Picture this: a spirited, vivacious, tiny ball of fluff with pleading, liquid eyes that scream, “Play with me.” You are almost convinced it’s a stuffed toy, but then it shakes itself, its silky coat shimmers, and off it goes in a flurry of paws! This is the Havanese, the only dog breed native to Cuba and, interestingly, the 25th most popular one in the United States. Bearing resemblance to a cuddly teddy bear, these dogs are the center of attraction everywhere they go. But beware, admiration is a two-way street. Because Havaneses demand as much as, if not more, attention and affection they receive. Now, does that make them a difficult kind of dog? Let’s find out!
The first thing you should understand about the Havanese is that they belong to the bred-for-companionship Bichon family, which translates to an undyeing love for company. They thrive on attention and exhibit a range of ‘sharesies,’ a term coined by Havanese owners to describe how these dogs love to place their toys or treats near their owners, expecting a playful interaction. Sounds cute, right? Until you have a pressed work deadline and your Havanese is persuading you to a game of fetch!
These dogs are famous for their clown-like antics, but that can sometimes transcend into an incessant mischief, which can be quite a challenge to manage. An unmanaged Havanese might resort to unacceptable behaviors like chewing on precious items, barking endlessly, or tearing apart pillows! And this is where an early and consistent set of ground rules, along with systematic obedience training, become indispensable. The good news? They are intelligent dogs who learn quickly.
Let’s talk grooming. Havaneses are wrapped in a double-coat of silky fur that buffers them against the tropical heat of their homeland – but it mats, tangles, and collects dirt if not taken care of properly. Regular brushing becomes a non-negotiable part of your life with a Havanese. Professional grooming every few months is also advised. If grooming your dog seems like a bother, consider keeping your Havanese’s hair short, keeping it trimmed is a practical grooming workaround.
Are you an outdoorsy person? Havaneses aren’t exactly what you call a sporty breed, but these little dogs need their share of daily physical exercise to stay healthy and happy. A few rounds of play inside your house or a short walk in the park should suffice. While they might not accompany you on long-distance runs, they would absolutely love a game of tug or hide-n-seek. Just remember to keep a leash on them outdoors, as their curiosity can sometimes pull them towards danger.
So, a Havanese might seem a little challenging at first glance, but those eccentricities are just part of their charm! What’s more, they compensate multi-fold with the joy and laughter they bring into your life. They are social creatures, great with children and other pets; their small size and moderate exercise needs make them suitable for apartment living. They are eager-to-please, intelligent, and therefore, trainable. Their affectionate nature makes them the perfect emotional support animals.
To answer the question: No, Havaneses aren’t difficult dogs, if you understand and accept them, embrace their quirks, and devote some time every day to groom them and keep them entertained. They’re not for you if you have an ultra-busy schedule, but if you are looking for a playful, cheerful companion, and are ready to return their abundant love, a Havanese might just be your perfect match!
The nugget of advice here is to research the breed you’re interested in and understand its specific needs before you make a 10-15 years commitment. Each breed has its quirks and challenges, and as a responsible dog parent, you should be prepared to cater to them. After all, dogs are not just accessories but sentient beings capable of immense love and loyalty that deserve a happy and fulfilled life. Happy pet parenting!
