Havashu Breed Information

Grooming

Grooming a Havashu takes a bit of effort as these dogs have moderate maintenance requirements. Their long, gorgeous coats should be brushed daily if possible, or at least once every two or three days to ensure they don’t form mats or become tangled. They should also be given a bath every month or two and taken to a groomer for a haircut every few months.  

Small dog breeds are often prone to dental issues, and the Havashu is not an exception to that rule. These dogs require regular teeth brushing, preferably daily brushing, to ensure they don’t suffer from dental decay, periodontal disease, or other tooth-related problems.  

Their ears should also be checked for rashes, bad odor, or any sign of infection, and cleaned regularly with a damp cloth.  

It is very important to begin these grooming steps as soon as your puppy arrives home. Grooming your dog during early puppyhood will set the stage for easier handling in the future. Give your puppy plenty of time to get used to the tools you will be using and be patient and gentle while grooming them. It's also important to avoid bathing them too frequently. Also, make sure to regularly check their skin and ears for rashes or any sign of allergies or infection while brushing or bathing them.  

Exercise Needs

Hyperactive and passionate about running and sprinting, the Havashu is a dog that thrives with a daily routine of up to an hour of exercise. These dogs should be walked a few times per day to ensure they burn off any excess energy. Two long walks or more frequent and shorter walks are recommended for the Havashu. This dog also loves playdates with his fellow friends, so occasional trips to the dog park are beneficial. 

Health

As a mix of two purebred dogs, Havashus benefit from hybrid vigor. This term translates to fewer health problems than their parents. Hybrid vigor is common in mixed breeds. These dogs are less likely to inherit the problems that are associated with their parent breeds. Although generally healthy for their entire lives, Havashus can still suffer from the same health issues that affect all small dogs. These include food or skin allergies, eye issues such as cataracts or glaucoma, ear infections, and obesity if overly fed.  

Lifespan

The little Havashus have a long lifespan of 12 to 16 years or more in some cases. Like their parents, they can reach the age of 18+ years, granted they are given routine exercise and good quality food. Both the Shih Tzu and the Havanese have been known to live past their life expectancy, and this longevity is passed down to their cute Havashu offspring. 

Training

Havashu puppies are quite intelligent and should be easy to train even by novice owners. They are eager learners and crave to please those around them. When training them, it is recommended to use positive reinforcement and reward-based methods as they require plenty of motivation.  

Because they may inherit a slight stubborn streak from their Shih Tzu parent, these puppies can become bored easily and lose focus. When this happens, it is important to be persistent and combine fun activities with training lessons. Using games and treats and keeping training in short sessions of no more than 10 minutes will present the best results. 

One of the most important issues that need to be addressed in training these puppies is their need to always be around their owners. Because they are quite attached to their pet parents, they are prone to developing separation anxiety if left alone for too long. It is important to teach them lessons of independence when they are still very young to ensure they can handle being alone occasionally.