Havanese

Known as 'Velcro dogs,' Havanese thrive on human companionship and will follow you from room to room just to stay close. They have a mischievous side and often invent their own games to entertain their owners, like hiding socks or performing spontaneous 'zoomies.' Their personality is a blend of intelligence and clownish charm, making them one of the most beloved toy breeds. They are not one-person dogs; they spread their love across the whole family and hate being left out of activities. Their temperament is exceptionally steady; they are rarely snappy or overly nervous, provided they are treated with kindness. They are natural observers who notice small changes in their environment, often letting out a soft bark to alert the family of visitors. Unlike some small breeds, they handle stress well, which makes them excellent candidates for therapy work. They are eager to please, which translates into a very cooperative patient on the grooming table. Socialization comes naturally to the Havanese, as they generally view every stranger as a potential playmate. They are fantastic with children, displaying a level of patience and gentleness that is rare for dogs of their size. In a multi-pet household, they usually act as the peacemakers, getting along famously with cats and other canine siblings. However, they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long, as their social drive is incredibly high. The Havanese is a sensitive soul that mirrors the energy of its environment, requiring a calm and loving leadership style. Their confidence grows through praise, and they can become quite discouraged if scolded harshly, so we always use a gentle touch during grooming sessions. When they feel secure, they are remarkably bold, often standing their ground alongside much larger dogs with a wagging tail. They are resilient but need their owner to be a source of calm reassurance in new situations.

We recommend salon visits every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the chosen coat length and the owner's commitment to home brushing. Long-haired Havanese require more frequent grooming check-ups to avoid the need for radical clipping due to mats. Regular professional baths using scale-closing masks significantly facilitate brushing the dog at home. The grooming schedule should include monthly hygienic trimming, which involves shaving the paw pads, sanitary areas, and ear cleaning. Once a quarter, a full scissor body styling is recommended to maintain the desired 'fluffy cloud' shape. In our salon, we operate a recurring booking system for this breed, which guarantees the dog always looks neat and feels comfortable. The most popular style in our salon is the 'Puppy Cut,' which involves shortening the hair to a few centimeters, facilitating garden play and walks. Fans of the show look opt for a long coat, which requires tying a signature top-knot to prevent hair from irritating the eyeballs. We always ensure the face is rounded, emphasizing the Havanese's cheerful and eternally youthful expression. The main problem is matting in sensitive areas: behind the ears, under the armpits, and in the groin where harness friction is highest. We also frequently encounter dark tear stains, which, if left untreated, can lead to painful skin irritations. Hair growing deep inside the ear canal must be regularly removed to ensure ventilation and prevent infections, which is a standard procedure at Brego. The owner must brush the Havanese at least 3-4 times a week using a slicker brush and a metal comb to check the layers near the skin. It is crucial to use a specialized anti-static spray because dry brushing damages and breaks the delicate hair structure. Additionally, the eye area should be wiped daily with hyaluronic acid solutions or saline to remove debris. The first introductory visit at Brego should take place around 3-4 months of age to acclimate the puppy to the hair dryer's noise and the touch of tools on the table. At home, you should massage the paws, look into the ears, and gently brush the puppy with a soft brush from day one, rewarding calm behavior with treats. Thanks to early grooming socialization, the Havanese will treat visits to us as a form of relaxation and a pleasant social encounter.

Living with a Havanese revolves around social interaction; they want to be where you are. This requires the owner to include the dog in daily rituals, from watching TV together to short trips to the store. It is essential to provide a safe spot in the house where the dog can rest but still see the family members. Due to the silky coat structure, home organization must account for the lack of velcro or sharp elements that could damage the hair. Although a small dog, a Havanese needs at least three walks a day, with one lasting at least 30-45 minutes. They aren't lapdogs in the strictest sense – they love playing fetch with a small ball or short sprints on the grass. In Marki, we have great walking areas where a Havanese can satisfy its sniffing needs without overstraining its joints. However, it's crucial to thoroughly dry and brush the hair after a rainy walk to avoid matting. Havanese are extremely intelligent and get bored quickly, which can lead to destructive behavior. I recommend teaching tricks like "spin" or "beg," which not only tire them out mentally but also build a bond with the handler. Snuffle mats and KONG toys with frozen fillings are lifesavers during short absences. In our salon, we notice that intellectually stimulated dogs are much calmer on the grooming table and cooperate better.

Preparing your home for a Havanese puppy involves securing cables and small objects that could be swallowed. From day one, introduce potty training and get the dog used to having its paws, muzzle, and ears touched. It's worth buying a table or designating a grooming spot so the dog knows it must stand still there. I also recommend early socialization with the sound of clippers and hair dryers – you can turn these devices on at home while giving treats. The first month is a time for building trust and establishing a routine that gives the puppy a sense of security. Expect frequent night wake-ups for potty breaks and the need for constant supervision during the day. The puppy will try to nip hands and trouser legs, so redirect its attention to appropriate chew toys. This is also the period when the first acclimation visit to Brego Dog Grooming should take place, so the puppy gets to know new smells and sounds without stress.

The most common mistake is "humanizing" the dog and failing to set boundaries, leading to separation anxiety and excessive barking. Owners often neglect ear and eye hygiene, which, with thick hair, quickly leads to infections and unsightly tear stains. Another sin is brushing only the "top layer," while mats form right next to the skin, forcing us at Brego to perform a short clip. Often, teaching the dog to stay alone is overlooked, resulting in animal panic every time the owner leaves.