Is Havanese a Good Family Dog?

If you're considering adding a small furry friend to your family, you may have come come across the Havanese breed in your research. This adorable Cuban breed, with its lively demeanor and affectionate nature, is one of the most popular small dog breeds in America, having won over the hearts of many families and individuals.

But is a Havanese the right choice for your family? In this article, we examine their characteristics, suitability, and attributes to discover if a Havanese dog could be the right addition to your family. 

How Are Havanese Dogs with Families? 

When looking for a family pet, the Havanese breed often stands out due to its loving and affectionate nature. Their friendly demeanor, coupled with their manageable size, makes them a favorite choice among families seeking a low-maintenance yet engaging pet.

A "best of both worlds" temperament

Havanese have a personality that can be aptly described as "the best of both worlds" -- they are simultaneously playful and energetic, while also being laidback. They are equally happy engaging a game of fetch, a leisurely walk, or even a quiet evening spent snuggling on the couch.

With this temperament, Havanese dogs endear themselves to both adults and children in the household. Their patient and gentle nature makes them perfect playmates for kids, while their sociable and affable traits make them equally appealing to adults. This is one of the outstanding qualities of Havaneses that make them superb family companions.  

Highly trainable breed

Adding to their adaptable temperament, Havanese dogs are also remarkably intelligent. This trait coupled with their eager-to-please attitude makes them a highly trainable small dogs. Whether it's basic obedience commands or advanced tricks, they pick them up with relative ease. This means that your Havanese pup can effortlessly adjust to new environments and situations.

Superb dogs for kids

When it comes to children, Havanese dogs shine brightly! They're remarkably affectionate and loving, and enjoy engaging play. This way, they quickly build special bonds with younger family members. They're also quite patient during play, making them suitable for families with very young kids. Their small size also makes them more manageable playmates for children, as kids are less likely to be accidentally hurt during play. 

Gets along well with other pets

Beyond their affinity for humans, Havanese dogs also get along splendidly with other pets. Thanks to their laidback and adaptable temperament, they fit seamlessly into multi-pet households. From cats to other dogs, the Havanese have the capacity to build amicable relationships, particularly if they receive proper socialization from an early age. Early socialization ensures their ability to interact comfortably and positively with other pets, fostering a harmonious environment at home. 

What Families are Havaneses Best For? 

The Havanese breed, often hailed as one of the best family pets, can be particularly well-suited to certain types of families over others. With their manageable size and affectionate nature, they bring a lot of lovable traits to the table. Here's who they might be perfect for:

• First-time pet owners: Due to their generally laid-back temperament and notable adaptability, Havaneses are an excellent choice for first-time pet owners who may be grappling with the responsibilities of dog ownership.
• Families with children: Their playful and energetic nature renders Havaneses absolutely wonderful for families with children. Kids will love their active play style while parents can rest easy knowing their kids are interacting with a friendly and good-natured pet.
• Elderly couples or individuals: Havaneses love a good cuddle and prove excellent companions—who wouldn’t enjoy the company of these loving little lap dogs? Being much easier to manage due to their size, they are a good fit for elderly dog lovers.
• Families seeking a low-maintenance pet: Their small size, combined with their loving nature, makes Havaneses a good choice for families who do not want the upkeep of larger breeds.
• People living in apartments: Havaneses adapt well to different living conditions. Their small size and lower energy needs compared to bigger breeds make them an ideal choice for apartment dwellers.

What Families are Havaneses Not So Suitable For? 

While Havanese dogs are incredibly adaptable and delightful companions for many families, there may be certain situations where they might not be the best choice. Here's a list of scenarios where a Havanese might not be the most suitable pick: 

• Families with a rigorous active lifestyle: Havanese dogs love play and walks, but their small size and relatively low energy levels may not be a good fit for hardcore outdoor enthusiasts or families with a very active, sporty lifestyle.
• Families not ready for grooming needs: Havanese dogs have a beautiful, silky coat that sheds little. But it also requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. If regular upkeep is going to be a problem, it's better to opt for a breed with fewer grooming needs.
• Families with severe allergies: Even though Havanese dogs are considered low shedding, they are actually more prone to causing allergies than other breeds like Maltese, Coton de Tulear, and Toy Poodle. 
• Families often away from home: These dogs are known for their affectionate nature and love being around their human companions. They may not do well in families that are often away from home for long periods.

In Conclusion

In summary, the Havanese breed makes an excellent family dog. When bringing home a Havanese puppy, you can expect a pet that carries a "best of both worlds" temperament, is great with kids, and builds healthy relationships with other pets. Havanese make excellent companions for families with kids, the elderly, and those living in smaller living spaces. But they're not best suited for families with extremely active, outdoorsy lifestyles, or those not up for the care and attention this breed requires. 

The decision ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and needs. If your family seeks a small, lovable, and relatively low-maintenance pet, the Havanese is certainly a choice worth considering!