners and are very smart, too.
That being said, this is not a breed that does well on its own for too long. Because the Havanese is a companion dog, it can easily develop separation anxiety if it is left alone at home for too long. They also need regular exercise and mental stimulation, as all dogs do–however, due to their small size, they do not need as much exercise as a larger breed would.
Can a Havanese be 20 pounds?
The average weight of a Havanese dog is between 8 and 13 pounds. That being said, it is possible for a Havanese to be larger and even get to be 20 pounds. That is not necessarily the norm, though it can happen!
There are many variables that can affect the weight or height of a dog–or both! Some of these variables include the dog’s genetics, as well as its exercise schedule, diet, and any health issues it might have.
A 20-pound Havanese might not be a healthy dog, so it is important to go to the vet regularly to ensure that your dog is not obese–this can lead to more heath issues.
Do Havanese dogs bark a lot?
Havanese dogs are not known to be barkers. They are fairly calm and docile dogs, though they do have a mischievous and playful side, too! That being said, these dogs do know how to bark and are not totally silent. They simply do not do so often, especially because they were not bred to be guard dogs.
The quieter nature of the Havanese makes them a great choice for apartment dwellers, though be warned–if you leave your Havanese alone for long amounts of time, it may suffer separation anxiety and bark more frequently.