Havanese: PROS & CONS of the breed

The good, the bad, and the needy. Let's talk about pros and cons of my favorite breed!

[@sparker8875]

My Little Man is a Havanese mix, rescue. He had a rough early life and didn't even know how to play😢 It took awhile, but he gloriously came out of his shell and is the best companion ever. He has a high prey drive, does bark when excited, and is very smart❤

[@aslamc9288]

First of all, I’m thrilled to see a video about dogs that isn’t just stock footage and an AI generated voice! This has such great information, thank you for making this. I’ve been researching what dog breed is best for me and Havanese has been near the top of the list for a long time (along with Shih Tzu). I’m looking forward to watching more of your videos!

[@backtobreeality]

Thanks so much!

[@Lotsahounds]

Agree on all points! My Havanese is the curly type, 10 years old. I enjoyed seeing your Havanese.

[@BQN_BQN]

Teddy is our second Havanese after losing our precious Sasha in her 13th year. Sasha loved dressing up in cute sundresses and pigtails or a spigot on top, and riding in her stroller. She engaged in “pillow talk” while tucked in bed. She’s just the sweetest baby ever. Teddy loves eating at the table with us, and his table manners have been impeccable from the first time, at age 4 months. He stands in the front of his stroller, making it the perfect height to eat off his plate on the table. He loves yoghurt spoon fed to him. HAVANESE are the most adorable, silly, and loyal, loving dogs ever. Velcro? I love Velcro! 😂

[@kagancowa1743]

THANK YOU SO MUUUUUCH! Literally the most informative video on the breed I have ever watched, and it's actually made by someone who is experienced with the breed, I couldn't have asked for more. This helps a lot with my further research, you have no idea

[@backtobreeality]

You are too kind! I'm SO glad it was helpful to you

[@user-le4qt8ni2n]

Ive had 2 Havanese. So smart and want to please. Terrific watch dogs. My one named Okie checked the house ever day to be sure no one was there. She found a break in once and from thenbon she checked every room in the house. Such good Girl.

[@KT-sq2ml]

My Havanese is a mix with miniature poodle, but EVERY trait you discuss in this video fits her to a T! She became very vocal/bark-y around one year of age. That’s one of my biggest cons because I hate that she is so noisy and barks at pretty much every one of my neighbors. She is definitely a Velcro dog in every sense. I wouldn’t let her off her leash though - not for a second! She is VERY smart and mischievous and not to be trusted out of my sight for very long. She’s gotten past me twice and bolted out the door straight into the street both times. High level of separation anxiety and into EVERYTHING. EV-RY-THING! She especially loves paper and if I forget and leave a piece of mail within her reach, it’s gone in no time. But I love her to death and she’s a real cuddle bug if I’m on the couch watching TV or at night when she joyfully jumps onto my bed! She does not like mornings! I think it’s hysterical, but trying to get her up and out of bed (my bed!) in the mornings can be a challenge sometimes! But it’s also very funny how she’ll moan and cover her eyes with her paws. Ohhh - and she can walk on her hind legs!! A fellow Havanese owner told me they were bred as circus performers in Cuba and he says because they are intelligent and quick learners. He said most Havanese do stand and/or walk on hind legs. Anyone else have a Havanese with that trait??

[@yongkim777]

Excellent video👍👍 My daughter, aunt and her sister all have Havanese and we love them! Everything that you said about these dogs are spot on!

[@melumarsa6561]

I love my Havanese! Have had them since the late 90's. My 4ever pups!

[@stefh9248]

I'm so thankful that you're sharing your experience. We are picking up our sweet Havanese Cassie on May 11th! She is totally adorable and we can''t wait to have her home with us. The information you have shared in your videos has been SO HELPFUL!!! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your tips and tricks.

[@backtobreeality]

That makes my heart so happy! And I love the name Cassie, how cute.

[@BQN_BQN]

I’m so happy for you!

[@BQN_BQN]

Please see my 2 comments above in the general comment section. It might be a help to you with your new baby!

