They are active dogs and enjoy learning tricks and playing games with their owners. Havanese are intelligent and trainable. They need socialization to prevent them from becoming timid with strangers.
These dogs are not typically aggressive, but they can be very mischievous. If they're not adamantly trained early in life, they will try to get away with anything they can, such as nipping at people's hands and chewing up items around the house.
The Havanese does not like to be alone, therefore, when you have to leave them, be sure to have plenty of toys for them to occupy their time. This busy dog can be destructive if not given proper training and plenty of toys.
The teacup Havanese is a Havanese dog that has been bred to be significantly smaller. The full sized Havanese is already quite small, only weighing between 7 and 13 pounds as an adult. It was brought to Cuba from Italy or Spain in the 1600s and is named after the Cuban capital, Havana.
Bred as a companion dog to the Cuban aristocracy in the 1800s, they've earned the nickname “Velcro dog” because they stick so closely to their owner's side. Although these are purebred dogs, you may still find them in shelters and rescues.
So, are Havanese dogs smart? Havanese dogs are “average intelligent” dogs for both obedience & working IQ. In fact, they're ranked the 79th smartest dog breed according to Stanley Coren.
Most Havanese will suffer from separation anxiety if left for longer than a few hours at a time. He is intensely needy, hence the Velcro nickname. The Havanese is friendly with everyone. This makes him a great family companion.
Try brushing them every morning before they have their breakfast, or before you go out for a walk. Slowly build up the grooming time until you are performing a full brush every time. Remember to keep you and your dog calm to help them become comfortable with the process.
Use a leash and head halter to direct your dog's head away from your while working, ideally a grooming table with a neck restraint should be used. Use long handled grooming tools to avoid being bitten. A long handled brush or comb, especially around the face, will keep your hands away from your dog's mouth.
Top 9 Ways to Keep Dogs Calm For Grooming:
Start with brushing or massaging an anxious dog. Let dogs investigate and sniff tools. Slowly introduce grooming tools; run clippers to get the dog used to the noise before using or use silent clippers that do not make frightening noises. Go slow, be gentle, make sure clippers and blow dryers are not too hot.
The best way to groom a wirehaired dog is by plucking out any unruly hairs, using your fingers or a stripping knife. By plucking out old, dull hairs, you will stimulate your dog's skin and allow healthy new hairs to grow in. This procedure can be time-consuming, but it's the best way to keep your pup looking sharp.
Havanese is not a wash and wear dog as they do require routine grooming. A full brush out 2 to 3 times a week is best with baths every 1 to 2 weeks depending on the amount of coat. Never brush a dry coat, always lightly mist with a hydrating spray.
These dogs do not do well left alone for long periods. Havanese typically live from 10 to 15 years.