The Adorable Havashu: A Complete Guide to the Havanese Shih Tzu Mix

Are you looking for a small, affectionate, and easy-going canine companion? Look no further than the Havashu! This designer breed, a cross between a Havanese and a Shih Tzu, combines some of the best qualities of both parent breeds into one cute and cuddly package. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, have a family with kids or are a single owner, the Havashu can make a wonderful pet.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll tell you everything you need to know about the Havashu dog breed, including their history, characteristics, grooming and exercise needs, potential health issues, and more. By the end, you‘ll have a much better idea of whether this adorable pup is the right choice for you. Let‘s dive in!

The Origins of the Havashu

The Havashu is a relatively new hybrid dog breed developed in the United States, most likely in the early 2000s. As a "designer breed", its origin is not deeply documented. However, we can learn a lot about Havashus by looking at the history of their parent breeds:

The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba and its only native breed. Havanese dogs are descended from Bichon Frise and Maltese dogs brought to Cuba by Spanish colonizers in the 1500s. Over centuries, they were refined into the modern Havanese breed, characterized by a silky coat, happy disposition, and strong desire for human companionship. Havanese dogs rose to popularity among wealthy Cuban families in the 1800s and later spread to Europe and North America.

Meanwhile, the Shih Tzu breed originated in China over 1000 years ago. They were developed as lapdogs for Chinese royalty and their existence was a closely guarded secret until the 1930s. During the Communist Revolution in China, Shih Tzus nearly went extinct but the breed was kept alive by a few dogs sent to breed enthusiasts in England. After World War II, Shih Tzus were brought to the United States and they skyrocketed in popularity as companion dogs.

Crossing these two beloved toy breeds results in the best of both worlds – the outgoing, active nature of the Havanese and the affectionate, adaptable personality of the Shih Tzu. While mixed-breed dogs like the Havashu are not eligible for American Kennel Club registration, some designer breeds are recognized by other organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club.

Physical Characteristics of the Havashu

Since the Havashu is a mix of two breeds, its appearance can vary somewhat depending on which parent breed it takes after more. In general though, Havashus are small dogs, weighing anywhere from 7 to 15 pounds and standing 8 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder. They‘re compact and sturdy with a rounded head, short muzzle, and dropped ears.

One of the most notable features of Havashus is their long, silky coat which may be slightly wavy. They can come in a variety of colors including black, white, cream, gold, silver, brown, and parti-color. Due to their long hair, Havashus do require a good deal of grooming to prevent mats and tangles (more on that later).

Other cute characteristics of this breed are their round, dark eyes, black nose, and fluffy tail carried over the back. Their small size makes them a good fit for apartment dwellers and those who like a dog they can easily carry around. Of course, you‘ll need to watch where you step to avoid accidentally bumping into these little guys!

The Ideal Temperament for a Lapdog

Havashus are well-known for having an incredibly sweet, friendly, and affectionate nature. They thrive on being near their owners as much as possible and will follow you from room to room. This devotion and desire to be close to their humans makes them wonderful lapdogs and cuddle buddies.

At the same time, the Havashu has a playful side and loves to romp around with toys or zoom through the house. They‘re lively and enthusiastic without being overly high-energy. Mental stimulation is important to keep their intelligent minds engaged. Playing games and providing puzzle toys will help prevent boredom.

The Havashu usually gets along well with strangers, kids, and other pets, especially if socialized from a young age. They‘re not known for being aggressive and mainly want to be friends with everyone they meet. Their gentle disposition and friendliness make them a great fit for families. Just remember that very young children should always be supervised around dogs and taught how to interact with them appropriately to prevent accidental injuries.

While Havashus are generally easy-going and adaptable dogs, they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They much prefer having company most of the day. If you work outside the home full-time, this breed may not be the best choice unless you can take them to doggy daycare or have a pet sitter come during the day.

One other thing to keep in mind is that Havashus can sometimes be quite vocal. They may bark to alert you of newcomers to the home or just when they get excited. Luckily this trait is usually manageable with training. Overall, the Havashu‘s sweet, cuddly, and happy-go-lucky personality endears them to many.

Grooming Needs: Keeping Your Havashu Looking Its Best

With its origins as a lapdog bred for companionship, the Havashu has a long, silky coat that requires some upkeep. Plan to brush your Havashu at least 2-3 times per week, if not daily, to remove tangles and prevent mats from forming. Baths can be given every 2-4 weeks using a gentle dog shampoo.

To make grooming easier, many Havashu owners opt to keep their dog‘s coat clipped short in a "puppy cut". This involves trimming the hair to 1-2 inches long all over the body. You can learn to do this yourself with dog grooming clippers or take your pup to a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks for a trim. Keeping the hair around the eyes trimmed can also help prevent irritation.

Other grooming needs include regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care. Check your Havashu‘s ears weekly for signs of infection like redness, discharge, or odor. To keep the teeth healthy, daily brushing is ideal using a soft-bristled dog toothbrush and canine toothpaste. Dental treats, chews, and toys can also help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Exercise: Keeping Your Havashu Active

The Havashu has moderate exercise needs that are easy to meet for most owners. Daily walks of 20-30 minutes, broken up into a couple sessions, are usually sufficient to keep them fit. They also love playing fetch, chasing toys, and romping around in a fenced yard.

