Grooming
The Havashu has moderate grooming requirements. Being half Havanese and half Shih Tzu, the Havashu is likely to inherit a medium to long wavy coat. To keep his luxurious coat healthy and shining, he needs to be brushed (a pin brush is recommended) and combed every other day if not daily and bathed once or twice every month with dog shampoo.
Because his coat grows quite long, it is recommended to use a detangling comb to avoid matting of the hair. The Havashu are sometimes prone to dental issues as well as ear infections and require weekly teeth brushing and frequent ear cleaning. It is also recommended to take the Havashu to a professional groomer every few months for coat trimming and nail clipping. The Havashu loves to be groomed and pampered. Daily grooming during puppyhood is a wonderful way to bond with the Havashu puppy, get him used to grooming tools and keep him fluffy and happy.
For guidance on maintaining your Havashu's dental health, delve into our detailed guide on brushing puppy teeth.
To understand more about grooming requirements and how often you should bathe your Havashu, check out our comprehensive guide.
Exercise Needs
The Havashu dogs are active (and sometimes hyperactive). They like to spend their energy by running around, chasing toys, playing ball, and jumping from lap to lap. They also love going on adventures so a hiking trip on a cool day is ideal for them. Because they have a shorter muzzle, these cute dogs don’t endure hot weather too well. They prefer cooler days as opposed to hot ones, and it is imperative not to over-exercise them during hot summer days as they can develop difficulties with breathing.
The ideal amount of exercise a Havashu needs to keep in his great shape and happy state is a combined 60 minutes every day split into two or three walks and some active playtime indoors. A backyard where he can roam freely, or a few minutes off-leash at the dog park are great ways to keep the Havashu exercised and content. If the Havashu shows signs of difficult breathing or exhaustion, it is best to end the walk and take him home to a cooler temperature.
Health
As designer puppies, the Havashu are not prone to many health problems. Their health is improved thanks to hybrid vigor, and they are less likely to inherit the problems that are common in the breeds of their parents. Some minor issues they may suffer from include cataracts during old age, bladder stones, ear infections, and skin or food allergies.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Havashu dog is between 12 and 16 years. Like their parents, these dogs live long, healthy lives. Both the Shih Tzu and the Havanese are renowned for their longevity and the Havashu puppies take after them. The oldest Shih Tzu alive is currently 23 years old, while the oldest Havanese to have lived reached over 18 years.
Training
The Havashu dogs are fairly easy to train. Having inherited the eagerness to please from their Havanese parent, these dogs are likely to learn fast and perform well while training. They are sometimes known to be a bit stubborn but with patience, proper motivation, and persistence they can be trained easily. The Havashu respond well to positive reinforcement methods, reward-based motivation, and praise. It is recommended to combine playtime with training, use vet-approved dog treats (or puppy treats), keep sessions short and frequent, and use the puppy’s favorite toy as motivation for best results.
RELATED: 10 Reasons Why Dogs Lose Interest In Training And How To Fix It
The Havashu dog is a family-attached companion pet, and this sometimes translates to a Velcro dog prone to separation anxiety. To avoid separation anxiety and any destructive behavior that comes with it, it is best to help the Havashu puppy gradually adjust to some alone time during puppyhood. He must come to understand that being alone is only a temporary situation and not something to be feared.
For more insights on training dogs effectively, especially breeds like the Havashu, explore our blog titled Easiest Dogs to Train - Top 5 Pups for Effortless Training
