Are Havanese Good Family Dogs?
Why a Havanese Dog is a Good Fit for Your Family
Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds and most adorable toy dogs on the planet. They were first bred on the island of Cuba hundreds of years ago but began spreading across North America after the 1960s. Since then, they have been one of the most sought-after family dogs around. There are almost countless reasons why Havanese make great companions for your family. In fact, it is hard to think of one single reason why you shouldn’t introduce one of these bundles of fluff and love into your home.
Havanese Dogs are Great with Kids
Havanese puppies are known for their delightful and playful nature, making them a wonderful addition to families with young children or other pets.
Standing at a maximum height of 11.5 inches, these dogs are the perfect size for toddlers to interact with, ensuring both the child and the Havanese adult dog remain safe during playtime. Their sweet demeanour, showcased by their expressive eyes, makes it evident that these pups would never harm a child, other pets, or even kittens. In fact, many pet parents love having Havanese in homes that already include other animals, from cats to fish.
For a generally healthy breed, early socialization is essential especially with kids and other pets. Introduce your Havanese to a variety of people and animals from a young age, and you’ll be rewarded with arguably the friendliest and healthiest dog you’ve ever had the pleasure of owning.
Given that Havanese often enjoy a lifespan of around 15 years, they make the ideal lifelong companion for children. A bond between a newborn or toddler and a Havanese puppy can be incredibly special, with the two growing up side by side. And since these dogs come in a cuddle-friendly size, your child will cherish the nightly snuggles with their furry best friend.
Havanese can Easily be Trained
Despite their fun size and goofy antics, Havanese are very intelligent and can be trained. This is great if you are looking for a new addition to the family. Havanese will never pee on the floor, they won’t bark at the passing traffic, and they will be excellent watchdogs, alerting you the minute someone breaches the house. You can see more on the American Kennel Club website.
Havanese Dogs Love Love
As a new member of your family, there is no dog more loving and loyal than a Havanese. As the national dog of Cuba, it is simply in their nature to love. They will become fiercely attached to an entire family, including young children, and will often pad about the house after people in a desperate bid for attention. This is ideal for a family environment.
Havanese love going on road trips, family outings, and just lazing around on the back of the couch watching the days go by. Because Havanese require so much devotion, they are well-suited to living inside a family unit as a housedog.
Keep in mind that Havanese really do require mass amounts of human attention. If you are part of a hectic family where the house is often empty and everyone is busy with activities, a Havanese may not be right for you. If left alone, these dogs can suffer from extreme depression and grow anxious.
They may even act out.
It is imperative for the dog’s health that they receive affection and are close to people most of the time. These dogs won’t be happy sleeping in a crate in the kitchen.
That’s not to say you have to treat a Havanese dog like a baby, but they aren’t the most independent animals.
Havanese Dogs Love to Play
Because these canines have so much explosive energy, they are great for active families. It is important for them to get their daily dose of exercise, whether by going on a trip to the park, a walk around the neighbourhood, or just playing in the backyard.
For families who love the outdoors and have small children who like to play in the park, a Havanese dog is the perfect addition to the family. They are one of the best family dogs to play with your kids. They have a surprising amount of energy for such small dogs. They’ll certainly exhaust your kids in time for bed.
A fun fact about Havanese is that they love paper. Toilet paper, loose scraps of paper – really any kind of paper they can get their paws on. They love to play with it. If you have paper somewhere lying around in the house, chances are your Havanese will sniff it out and try to make a mess. As a treat, try leaving a roll of toilet paper around to see what happens!
Our little Nessie LOVES toilet rolls and paper towel rolls as well. When we are finished with the paper she gets the roll and loves it. It’s a great little treat after a bath and shampoo or a walk-in her harness
Havanese are Good Family Dogs
To sum up the title of this article, we will say flat out that yes, Havanese (havana silk dog) make fantastic family dogs. They may even be the best family dogs, they are certainly not the only dog breed that is good for families.