[@user-le4qt8ni2n]

Love your fur baby. So special

[@ferrisulf]

I'm so appreciative of this video. We recently lost our elderly shih tzu. We've had shih tzus and shih tzu mixes. I'm tentatively starting to look at dogs on petfinder. I have family members who are allergic, so we have to have nonshedding pups. So I have been looking at all the nonshedders and have been coming across a LOT of havanese. Based on this video, they sound VERY different from shih tzus--who I consider to be the cats of the dog world. And we love that. I'm not sure if the havanese personality is what we are looking for. I'll definitely consider all you have said.

[@ruthiewilliams3482]

I have a rescue that is part Havanese snd all the advice for them fit her. She is six so I’ve got a little undoing some things but she is very smart and loving. I’m so excited to have her. She is saving my life

[@BaktaBak3]

You're a joy to watch. Pleasant smile, mannerisms and LOVE your glasses ! Throughout the years, I've had Yorkies , one Westie & a couple "muts" ( all rescues) . I'm familiar with the Havanese breed ( from friends who have them) and you're description is accurate. The Yorkie males I've had seem to be more clingy also ( I've owned both male & female ) ,but ya..... they're all individuals . Thanks for sharing !🐾🐾🐾

[@BQN_BQN]

RE: Potting Training and Eating: Teddy, (now 11 months), is potty trained for both indoors and outdoors. We keep a clean potty pad in the shower, so he can hop in anytime he needs. Change it several times a day, as needed. Sasha had a very sensitive stomach, and I wish I had fed her as I am now doing with Teddy: NO more commercial dog food!!**. I cook for Teddy. I am now rotating proteins every few days, grilled LEAN beef burgers, grilled LEAN turkey burgers, occasional chicken, grilled or cooked on stovetop. Roast Turkey thighs (strain off the fat!!). Teddy loves frozen whole green beans and the crunchy stalk from Romaine Lettuce!! - and occasional boiled potato cubes. He loves grated cucumber stirred into Greek yoghurt (NO sugar) - I approve of Stella & Chewy ** raw-coated Kibble is awesome for breakfast and snacks. He loves a Trader Joe’s “Oat O’s” as a reward - (like Cheerios, but less sugar.). I watch his stools for any possible mucous - a sign of stomach distress. The rotations of 3 days on each protein is working good for him. No mucous.

[@melumarsa6561]

Hello Teddy's mom! I've had Havanese & continue my great love for them. I'd love to learn more about the pee pee pad training in your shower. I'm living in a high-rise now & have no idea how to train for that. My breeder has stopped breeding & has no suggestions for me inasmuch as reputable breeders I can contact. Are you able to suggest anyone? I'm in Princeton NJ if that helps. Thank you so much & give hugs and smooches to Teddy!

[@betsythehavanese]

Love this video! Everything you say is so accurate. You are correct that they are easy to train and good for apartments. We live in a condo and we've litterbox trained our dog. People should know this is an option because of their small size and quick learning. She also pottys outside when we are out on our walks. Just wonderful, sweet, charming, quirky and intelligent dogs!🥰

[@aslamc9288]

This is awesome to hear! I live in a city and get frequent migraines that render me unable to go outside for days at a time sometimes. So being able to litter box train a dog is a huge plus for me. I’d mostly given up hope on ever being able to have a dog, but this has given me some back!

[@betsythehavanese]

@@aslamc9288 so glad the idea has given you hope!

[@carina9629]

What do you use for the litter?

[@betsythehavanese]

@@carina9629 Naturally Fresh Walnut Shell litter. It's the one with purple on the bag where it says pellet.

[@carina9629]

@@betsythehavanese Thank you! And do you know the name of your breeder?

[@belle6071]

Thank you, lovely young lady. I adopted Donut last week. She is 10 weeks old, Havanese and Shih tzu. Jelly is my two year old Frenchie. Donut is precious. Jelly is training her. In a week we have only had three accidents in potty training. A Frenchie and a Havashi sounds like a weird pair of sisters, but actually, Jelly and Donut couldn't be sweeter. Jelly hasn't a mean bone in her body but she can be rough. Donut is well matched. I love both my girls, truly.

[@craigc9975]

Very informative - thank you. Also, the fact that you’re so well spoken is real bonus.

