Havashu Breed Information

Grooming

These dogs don’t have high grooming requirements, but they do require a bit of effort put into their daily routines. Given that their coats tend to grow quite long, they will need a quick brush every day or two. Daily brushing is best as it keeps the coat tangle-free and helps stimulate the dog’s skin.  

Daily grooming routines should also include cleaning the dog’s ears, face, and teeth. Like all dogs, Havashus can be prone to several dental problems which are best avoided with the help of daily brushing. It's important to use only vet-approved toothpaste. Products that are designed for humans can be harmful to your little Havashu.  

Another part of grooming a Havashu involves bathing them. Since they are an active breed that enjoys being on the move all the time, they are likely to get dirty more often. In this case, you will need to bathe your little dog monthly. Try to avoid bathing your dog more than once a month as bathing too often can lead to other problems such as skin dryness and irritation, and loss of good natural oils. 

Trips to the dog groomer are recommended every other month for a coat trim and general care. It is a good idea to begin grooming your little puppy as soon as he arrives home. Teaching him to be ok while being handled, brushed, bathed, and inspected, will lay the foundation for easy grooming both at home and at the groomer.  

Exercise Needs

An energetic dog that enjoys being on the move, the Havashu will require routine walks every day. These dogs love indoor and outdoor activities just the same as long as fun games and sprinting are involved. They enjoy going on hikes, running alongside their furry friends, and playing ball games. The ideal daily routine for these energetic pups includes up to 60 minutes of outdoor walks. Two or three daily walks and an occasional trip to the dog park are perfect for the Havashu.   

Health

As hybrids, the Havashu dogs are less likely to inherit health problems that are typically passed down through purebred generations. Because they are a mix of two healthy, purebred dogs, they also benefit from hybrid vigor, which ensures fewer health issues than their parents. In most cases. Havashus live long, good lives without suffering from any problems. The issues they can suffer from are typically not life-threatening. These include luxating patella, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and allergies.  

Lifespan

The breed’s life expectancy is typically between 12 and 16 years with some living as much as 18-20 years. Given that these puppies are a healthy, long-lived breed that combines the good health of two purebreds, they are likely to have long and happy lives.  

Training

Like most dogs, Havashu puppies are driven to please their owners, and they do that quite nicely during training. They enjoy the attention, and training sessions offer plenty.  

These cuties have a knack for learning and will pick up quickly on whatever they are taught, granted they are properly motivated. They come with a stubborn streak that they inherited from their Shih Tzu ancestors, but that can easily be overcome with the right reward system.  

These puppies need to be given a clear structure for training. This includes giving them clear commands, rewarding good behaviors with food or praise, and sticking to a daily routine. It’s also important to keep training sessions short and fun so that your little puppy doesn’t get bored.  

Havashu pups form strong attachments with their owners and often lack the capability of handling some alone time. Because of this, it’s important to teach them lessons on independence when they are still very young. Leaving them alone for longer periods of time can lead them to become destructive or suffer from separation anxiety.