| Many dog owners have found that the Havanese can | | | | Once you have found a Havanese puppy with a low |
| be a wonderful choice for a family pet. These | | | | risk of these issues, you will still need to practice |
| compact creatures get along well with adults, kids and | | | | regular Havanese health habits to keep your dog |
| other animals, are generally friendly, inquisitive animals | | | | looking and feeling his best. Grooming is a very |
| that are usually ready to play. If you are thinking about | | | | important routine with these dogs, with daily brushings |
| bringing one of these cute puppies home to your | | | | and monthly baths. You might prefer to clip the coat of |
| family, the first thing you will want to do is brush up on | | | | your Havanese to keep it shorter and easier to |
| the basics of Havanese care. This way, you will be | | | | maintain, and this can be done through a professional |
| prepared to give your pup the best environment | | | | groomer or at home if you learn how to give doggy |
| possible for him to grow up healthy and happy. | | | | haircuts. |
| Like any breed, these dogs come with specific | | | | A nutritious diet is an important component in good |
| Havanese health concerns that can be genetic | | | | Havanese health. Your breeder or veterinarian will |
| problems for the breed. By becoming familiar with | | | | probably have some suggestions and |
| these potential problems, you can find a breeder that | | | | recommendations in this area, but it is generally thought |
| offers dogs without the genetic predisposition to some | | | | that a high-quality commercial food from the pet store |
| of them. You can also remain vigilant with your own | | | | will be sufficient. It is best to keep your puppy on the |
| Havanese, so that you can head to the vet at the first | | | | same food that he ate at the breeders, at least during |
| sign of a problem. Other Havanese care to educate | | | | his first few weeks with you. If you decide to switch |
| yourself about include grooming issues and diet and | | | | foods for any reason, gradually transitioning your pup |
| exercise. | | | | to his new food by adding a little at a time to his dish |
| All purebred dogs come with a handful of medical | | | | will help to prevent tummy troubles from the change. |
| problems that they have a genetic predisposition to, | | | | Some dog owners are finding too many unhealthy |
| and the Havanese is no exception. Part of taking | | | | ingredients in manufactured dog food, and are |
| responsibility for Havanese health is to be aware of | | | | changing their pets to a raw food diet instead. |
| these problems before you ever begin the selection | | | | Along with the nutritious diet, your pup will need regular |
| process for your puppy. Some problems like cataracts, | | | | exercise, and he will enjoy it more if he gets to do it |
| patellar luxation (a slipping of the kneecap) and hip | | | | with you! Take him for a walk every day, or play a |
| dysplasia can be kept to a minimum through | | | | few rounds of fetch in the backyard. With daily |
| responsible breeding practices. It is important to ask | | | | exercise, regular grooming sessions and a healthy diet, |
| your potential breeder about these problems to find | | | | your pet will be the healthiest and happiest that he can |
| out if he has had any of them appear in his lines of | | | | be. |
| dogs. | | | | |