[@kelleygibson4201]

Thx u for this video. I have a 6yr Havi & will be getting a Havi pup in two weeks. (So excited) . The information in this video is priceless. It made me realise just how special my Havi is. As she has most of traits you mentioned. Thx 🙏

[@el5880]

Miss my havanese so much, absolutely BEST dog ❤️

[@95372549]

My beautiful boy Pippin does not bark. He is almost 3 and I think I've only heard him bark about five times. He is a nightmare to toilet train. I've followed all of the training methods consistently and to the letter. He cannot go outside by himself and so I use pee pads. He either chooses somewhere else or stands too far off them and misses. He gets voluminous praise when he gets it right and knows that I am not amused when he doesn't. I don't shout at him, just pretend to cry and he tries to cheer me up with tail wagging and nuzzling. One day, perhaps... They are truly the kindest, gentlest and sweetest breed.

[@nancyshank4085]

We have a 11 month old female Havanese her name is Izzie Mae. We have always had schnauzers and a cairn terrier. She is our first Havanese so we have had to get used her. She is very loving and we have spoiled her. Are only problem with her is sometimes she gets out and runs and will not come back when we call her. Our back yard is fenced in but sometimes she gets out our side door. Scary stuff. But we love her. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@petflixpetflix2532]

We have a Havanese for 3yrs and we absolutely love him🐾❤️

[@ouronia1]

Thank you. I enjoyed your input. This is my second Havanese female. i love them sooo much. For me, they are the best pup ever. and yes, they sure are smart!! My baby Nia makes me laugh every day. she is 3 months old and 6 pounds. For sure this is an easy breed. I have 2 other dogs (Tibetan Terriers) and she loves to play with them. Small but mighty. she is fearless. wishing you good and your furbaby good health and happiness. Carol

[@backtobreeality]

Small but might for sure! Glad you’re enjoying your babies 💛

[@beckymm1989]

Love our Murphy boy! He's so sweet and funny! As a rescue, he is anxiety prone however. 🤗 And, yes they ARE SMART!

[@SusanStuppnig]

You NAILED it!!

[@glenfranzen9933]

Great video that explains Havi’s to a T. Our Shadow just turned 3 and everything you said is true. A truly wonderful breed!

[@ChristineTheHippie]

This is Tucker to a T! Sweetest and silliest dog ever!

[@debmcginnis2142]

Great video & love my Havanese. 😊

[@mcypress5333]

Good information! Thanks for sharing.

[@markmccormack1796]

Best alert dog I've ever had, could here people long before my other dog.

[@BN2K]

Great presentation of the Havanese

[@jeena2103]

I got a havanese girl 1 year ago, and she is a sweetheart =) From personal experience, I 100 percent agree with everything you said. Also, my havanese loves to shred papers. 😊

[@backtobreeality]

They’re big shredders for sure!

[@VideoGamersElite]

Very informative video straight to the point

[@kristineo2926]

We Just adopted a 2 year old havanese and chinese crested mix... she looks 100% like a chinese crested, completely hairless...but her temperament is 100% bichon havanese... i am only used to chinese crested and completely New to this breed... i want to learn as much as i can about this New breed

[@matthewengel387]

Excellent video. You cover some great info!

[@breeze3402]

I just got a havanese puppy Tuesday to be my service dog she’s still young so we haven’t started any training yet but she’s so sweet

[@swell_gal]

Where did you get it from?, if yo don't mind.

[@Stacy-360]

I’m also looking for a Havanese to be a service dog. Have you started training yet? If so, how is it going?

[@TheBirdiePals]

Thank you so much this is very helpful

[@alisonmarray4864]

Thank you for this lovely video, you seem really down to earth and you put forward a great case. I am now in love with the Havanese breed. You have a such a wonderful way about you and it was a joy to watch your video from start to finish. I wish more videos were like yours.

[@markkelvinenrile4534]

Thank you so much. I feel this will be very helpful for us, because we don’t know anything about havenese dogs nor have heard about them. So thank you very much for this video.

[@thenobleandmightybeaver4411]

I have a year old Havanese pupper and the only downside, or issue I have with her, is I live in Ottawa Canada and she is a warm weather dog, so in the winter I have to get her suited and booted in a full doggy snowsuit if we are gonna go outside for longer than 5 minutes. The good news, she has an affable disposition and has adjusted well to wearing fleece long johns and a puffy coat and little doggy hip waders.

