Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Fumipets
Exploring the Havashu: Havanese Shih Tzu Mix Breed
The Havanese Shih Tzu Mix, also known as the “Havashu” or “Havatzu,” is a charming and affectionate crossbreed that combines the traits of the Havanese and Shih Tzu breeds.
These delightful pups have gained popularity for their friendly disposition and adorable appearance. Here’s a concise overview of the Havanese Shih Tzu Mix:
Havanese Shih Tzu Mix
The Havashu is a diminutive hybrid between the Havanese and Shih Tzu breeds of dogs. This loving pet is a lively and eager family companion dog. This breed is a good choice for a child’s pet since it combines the sociable traits of the Havanese with the tenacious character of the Shih Tzu.
The Havashu are quite jovial and could play for hours. Despite how well they adjust to apartment life, they would benefit from having a yard to play in. This dog is energetic, enjoys cuddling with its owners, and is friendly to outsiders.
Breed Overview
Height: 8-12 inches
Weight: 8-15 pounds
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Colors: Brown, white, gray, black
Suitable for: Apartment dwellers, families with kids and other pets, first-time dog owners
Temperament: Intelligent, playful, affectionate, and easy to train
While the Havashu breed’s true origins are uncertain, it has been classified as a designer dog since the 1990s. The Spanish colonists that arrived in Cuba brought the Havanese’s progenitor breed with them in the 1400s. On the other hand, the Shih Zhu was bred in ancient China and Tibet as a lap dog companion and a gift for noblemen.
The Havashu is the product of the hybrid between these two high-end dog breeds. Their fame has grown as a result of their connections to famous people. Nowadays, the majority of breeds come from the United States, while some also come from the UK, Canada, and Australia.
The Havashu is a great option if you like little lapdogs. But, before purchasing one from your breeder, you must be aware of how to take care of it, as well as the nutritional requirements, any health concerns, exercise needs, grooming needs, and training needs. This is a thorough manual.
Havashu Puppies
The Havashu is a cute, friendly, active, and simple to teach canine. These are helpful for families and first-time dog owners.
The Havashu is an excellent pet if you’re seeking a smart and energetic canine. It’s crucial to be able to play with them and provide them with ample mental and physical stimulation since they like human interaction. A delightful journey you may have with your little furry companion is bringing a Havashu home.
Temperament & Intelligence of Havashus
The Havashu is a social, energetic, and loving dog that likes to meet new people. These characteristics lead these canines to get connected to their families. They will get along well with children and other animals as long as they are socialized as pups.
You should teach kids how to manage them because of their small size. They periodically bark to alert you to outsiders in your home or complex. They are perceptive and attentive dogs. Hence, if you are thinking of having a dog of this breed, be ready for a dog with plenty of personality and activity.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
As long as it is not left alone, this dog would adapt nicely to any household. They are people-pleasers who like remaining with their caretakers since they were bred to be lap dogs; otherwise, they develop separation anxiety.
Before bringing a dog home, it is recommended for households with members who have allergies to get the dog tested. Shih-Tzus, the ancestor breed, are hypoallergenic, hence this feature may be passed down to the progeny. The only way to be certain is to make sure that your breeder does the required testing before selling you the puppy.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Other animals get along nicely with Havashu. Yet sometimes, because of its joyful nature, it would pursue smaller creatures in an effort to play. Early socialization aids in the development of this trait, preventing the dog from seeing other animals as prey.
Havashus are not dangerous and get along very nicely with kittens and other pets if you have them.
Things to Know When Owning a Havashu
You must be aware of each breed’s unique needs before getting a pet. You can properly care for your dog with the aid of this advice. The following are some essential details you need to be aware of before inviting a Havashu into your house.
Food and Diet Requirements
Due to its diminutive size, the Havashu requires extremely little food. These energetic bundles of joy also like eating, and if their weight is not carefully monitored, they may develop obesity. You should give this dog breed modest meals two to three times a day.
Avoid fillers like carbs that can cause him to overeat while preparing the meals. As they become older, Havashu are more prone to get joint problems. Feeding them nutrient-rich food that is appropriate for their weight, age, size, and amount of exercise will stop this.
Also, monitor their weight. When you see your dog starting to gain weight, it’s important to reduce the quantity of food and up the amount of activity.
Exercise
Moderate types of exercise are required for Havashu dog breeds. Even if much of it comes from watching the family as they move about the house, you may set aside a few hours for a quick stroll. These brief periods of exercise help the dog burn off some energy since this breed is prone to hyperactivity.
Apartment dwellers may plan a neighborhood stroll or take their dog to a park where they can let it run around there. These excursions outside the house provide the dog with the chance to meet other canines and build comfort.
Your Havashu is more likely to have brachycephalic airway syndrome if it inherited the Shih Tzu’s flat face. If your dog has this problem, you’ll notice that they begin to pant or have trouble keeping up while you’re walking or jogging. If your dog is having trouble breathing due to this condition, it is recommended to carry them back home.