However, they are not the best guard dogs. It is hard to be intimidated by a ten-inch-tall animal.
But if you are looking for a family friend and not a vicious, snarling beast to guard your home, a Havanese is perfect. They can even do dog sports.
Despite its small stature, they are still good at warding away intruders with their gravelly barks.
Inside the home it is hard to find a cheerier pup to take care of the family. Havanese are great silent companions for the elderly. They are full of energy and love for young children, and they will be well-trained and well-behaved for the masters of the household. All the while, the Havanese will be adorable and extremely loyal.
It is almost better for a Havanese puppy to go with a family because there is less of a chance that the family will give up the dog for adoption a year or two later. These dogs become very attached to their owners, and it is important the owners become attached to their Havanese.
If you do decide to add a Havanese dog or puppy to your family, you should have peace of mind knowing you are making a smart decision. You will never be bored, disappointed, or frustrated with a Havanese dog. Even if you wanted to be sour with your new canine friend, it’s nearly impossible. Havanese are simply too cute to be mad at!
FAQ
Are Havanese Dogs Good With Cats?
Havanese dogs are well known for being great with cats. I live with two Ragdoll cats and Nessie is great with both of them. Ok so I’ll define great. Grandma Cat is 25, and pretty slow and old. She gets on ok with Nessie and her don’t fight. Maya is a younger cat, and her and Nessie don’t always see eye to eye on things. They don’t cuddle and sometimes Maya swipes at her when they get too close in the hallway. Most of the time however they are fine.
If you have a cat and want to get a Havanese dog, or you have a Havanese dog and want to get a cat I would recommend trying it out. It worked for us.
As a side note, make sure you work with reputable breeders, or a rescue to get your new dog.
Do Havanese Dogs Shed?
One of the major considerations for purchasing a family dog is the expense, the behaviour and the cleanup. The good news for people considering a Havanese Dog is that they do not shed. This alone can be a major consideration for people. This means there is very little cleanup when it comes to shedding in the home.
Do Havanese Dogs Bark a lot?
Havanese are one of the dog breeds known for being vocal. They have a natural alertness which can lead them to bark at noises, strangers, or when they want to get your attention. This trait makes them good watchdogs, as they will alert their owners to any unusual activity. However, this can also mean they might bark more than some other breeds, especially if they are bored, anxious, or not adequately socialized.
That said, every Havanese is an individual, and some might be more prone to barking than others. It’s essential to begin training and socialization early to make sure they don’t bark excessively. Providing them with adequate mental and physical stimulation, as well as consistent training, can help reduce unnecessary barking.
If a Havanese is barking excessively, it’s crucial for pet parents to determine the cause (e.g., boredom, anxiety, territorial behavior) and address it accordingly to ensure a happy and healthy dog.
How Much Dog Food Should a Havanese Eat in a Day?
The amount of dog food a Havanese should consume per day varies based on factors like age, activity level, metabolism, and the type of food being served. On average, the Havanese breed typically requires less food than larger breeds, given their smaller size.
For an adult Havanese, most pet parents provide between 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dog food, divided into two meals a day, but Havanese feeding times can vary, this is just a general guideline. The specific amount might differ depending on the caloric content of the dog food you’re using and the dog’s individual needs.
It’s essential to note that while other dogs might require more or less food due to their size and energy levels, for the Havanese breed, it’s crucial to monitor their weight and adjust portions accordingly. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can pose health risks. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding plan for your Havanese.
The number of calories a dog needs varies based on factors like age, activity level, and overall health. For a moderately active dog weighing between 10-15 pounds, the general guideline is about 30-40 calories per pound of body weight per day.
Given that information, a 10-15 pound Havanese would require approximately 300-600 calories per day. If you’re feeding them a commercial dog food, you can check the label for the caloric content per cup or serving. This will help you determine how much food to provide based on your specific dog food’s caloric density.