[@raycope2086]

A wonderfully informative video, and delivered with love and a passion for this breed, by a very lovely young woman. You should wear your hair like this as much as possible, as you have the most beautiful and serene little face, my young friend. From Belfast, Northern Ireland, I wish you rainbows, darlin'.

[@deannarodriguez8368]

Love your videos! I've always had maltese and now looking into the havanese since they are also hypoallergenic . I'm just worried about their size. I don't know anyone with this breed but looking for a loyal dog that is good with traveling by air/car as we travel often.

[@mimigrabner4486]

Our Havanese has been wonderful even more so since we had to put our 10 year old German Shepherd/Husky down. We have a girl named Valentine. We will be getting a male Havanese in a few weeks.

[@mikaylapoon7540]

Love this video! Do you think you could post a video on how you trained Pistachio on the barking and also how you socialized her when she was a puppy? (Am worried about having a reactive dog)

[@backtobreeality]

Thank you Mikayla!

[@backtobreeality]

Mikayla, I just posted the socialization video! Take a look - I hope it helps!

[@katherine3smith]

This all tracks pretty close to my experience with 2 Havanese! Great dogs. The only notable difference is my 10 yr old girl still needs a walk every day and needed 3 half-hour walks a day for many years. She’s high-energy and will invent destructive/manipulative games if she doesn’t get her walk when she needs it. My other Havanese was lazier and more like how you described the breed’s energy level.

[@MsRedonyx]

100% accurate!

[@JazzyRhon]

❤❤great video good info ❤❤

[@deekay7149]

Love your video. Any tips and finding the right breeder or any a recommendation?

[@patshifflett4205]

Mine is very high energy and a barker (squirrel!) at 10 years old

[@MrKyle12386]

After a decade of not being able to get a dog due to wife. She's finally opening up to idea of a dog. Worst fear is velcro dog clinging to her and not me

[@JD-mf6kf]

I love my Havanese. His name is Slippers ❤

[@qaby3007]

I have a havanese and this is all accurate.

[@valierebrianne9643]

My mom has a Havanese who HATES walks and hates going outside in general. She just wants to play fetch inside.

[@AngelVids7]

I love my Havanese cross but she is in that “it’s fun to run away” stage haha she’s still my cute little goofball though

[@backtobreeality]

VERY common for puppies to reach that stage! It's a stage though, it'll stop being fun eventually :) Don't chase her - it adds to the fun! Tethering her to a leash or something grab-able will help too.

[@user-jr4ix5jc3l]

Just got Behrman yesterday. Any advice on potty training. He used the pads but he did it when I was not lookin but I still praised him.

[@backtobreeality]

I never used pee pads with our dog personally, but that’s because we have a yard and we wanted her to go outside. If you’re wanting them to go outside, I’d skip the pads and just practice that. But if you are using pads or a litter box exclusively, that’s just fine. And you’re going to “miss the moment” to praise or reprimand the right/wrong behavior sometimes - no worries! They’ll figure it out eventually. Just keep up the high praise when they do the right thing, as soon as you can.

[@bobcochran1925]

I’m a regular walker - about 4 miles a day - can this breed do this with me?

[@michelletarazi2872]

Hello I have a 13 week old who is very nippy and biting. I know they are teething but I’m concerned he is aggressive. Was yours or the ones you grew up with like this too? We call him a land shark and are terrified of him like you were in that first video you posted. I’ve tried, chew toys, no bite command, ignoring him in the moment too. Starting to worry he’s a biter. Any thoughts? Thank you in advance and your vlogs are so perfect for me now.

