Havashu Dog Breed

The Havashu, as a hybrid, is not an official member of any breed category--though its Havanese and Shih Tzu parents are both in the Toy Group, so the Havashu would certainly qualify as a Toy as well. Though the exact origin of the Havashu is unknown, the breed is likely the result of the designer dog craze of the 1980s and '90s in the U.S. These energetic, social little dogs are great companions for families of any size.

Some Havashu specifications: they'e small-sized (height at the shoulders averages 11 inches, and weight averages 12 pounds), with medium- to long-haired, fine, wavy or curly coats in a variety of mostly mixed colors (brown and white and gray and white are most common). Here are some advantages and drawbacks to owning this toy-sized crossbreed:

PROS:

• Extremely affectionate
• Great for apartment life
• Intelligent
• Excellent with children
• Fairly easily trained
• Incredibly active, playful, and energetic
• Good watchdog skills
• Low to moderate exercise needs
• Comparatively "sturdy" build for toy-sized breed
• Great for first-time owners

CONS:

• Tend to be hyperactive
• May require early socialization with other pets
• Depending on coat length/style, may require professional grooming
• Fairly high tendency for obesity
• May suffer more health issues than other crossbreeds
• Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
• Might be difficult to housetrain

The typical Havashu is completely lovable--and often quite a handful as well. Dogs of this breed are affectionate and playful, sometimes overly so; they form deep bonds with their human family members (with children in particular), and they're more solidly built than some other toy breeds, so they aren't as fragile and prone to injury during rough play. And Havashus will definitely be game for any kind of play at all!

Information on Havanese-Shih Tzu mix intelligence: these dogs are fairly smart, but they have intense desire to please their owners, so any training should be pretty easy.

Havashu owners often attest that dogs of this breed are hyperactive, and may need some obedience training to teach them to calm down. While not overly yappy, the owners say, Havashus can be needy, and will often physically "force" themselves upon people looking for love and affection. For a more well-balanced, serene dog, it's best to train and socialize a Havashu from puppyhood, if possible.

But with that hyperactivity, of course, comes plenty of spent energy. Havashus are naturally active enough that not a lot of extra exercise is required for them; a long daily walk or an hour or so of vigorous play should be plenty.

Enthusiastic, affectionate, playful, at times stubborn, and often hyperactive, the Havanese-Shih Tzu mix temperament is one of both liveliness and love. Dogs of this breed are very social, and get along great with children; they socialize fairly well with other pets, but may have a bit of a jealous streak and will need some socialization with other household animals. Since both their parent breeds (particularly Shih Tzus) can be stubborn, a Havashu can also be a bit headstrong, and may require a little obedience training.

When it actually comes to training, these dogs do pretty well. While not known for being super-smart, Havashus are extremely eager to please, and thus willing to learn. They may need some obedience training both for their stubbornness and their hyperactivity, but if they're consistently taught some calm behavioral traits, they should be fairly well-balanced once they mature.

Havashus also make good watchdogs, and will typically bark at any perceived threats.

A Havashu, despite being a crossbreed, can inherit quite a few health issues from one or both of its parent breeds. Major health concerns include Chondrodysplasia (also known as canine dwarfism) and possible deafness. Less serious health issues include:

• Allergies
• Patellar luxation
• Kidney and bladder issues
• Legg-Perthes disease
• Reverse sneezing
• Umbilical hernias

Life expectancy for these dogs is 12-16 years.