Do Havanese Like Water? What You Need to Know About This Breed‘s Swimming Abilities

The Havanese is an increasingly popular companion breed known for their playful, affectionate personalities and adorable, fluffy appearance. Originally bred in Cuba as a lapdog for aristocrats, the modern Havanese makes a delightful pet for families in many different living situations, from city apartments to sprawling country homes.

One common question prospective Havanese owners have is: do Havanese like water? The short answer is that while the Havanese was not specifically bred to be a water dog, most can learn to enjoy swimming, especially if introduced to water early and in a positive way. However, every dog is an individual, so some Havanese may be more enthusiastic swimmers than others.

Let‘s take a closer look at the Havanese breed and their potential as swimming companions.

The Havanese Breed: History and Characteristics

The Havanese is an old breed, thought to descend from Bichon-type dogs brought to Cuba by Italian or Spanish colonizers in the 1500s. In their native Cuba, these small, silky-coated dogs were the favored pets of wealthy families and said to be constant companions to their owners, earning them the nickname "Velcro dogs."

After the Cuban Revolution, some Havanese dogs were brought to the United States, where dedicated breeders have worked to preserve and promote the breed. The Havanese was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 and has steadily risen in popularity as a family pet.

Physically, the Havanese is a sturdy little dog with a compact, slightly longer than tall body. They typically weigh 7-13 pounds and stand 8.5-11.5 inches tall at the shoulder. Their crowning glory is a long, silky coat that comes in a variety of colors. They have dark, almond-shaped eyes, cute floppy ears, and a fluffy plumed tail that curves over the back.

The Havanese coat is a double coat, with a soft undercoat and a long outer coat that can grow to floor length if not trimmed. While beautiful, the Havanese coat requires regular brushing and grooming to prevent mats and tangles.

Temperamentally, the Havanese is known for being intelligent, playful, and deeply devoted to their humans. They are generally friendly to strangers and other dogs. As a small companion breed, the Havanese does not need a huge amount of exercise, but they do enjoy walks, games, and canine sports. They can also have a mischievous streak and love being the center of attention.

Can Havanese Swim?

So we know the Havanese is a wonderful companion – but can they swim? The answer is a qualified yes. The Havanese breed does not have a strong history as water dogs, but they do have some physical characteristics that can make them capable swimmers:

• Pointed snout – Unlike brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds that can struggle to breathe while swimming, the Havanese has a medium-length muzzle that allows for easy breathing in the water.

• Compact, sturdy body – The Havanese‘s body is just slightly longer than tall, which provides a balanced foundation for the dog paddle. Their strong legs can power them through the water.

• Double coat – While the Havanese‘s long coat can drag in the water, their soft undercoat does provide insulation against cold water. Many Havanese also have ample body fat under their skin which further insulates and increases buoyancy.

• Webbed feet – Like many dogs, the Havanese has some degree of webbing between their toes which helps propel them through the water more efficiently than paws without webbing.

So physically, the Havanese has what it takes to be a swimmer. But just because they can swim doesn‘t necessarily mean they will enjoy it. Much depends on the individual dog‘s personality and early experiences with water.

Introducing Your Havanese to Water

The best way to ensure your Havanese grows up to enjoy swimming is to introduce them to water early and make it a positive experience. Puppies should not be allowed to swim until fully vaccinated, around 16 weeks old, as they are at risk of infection from contaminated water. But you can still get them comfortable with water through shallow wading, playing in sprinklers, and positive reinforcement.

When your Havanese puppy is ready to try swimming, start in a calm, shallow body of water like a kiddie pool or the steps of a regular pool. Support their belly and let them paddle without submerging their head. Keep sessions short and fun, with lots of praise and treats. If your puppy seems nervous, don‘t force it. Let them go at their own pace.

As your Havanese gains confidence in the water, you can gradually move to deeper water, but always stay within a depth they can stand in at first. Swimming is tiring for puppies, so keep a close eye out for fatigue and end the session before your pup gets too tired.