[@kagancowa1743]

There is no such thing as a dog that is born agressive. They may become like that after years of abuse and torment, no other way, so don't worry about that. Me and my boyfriend have a 12 week old dachshund, he loves jumping on us to bite our arms, target our fingers while playing, bite our shoes while walking, but all of that happens only when he is in the mode to play, and that's his way of burning his energy, excitment, and ofcourse teething. The best you can do is offer him toys instead of your hands, giving him chewing treats, making some kind of painful sound to let him know that it hurts, tire him out before trying to pet him so there is less possible chances to get bitten, and eventually he will get the connection that he shouldn't bite. Keep in mind that he is still a literal toddler lol, and that's his way of exploring the world. As long as you are consistent with your cues, respect his boundries and also show him the rules you have in your home for him to follow, he will be a well behaved dog

[@backtobreeality]

Hi Michelle, 13 weeks is PEAK puppy monster territory. All of our dogs went through it. I am confident this is just puppy/teething biting and not aggression. Aggression is usually associated with more avoidance from the dog and lashing out when handled or surprised, with growling and snarling. Classic puppy nipping looks more like "everything is play, it's fun to bite my family, and in fact I will go out of my way to go bite my family". It does become less frequent as they lose all their baby teeth, which for us was around 7/8 months. As far as not encouraging the nipping, my top recommendations are (1) remove your attention/body from them pup when they're being too mouthy (such as standing up or even putting them into their pen for a short timeout - literally make yourself un-bitable so that biting = game time over), (2) always keep a toy nearby to substitute when they start biting at your flesh or clothing, and (3) praising for non-nippy play behavior. If they're playing with a toy or tugging without aiming for your hand, it's all "good boy!" or even a treat. Our girl Pistachio has responded very well to use praising/rewarding positive behavior more than reprimanding negative behavior.

[@elysasmith9317]

How can I find a Havanese resue?

[@oilychewds6295]

Where can you adopt a Javanese dog?

[@roalierickard1182]

I an have g trouble with backright leg. What kind d of efect will onour family!

[@leegifford2942]

Huh?

[@JC61990]

Hi! I recently adopted a 5 year old adorable Havanese girl. She have been a bundle or joy and love to our family. There have been some times that there is no one to watch her and we have to bring her to doggy daycare. The workers say she interacts great and is wonderful but my poor baby shakes so much when we drop her off and when I pick her up she drinks basically a gallon of water and gobbles down her food. The dog maybe goes 2-3 times a month and I think she absolutely hates it. I know she's starving herself cause when I took her for a walk right after picking her up she has liquid poop. What can I do for my little one to help her feel more at ease when I have no choice but to bring her to daycare?

[@backtobreeality]

Is hiring an at home sitter an option? I know a lot of people in the US have had success using Rover to find a trustworthy dog sitter.

[@jimquantic]

You need TWO dogs, no matter the breed. And mix the sex--and keep em around the same size. One male and one female, around the same size--and it is hard to go wrong. And they will not be lonely when you are not there.

[@carmenrobles5174]

My one year old havanese gizmo gets so excited when people come over he pees on them

[@jpatrickmoore5158]

Ours did that for a while. If someone was coming over, we would take her out to pee ahead of time. That seemed to help over time.

[@breeze3402]

Wait when we did research we learned havanese rarley barks?

[@backtobreeality]

Everyone’s experience is different! I’ve known several people with this breed who have had to work on barking, which is why I added it. Totally trainable, like most things.

[@breeze3402]

@@backtobreeality ah okay just the reason I got my havanese was because of the articles saying they aren’t vocal breed hopefully I don’t have to sell mine

[@thesunris]

They bark. And also bark mostly in play. All dogs bark..

[@breeze3402]

@@thesunris rarely≠ never

[@michelebrocco7413]

Why does my Havanese 5 month old puppy NEVER NEVER sleep?

[@backtobreeality]

Are you talking about not sleeping at night, or during the day? Using a crate at night and in 2 hour blocks throughout the day really helped our girl regulate her sleep. She wasn’t good at choosing naps on her own and she’d get overstimulated.

[@marciasharpe3983]

My mom and hubby got a 8 week old puppy around 2 months ago. CANNOT get it trained to potty outside. Even sent him to a trainer for 2 weeks. He will not go outside...and randomly uses the potty pads indoors. Think they are going to find a new owner. They LOVE him..but 80 years old and can't train this pup. He is cute though.

[@backtobreeality]

I do have a video on potty training that may be helpful for them!

[@PremiumWater]

Uhhh what??????????? My Havanese has a cast iron stomach and I have noticed that is pretty common in the breed.

[@kittymermaid8]

Potty trained in a year?😮