Training
A Havashu’s ability to be very obstinate is something they got from Shih-Tzus. As a result, teaching them could demand a bit more patience from you. Including a reward system is another way to keep trainees engaged.
Yet because of their intelligence and desire to please others, they are good at following orders. Avoid being harsh with them during training; pups are highly sensitive. Start early socializing while they are still young to make things simpler for both of you and prevent these training challenges.
Grooming
While this breed doesn’t shed much, it still needs to have its long, silky coat brushed every day to get rid of knots and avoid matting. To keep his coat clean, plan to give him a wash every three to four weeks. These dogs’ floppy ears should be cleaned by the owners once a week to prevent infection.
Like other tiny dogs, Havashus are susceptible to dental issues. As a result, you need to ensure that you wash their teeth frequently—roughly three times each week. Be sure to also clip your nails so they don’t grow out too long.
Health and Conditions
Havashus are a breed of dog that is not particularly prone to illness. In compared to their parent breeds, the health quality is intended to be improved via breeding. They have made progress, but they are still not completely disease-free.
These are a few things to be on the lookout for.
Minor Conditions
Allergies
Ear infections
Serious Conditions
Chondrodylsplasia
Patellar luxation
Bladder stones
Minor Conditions
Here are some medical issues that you need to pay attention to, to avoid serious problems.
Allergies
Certain Havashus often have allergic responses. You must determine the underlying reason and take precautions if your dog has an allergy-related problem.
Ear Infections
Every week, Havashu needs their ears cleaned. You may prevent your dog’s ears from inflaming and becoming infected, which can ultimately cause deafness, by doing this on occasion.
Get your puppy from a reputable breeder who can provide you with proof of the parent breeds’ medical clearances in order to avoid and prevent the majority of these health issues. Get the dog examined for other possible health issues, such as patella, hip, eye, and joint issues.
As your dog ages, you may also prepare for regular exams including hearing, urinalysis, and X-ray imaging. Havashus may survive for 12 to 16 years with the right care.
Serious Conditions
Chondrodysplasia
Canine dwarfism may affect the Havashu. The dog’s bones cannot develop to their full potential size because of this hereditary disease. A problem with shortened or bent forelegs that are inherited from the Havanese parent breed increases the risk of hip dysplasia and arthritis.
Patellar Luxation
When the kneecap is knocked out of place, this syndrome develops. It’s a typical medical condition that affects petite breeds like Havashus.
Bladder Stones
You’ll notice that your Havashu may struggle to pee or have blood in the urine if they have bladder stones. This is because bladder stones may irritate and hurt your dog since they induce inflammation of the bladder walls.
Male vs. Female
Particularly in terms of personality, the male and female Havashus are almost identical. Regardless of the gender, you’ll receive an animated, lively dog. The female Havashus is somewhat smaller than the male Havashus, however their sizes do vary.
Males typically reach heights of 9–12 inches and weigh 8–15 lbs, whilst girls typically weigh 7–14 lbs and reach heights of 8–11 inches.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Havashu
1. The Havanese is the National Dog of Cuba
Cuba’s national dog is the Havanese breed, which gave rise to the Havashu. This is due to the fact that it is Cuba’s sole indigenous breed. It was particularly well-liked by the wealthy in Cuba in the early 1800s, and this also gained popularity among European aristocracy and the affluent.
2. The Shih-Tzu Breed Almost Became Extinct
The progenitor breed of the Havashus, the Shih-Tzu, almost perished during the Chinese Communist Revolution in 1949. Yet, some dogs that made it to Britain helped the breed thrive.
3. Hollywood Personalities Love This Breed
A-list celebrities who own the Havanese breed include Venus Williams, Barbara Walters, and Charles Dickens. On the other side, some well-known Shih-Tzu owners include the Dalai Lama, Bill Gates, Jon Stewart, and Beyoncé.
Conclusion
The Havashu dog breed produces excellent friends. They like being around people and are fun and spirited. As a result, you must ensure that the dog is always with someone at home.
To be sure that your pet doesn’t inherit any serious health problems from the parent breeds, get a puppy from a reputable breeder. You must create place for Havashu’s continual grooming demands since they are more than those of other dogs. A Havashu is a wonderful option if you’re searching for a little, devoted dog that your children will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Havanese Shih Tzu Mix?
The Havanese Shih Tzu Mix is a hybrid breed resulting from the crossbreeding of a Havanese and a Shih Tzu. It inherits characteristics from both parent breeds.
What Does a Havashu Look Like?
Havashus typically have a small to medium-sized body with a soft and flowing coat that can come in various colors. They may have a compact, well-proportioned build and a sweet, expressive face.
What is Their Personality Like?
These dogs are known for their friendly, affectionate, and outgoing personalities. They tend to be social and get along well with both family members and other pets. Havashus are often described as loving companions.
How Active Are Havashus?
Havashus are moderately active and enjoy playtime and short walks. They do well in various living environments, including apartments, as long as they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation.
What Care Do Havashus Need?
Havashus require regular grooming to maintain their coat’s health and appearance. Additionally, they thrive on social interaction and should not be left alone for extended periods.
