Avonlea Havanese (2024)

FAQs

Why are Havanese dogs so expensive? ›

Even then, the breeders spent loads on caring for their puppies. No wonder to this date there are many expenses concerning the purchase and care of Havanese breeds. These in include medical insurance, grooming, vaccination, etc. Even so, the average cost of purchasing a purebred Havanese puppy is about $3500-$5000.

Havanese puppies are alert and energetic; they can sometimes be fairly vocal. While they are not like Chihuahuas or Pomeranians, barking at everything they see, they will get yappy when they notice a mailman or a stray squirrel in their yard.

Lifespan. Like most small dogs, Havanese will likely live for well over a decade. In fact, the average Havanese lifespan is 14 to 16 years — and some of them can live even longer than this. If you get a Havanese dog as a puppy, be prepared for a long life with your new companion.

Havanese are generally healthy and fairly long-lived. There are several conditions that the breed can be prone to, including eye disorders, chondrodysplasia, deafness, heart murmurs, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (which affects the hip joint), and patellar luxation.

They Are Prone to Health Issues

Like all dog breeds, Havanese is prone to certain health issues. Some of the common health problems in Havanese include hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, cataracts, and deafness. Regular vet checkups and preventative care can help minimize the risk of these health problems.

It is believed that the Blanquito was eventually cross-bred with other bichon types, including the poodle, to create what is now known as the Havanese.

Heart Disease

Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Havanese in their golden years. Most heart disease in dogs is caused by weakening of a valve. A heart valve slowly becomes deformed so that it no longer closes tightly. Blood then leaks back around this valve and strains the heart.

The Havanese dog is smart, spirited, and highly trainable. They make good watch dogs but may bark excessively if not properly trained. Their medium-length coat can be straight or wavy and requires frequent brushing to stay free of tangles.

Male Havanese tend to be more laidback and easygoing. They are friendly and can be more tolerant and playful with smaller children. Your attention will be well sought after with a male Havanese, and you can expect a fair share of affection.

Do Havanese have bad eyesight? ›

Eye Problems

Unfortunately, Havanese can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful!

In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. We call this skin allergy “atopy”, and Havanese often have it. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year.

The Havanese is a toy breed and the national dog of Cuba. Their playful, affectionate personalities accompany good-natured temperaments and intelligence, making them lovely family dogs. Plus, they're quite cute, with round faces and floppy ears.

Havanese have long been popular with the rich and famous, from Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens, to Venus Williams, Susan Sarandon, Jane Fonda and Jennifer Love Hewitt. The popularity of this still relatively rare breed cannot be called a modern trend!

Purchasing from a Breeder: Expect to pay between $650 and $1800. Reputable breeders focus on health and temperament, often registering with breed clubs ([link to AKC Havanese page]). Puppies with champion bloodlines may cost more.

While a dog that doesn't shed may sound like music to your ears, this does not mean that Havanese don't require much grooming. On the contrary, the double coat of a Havanese dog needs brushed multiple times a week. Overall, this breed has higher grooming needs than many other dogs.