Havanese Puppy And Dog Information

The Havanese comes from Cuba where they were pampered lap dogs. They love people and are not above learning tricks to amuse us. They are known to be very obedient and they get along well with other dogs and pets. They are very tuned into their human family and like to find a high perch to keep an eye on everything.

They are very good with children and make good watch dogs. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with any puppy or dog. *Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Havanese is 8.5 to 11.

5 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 7 to 13 pounds. *Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Havanese is no exception. They are a healthy breed with long life attributes but be on the look out for juvenile cataracts, progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness), and dry skin. This disease list is an informative guideline only.

Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list. She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up.

As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets. *Grooming. The Havanese has a double coat, the outer coat is long and silky and the inner coat is also soft. She needs to be brushed at least twice a week.

Pay attention to extra hair around her feet pads, and clean around eyes. They are non shedding and considered a good dog for allergy sufferers. Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here.

Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian. Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease.

Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net. *Life Span. The Havanese can live between 14 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Havanese come from Cuba where they were developed from the Bichons. She is considered the national dog of Cuba.

They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1995. Some Registries: *Havanese Club of America *UKC United Kennel Club *NKC National Kennel Club *CKC Continental Kennel Club *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. *AKC American Kennel Club *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club *ACR = American Canine Registry Litter Size: 1 to 9, average 4 Havanese puppies Category: Toy Terms To Describe: Comical, wary, charming, sturdy, pampered, playful, alert, intelligent, sweet *SPECIAL GOOD POINTS Good watch dog.

Rarely sheds, good for allergy sufferers. Very friendly dog. Pampered lap dog. Good temperament. Good with obedience.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS Poor guard dog. Can be very vocal. *Other Names Known By: Bichon Havanais, Havana Silk Dog *Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. www.petpages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.