Are Havanese Good Apartment Dogs?
If you have an apartment and are hoping to get a dog, there are definitely a few things that you need to think about. After all, not all dogs are well suited for an apartment, especially if they are a larger breed.
You will want to be sure that, if you do get a dog or a puppy, the breed you choose will be able to thrive in the environment that you are able to provide. This is not only for the dog’s benefit but for yours as well! The Havanese, for instance, is a toy breed of dog, known for its affectionate and playful attitude, as well as its attachment to its owners. Havanese dogs can be good apartment dogs, as long as you are aware of a few variables.
Factors to Consider
There are certain factors to take into account when considering whether or not a dog will be a good apartment dog. Take a look below to see where these factors come into account for the Havanese and the eligibility of this breed as an apartment dog.
Exercise
The energy level and the exercise requirements of a dog are both important to consider. This is because, if a dog is cooped up in the apartment and does not get enough exercise– or possesses too much pent-up energy– they can become disruptive and destructive. The Havanese is a small breed that does not require a large amount of exercise.
They do have a playful disposition but do not need to be taken on runs or hikes for miles as some other breeds require. Playing with a toy inside or a brisk walk around the neighbourhood or apartment complex should be satisfactory for a Havanese. This light exercise should prevent them from being poor apartment mates and becoming restless or destructive!
Further Reading – How Far Can a Havanese Walk?
Size
The size of a breed of dog is important for a couple of reasons. Many apartment complexes have size restrictions for pets, and as a general rule, larger breeds do not do well in smaller spaces, simply because they take up and require more space!
Havanese are a toy breed, so they do not take up much space and should be within the size or weight constraints of your apartment complex. An apartment should be plenty of space for a Havanese to roam, play, and explore.
Noise
Of course, when you have an apartment, you have to be more considerate of your neighbours.
Some apartment complexes and condos are soundproofed well, while others make it more difficult to keep your own noise contained in your space.
While you obviously want to be considerate, the last thing you want is for neighbours to complain to management about the amount of noise you make, either.
You will want to be sure that your dog will not be barking all day, or that you can train your dog not to bark. Luckily, Havanese dogs are not big barkers. They are known to be fairly quiet dogs, though they may bark when strangers or guests enter the apartment. Besides this, the Havanese do not make much noise and should not disturb your neighbours.
Separation Anxiety
While we discussed above how the Havanese is not a loud dog, it could become so if it is suffering from separation anxiety. This is something to consider– how long will you be away from the home, and how long do you plan to leave your pet alone?
The Havanese should not be left alone for more than 3-4 hours, as they are very social and very attached to their owners. Separation anxiety can manifest in different ways, such as barking, accidents, and destruction within the home.
Training
Another consideration for your dog is Havanese training. You want to make sure that you are actively involved in the learning process for your dog right from the beginning. This isn’t just about potty training, or crate training but about everything training.
If you live in an apartment or condo you will need to work extra hard to limit the barking when someone comes over, and make sure your dog is well-behaved on a leash as it will have to be on one every time it goes outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Havanese be left alone during the day?
Havanese dogs are not dogs that do well on their own all day. This is because they do not like to be alone, and get very attached to their owners. If you leave a Havanese alone for too long, the dog will likely suffer from separation anxiety. If you are going to be away often or will be leaving your dog regularly for very long stretches of time, a Havanese may not be the best choice of breed for your lifestyle.
Are Havanese dogs high maintenance?
When it comes to caretaking and grooming, the Havanese dog is high maintenance. This is due to its coat and the fact that it does need to be groomed regularly and often. However, in the case of temperament, the Havanese is no more high maintenance than any other pet.
This breed does get separation anxiety and should not be left alone for too long. They are true companion dogs. They are playful and require a moderate amount of exercise, but much less than a larger breed would need.
Are Havanese indoor dogs?
Havanese dogs can be well suited for indoors, especially because of their size and the fact that they do not require large amounts of exercise. They are a very social breed that bond strongly with their owners and family, so they enjoy spending time indoors with their pack. The Havanese is also a toy breed– most toy breeds are better suited for indoors.
A Havanese could make itself at home in a larger house, as well as a smaller home such as a condo or apartment. While a backyard is not crucial– as long as you still take your pet for regular walks and exercise– some sort of green space makes the home more hospitable for a Havanese.
What is the perfect dog for an apartment?
There are certain dog breeds that are poorly suited for an apartment, and then there are some breeds that can do very well in an apartment space. Smaller breeds such as pugs, Shi Tzus, or Bichon Frises are all well suited for an apartment or a condo.
They are able to do well in smaller spaces, as they do not take up as much space, and do not require as much room for exercise, either.
