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Havashu Breed Information

small Havashu puppy

The little Havashu puppies are a designer breed that has captured the hearts of many in the past few years. These gorgeous designer pups are a mix of a purebred Havanese crossed with a purebred Shih Tzu. Like their parents, the Havashus are all about doting on their owner. They thrive in a family setting and do quite well with children. They are also one of the best hypoallergenic dog breeds that people with allergies can safely adopt. 

BREED TYPE / MIX Hybrid / Havanese crossed with a Shih Tzu ENERGY Moderate SHEDDING Minimum TRAINING Determined TEMPERAMENT Cheerful, Playful, Social,Loving ADULT WEIGHT 7-15 lbs ADULT HEIGHT 8-12 in LIFE SPAN 12-16 yrs

Characteristics

  • Havashu dogs are a designer breed, a cross between a purebred Havanese and a purebred Shih Tzu 
  • The Havashu breed is also commonly known as Havatzu, Havanese Shih Tzu mix, and Hava-Tzu 
  • Playful and incredibly sweet, these dogs make fantastic companion pets for any type of owner 
  • Havashus are non-aggressive, cuddly dogs 
  • Hypoallergenic Havashus are a great choice for owners who suffer from pet-related allergies. These dogs don’t typically shed and produce less dander than other breeds. 
  • Renowned for their teddy-bear-like appearance, Havashus are one of the most popular designer breeds in the United States 
  • Highly adaptable and easy to care for, these puppies are excellent first pets for new owners 
  • Friendly Havashu temperament – they get along nicely with other dogs and pets 
  • Because they are very small and quick to adapt to their new surroundings, these pups make wonderful pets for those living in small apartments and large homes 
Havashu puppy Playing

Appearance

The lovely Havashu dogs are a small, toy-sized breed that has the most adorable features of Shih Tzus and Havanese dogs. They are very petite, cuddly looking, and quite hardy despite their fragile appearance.  

Havashus inherit their short muzzle from the Shih Tzu and their hair type from the Havanese. They come in combinations of white, brown, black, gray, and sable. They also have the build of the Shih Tzu and the athleticism of their Havanese parent. Their eyes are dark brown or hazel, and they have adorable floppy ears.  

The size of the gorgeous Havashu dogs is generally toy, with some being smaller or larger than the average Shih Tzu. They typically weigh an average of 7 to 15 pounds and can grow between 8 to 12 inches.  

Temperament

Havashus are lovey-dovey types of dogs that pack a lot of energy in a small, adorable body. Occasionally hyperactive, they want to live a life of fun and adventure. These dogs love to swim, go hiking, and run with their friends at the neighborhood dog park. They are very sociable and interact nicely with strangers, kids, and other pets.  

When it comes to family life at home, these dogs are all about cuddles, attention, and games. They crave to be included in all family activities and do best with an owner that can be by their side most of the day. Leaving these dogs alone is not something they appreciate, being much too attached to enjoy solitude. They may be prone to separation anxiety if left on their own for too long, especially without prior training.  

Their temperament is sweet, much like that of their parents. They aren’t known to nip or be aggressive, but they can show some stubbornness during training when not properly motivated.  

Care

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, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, 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.  

History

Havashus are a modern breed of dog that was created to display the best of two purebred dogs. They are a mix of a Shih Tzu and a Havanese, both purebreds. It is believed they appeared a few decades ago at the same time when most designer breeds emerged.  

Those who first began crossing the Shih Tzu and the Havanese envisioned a new breed that would enjoy better health, unique looks, and better coat qualities. Just like their parents, the Havashu puppies are low shedding and hypoallergenic. They are also calm, friendly, and a bit stubborn.  

The Shih Tzu and the Havanese are top breeds when it comes to designer crosses. They are the parents of over 30 designer dogs. For the Havashu mix, the Shih Tzu was chosen to pass on its gentle, affectionate nature. The Havanese was selected for its energetic, outgoing personality and sweet disposition. Both were also top choices because they are renowned for their good health and hypoallergenic qualities.  

Because the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize mixed breeds, the Havashu breed is not yet a member. However, the breed is recognized by several other clubs such as the DRA – Dog Registry of America, ACHC – American Canine Hybrid Club, IDCR – International Designer Canine Registry, and DDKC – Designer Dogs Kennel Club. 

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