Some Havanese may take to swimming right away, while others may never be fully enthusiastic about it. Let your dog set the pace and never throw them into a sink-or-swim scenario. With a gentle, positive approach most Havanese can learn to at least tolerate swimming, even if it‘s not their favorite activity.

Water Safety for Havanese

Whenever your Havanese is around water, safety should be the top priority. Here are some key safety tips for swimming with your Havanese:

• Constant supervision – Never leave your Havanese unattended near a body of water, even if they are a strong swimmer. Drowning can happen quickly and silently.

• Life jackets – A well-fitted canine life jacket provides extra buoyancy and visibility in the water. They are a good idea even for capable swimmers, especially in open water, and are a must for Havanese still learning to swim.

• Clean water – Whenever possible, have your Havanese swim in clear, clean water to avoid potential contaminants and parasites. Rinse your dog off after a swim and watch for any signs of intestinal upset or skin irritation. If swimming in a natural body of water, be aware of currents, tides, and any hazards like submerged objects.

• Drinking water – Have fresh water available for your Havanese to drink after a swim to prevent them from drinking pool water or salt water, which can cause stomach upset.

• Sun and heat protection – Like humans, dogs can get sunburned, especially on areas with thin fur like the nose and belly. Prolonged sun exposure can also lead to heat exhaustion. Limit time in direct sun, provide shade, and consider using a pet-safe sunscreen.

• Ear care – Water in the ears can lead to infection. After swimming, gently wipe your Havanese‘s outer ears with a soft towel or cotton ball. If your dog seems to be pawing at their ears or shaking their head excessively, they may need to be seen by a vet.

• Grooming – Brush out your Havanese‘s coat after swimming and bathing to prevent matting and tangles. A leave-in conditioner can help protect the coat from damage due to repeated exposure to water, salt, and chlorine.

Signs Your Havanese is Uncomfortable in the Water

While most Havanese can learn to tolerate or even enjoy swimming, some may never fully take to it, and that‘s okay. Respect your dog‘s comfort level and don‘t force them beyond it.

Signs your Havanese may be anxious or scared in the water include:

• Clinging to you and refusing to get in the water
• Shivering or shaking
• Trying to climb out or "escape" the water
• Whining or barking
• Frantically pawing or splashing instead of calm paddling
• Ears pinned back or whale eye (wide eyes with lots of white showing)

If you see these signs, calmly remove your Havanese from the water and give them a break. Forcing a scared dog to stay in the water will likely only increase their fear. Go back to shallow water wading and positive reinforcement and progress slowly. Some Havanese may prefer wading or playing in shallow water over full-on swimming.

Havanese Swimming Ability Compared to Other Breeds

Compared to some other popular small companion breeds, the Havanese is relatively athletic and can be a capable swimmer with proper introduction and training.

Some small breeds like the Bichon Frise, a cousin of the Havanese, often take naturally to swimming thanks to their water-resistant double coats and sturdy bodies. Others like the Maltese or Shih Tzu may be more reluctant swimmers due to their long coats and flat faces.

In the small, long-backed breeds like the Dachshund or Pembroke Welsh Corgi, a life jacket is a must as their body shape makes it difficult for them to keep their heads above water while swimming. The same goes for top-heavy breeds with large heads and short muzzles like the Pekingese.

Of course, there are exceptions in every breed – some Maltese may be enthusiastic swimmers while some Labradors may be wary of the water. But in general, the Havanese‘s physical traits put them solidly in the "can swim with training and encouragement" camp.

Conclusion

While the Havanese may not have a strong history as water dogs, most can become capable and confident swimmers with positive early exposure, gradual training, and plenty of encouragement from their favorite humans.

When introducing your Havanese to water, start slow, make it fun, and let your dog set the pace. Always keep water safety in mind, use a life jacket when appropriate, and watch for signs of discomfort or fatigue. Most importantly, never force your Havanese to swim if they are scared or resistant. Some may prefer wading to swimming and that‘s perfectly fine.

With patience and a gentle approach, you can help your Havanese discover the joys of splashing and paddling with their family – or at least the joys of a nice long nap after a fun day in the sun and surf.