Because of their small size, Havashus can even get a fair amount of exercise just running and playing indoors. This makes them well-suited for apartment life, as long as they still get walks and outdoor time for mental stimulation. Puzzle toys and games that engage their mind are also important to have on hand for rainy days.

While Havashus are playful, they are not ideal for people looking for a high-energy dog to take on extended hikes or jogs. They much prefer short bursts of activity interspersed with plenty of naptime and cuddles. Be careful not to over-exercise them, especially in hot weather, as they can be prone to breathing difficulties and overheating due to their flat faces.

Training and Socialization

Like all dogs, Havashus greatly benefit from early and ongoing training and socialization starting in puppyhood. Luckily, this breed is smart and eager to please, so they usually pick up on commands quickly with positive reinforcement. Keep training sessions short and fun using plenty of treats and praise.

While Havashus are quite trainable, they can sometimes have a stubborn streak. The key is to stay patient and consistent, not letting your pup get away with undesirable behaviors. Work on curbing any excessive barking and be sure to only reward calm, quiet behavior. Crate training can also be helpful for providing a safe space and aiding in housetraining.

Proper socialization is a must to help your Havashu feel confident and comfortable in a variety of settings. Expose them to different people, animals, places, and experiences in a positive way. Puppy classes are a great option for socialization and basic obedience. Just ensure your young pup has started their vaccination series before mingling with other dogs.

Even adult Havashus can be trained and socialized with some extra patience and effort. Hiring a certified professional dog trainer for guidance can be very beneficial in these cases. Ongoing training throughout your dog‘s life will help keep them mentally stimulated and well-behaved.

Health and Lifespan

Havashus are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12-16 years. Of course, there‘s no guarantee that your individual dog won‘t develop health issues. Responsible breeders screen for certain genetic disorders to reduce the risk, but it‘s still important for owners to be aware of conditions that can affect this breed. Some potential health concerns include:

• Patellar luxation: dislocation of the kneecap
• Hip dysplasia: malformation of the hip joint
• Eye disorders like cataracts, corneal ulcers, and cherry eye
• Brachycephalic airway syndrome: breathing difficulties due to short snouts
• Dental issues like overcrowding, misalignment, and periodontal disease
• Heart conditions like patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease
• Skin allergies and infections
• Ear infections
• Bladder stones and infections

To keep your Havashu as healthy as possible, schedule regular vet check-ups for wellness exams, dental cleanings, and preventive care. Keep them at a healthy weight with proper diet and exercise, brush their teeth often, and check their ears and skin for signs of problems. Choosing a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs can also stack the odds in your favor of getting a healthy pup.

Is the Havashu the Right Breed for You?

Now that you know all about the Havashu‘s characteristics and needs, you may be wondering if this is the perfect breed for your lifestyle. Here are some of the big pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Extremely affectionate, loving, and loyal to their family
• Good with kids and other pets
• Highly adaptable to different living situations
• Easy to train and eager to please
• Don‘t require a huge amount of exercise
• Generally healthy and long-lived
• Very cute and cuddly!

Cons:

• Can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too much
• Can be quite vocal/barky
• Require regular grooming to maintain coat
• May be difficult to housetrain
• Can have some health issues related to their flat faces
• Not well-suited for highly active owners who want an all-day hiking buddy

Of course, every dog is an individual and even within a breed there is a range of personalities. The best way to find out if a Havashu puppy is right for you is to meet the breeder, parents, and litter in person. Observe their temperaments and ask lots of questions to get a feel for what to expect.

Alternatively, you may want to adopt an adult Havashu from a rescue organization. This allows you to choose a dog whose personality is already developed. Plus, you‘ll be giving a home to a pup in need.

Fun Facts About Havashus

To close out this guide, here are some fun and interesting facts about Havashus and their parent breeds:

1. The Havanese‘s coat is made up of hair, not fur, so they are considered non-shedding and hypoallergenic (though no dog is 100% allergen-free).

2. Shih Tzus were so revered in ancient China that only royal family members could own them. They lived in luxury and had personal servants attend to their every need.

3. Notable people who have owned Shih Tzus include Queen Elizabeth II, Mariah Carey, Nicole Richie, Bill Gates, and Beyoncé.

4. Famous Havanese owners past and present include Ernest Hemingway, Joan Rivers, Venus Williams, and Barbara Walters.

5. The actress who played Gidget in the 1960s TV series about a surfing girl, Sandra Dee, had two beloved Shih Tzus named Pom Pom and Fluff.

6. The Havashu‘s happy, comic nature has earned it a reputation as a "clown" breed that keeps its owners constantly amused with entertaining antics.

7. Since Havashus are a mix of two different breeds, they are less predictable in terms of size, appearance, and temperament compared to purebred dogs. You never know quite how your puppy will turn out!

We hope this in-depth guide has helped you determine whether the sweet, charming, and cuddly Havashu is the right dog for you. While they‘re not for everyone, these little bundles of love and laughter make wonderful companions in the right homes. Here‘s to many happy, snuggly years together if you do choose to welcome a Havashu into your heart and family!