Monday, February 22, 2010

HAVANESE PUPPIES

HAVANESE PUPPIES

With their small size, cute looks, playfulness and great devotion, havanese puppies make a great addition to your family. However, these toy dogs require a good level of maintenance so before you buy one, make sure that you have the time and money to look after it. You will have to care for it just like you would care for a baby. Here are some facts about havanese puppies.

Appearance- These toy dogs are small in size and weigh just around 7 to 13 lbs. They grow to a height of 8 to 11 inches. Their coat is made up of long, silky, soft hair. The coat comes in different colors like black, cream, white, silver, chocolate, champagne or a mix of two or three colors. These puppies have an adorable appearance which is further enhanced by their happy, playful demeanor.

Character- Havanese puppies make happy, affectionate, playful and devoted companions. They love company and are at their best when surrounded by people they love and trust. These dogs display a certain level of separation anxiety and they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They display their resentment by chewing things and barking loudly. They are good watchdogs and are quick to alert you of danger or strangers.

Care - Havanese puppies need a good deal of care and grooming. These puppies shed very little hair, making them a good choice for people who are allergic to dog fur. However, their double coat and low shedding rate mean that these dogs need to be brushed and groomed often. Otherwise, their hair tends to get matted and messy. Some pet owners may decide to cut or clip the puppy’s hair for easier grooming. They also tend to lose their teeth early so, it is essential to brush their teeth regularly and maintain good dental hygiene. Give your dog a bath at least once a month. Havanese puppies are susceptible to ear infections so, it is essential to clean your puppy’s ears every week. You will also need to trim his toenail with a nail clipper. Check for fleas and ticks and take proper preventive care.

Foods- Just like you; your havanese puppy also needs a well balanced diet with a perfect blend of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals etc. You can buy commercial dog foods which provide all these nutrients. If you decide to make your own dog food, include plenty of meat, grains, vegetables and diary products in your puppy’s diet. Occasional healthy treats are also welcome.

Training– Training and housebreaking havanese puppies is a tough task and requires a lot of effort and patience. However, these dogs are intelligent and curious by nature and they love to learn new things. It is essential to understand that dogs are pack animals and they tend to try and establish authority over their surroundings. This results in bad behavior like running away, struggling while grooming, pestering you, being adamant for things, barking at you and so on. Such behavior needs to be purged and controlled. Some aspects of training your dog includes potty training, housebreaking, learning to understand words of praise and correction, learning to be gentle, learning new words, socializing with other people and dogs and so on.

Activities- Havanese puppies are moderate activity dogs. You will need to take your puppy for walks, play with him and so on. Although they do not require too much exercise, they do need to stay engaged and stimulated. This keeps them happy and active. You can also get some chew toys or squeaky toys to make playtime more fun. Make sure that the dog cannot choke on these toys.

Medical care- Choose a good vet for your puppy and ensure that you get regular physical examinations done. You will also need to make sure that the dog gets his vaccinations on time. Follow the schedule laid out by your breeder or vet. During regular visits, your vet may check for worms, especially heartworms, which is a common problem among dogs. If any worms are found, your dog may need de-worming. If well cared for, a havanese puppy will live for 14 to 15 years on average.

Finding a pet for you- The best place to buy a havanese puppy is from a good dog breeder or havanese rescue center. Ensure that the dog has been well cared for. You can identify a healthy dog by its appearance. A well cared for puppy has a healthy, fluffy clean coat and a fleshy appearance. The pup will be energetic and playful. You can also buy a puppy online. There are several web sites dedicated to the sale and purchase of havanese puppies. Check out pictures, descriptions and prices before deciding on the puppy you want. These dogs can cost anywhere between $500 and $2000.

Sites referred

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/faq/havanese.html
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/buying/havanese.html
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/health/havanese.html
http://www.havanesesavvy.com/havanese-puppy/
http://www.havanese.ca/Training_your_havanese.htm
http://www.nextdaypets.com/directory/breeds/1100136/
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Standard-Supplies-For-Havanese-Puppy-Care/971822
http://www.havanesedogsinformation.com/havanese-dog-care

By Dhanya Renjen
Author can be contacted at dhanya.renjen@gmail.com

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Animal and Pet