Getting a dog is probably your best option when adopting a family pet. Many breeds work fantastically in a family setting and get along very well with children and other pets.
The only exceptions to this are guard dogs, and only in rare circumstances. However, even these guard dogs, like Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Dobermans, can be fantastic family pets with proper training.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a tame breed guaranteed to work well with your family, look no further than the vast number of designer dog breeds. Designer breeds result from mixing two purebred dogs to produce a new breed that combines all of the best traits from its purebred parents.
Havachons are a fantastic example of this because they combine the Havanese and the Bichon Frise, both well known for being very loving, playful, and attached to their owners. But do the Havachons work well as a family dog?
Yes, Havachons are fantastic family dogs and are excellent playmates for children. As previously stated, Havachons are a mix between a Havanese and a Bichon Frise, which are well-known lap dog breeds with many traits in common. This results in a designer breed, the Havachon, which combines the best qualities of its parents.
Havachons are well-known for their loving nature because their parents are known for the same reason. Havachons love to play and have short bursts of energy throughout the day.
However, they love nothing more than lounging and relaxing with their families. This trait makes Havachons a very docile breed, which can put some families at ease.
Furthermore, Havachons are guaranteed to inherit the hypoallergenic trait. This is because both the Havanese and Bichon Frise are hypoallergenic dogs. This makes them an excellent choice for families that have allergies.
As you continue to read this article, we will cover the history of the Havachon breed. We will then provide an in-depth description of their traits, giving you a sense of how a Havachon will interact with your family. Finally, we will provide tips for grooming, training, and feeding to keep your Havachon happy and healthy.
What Are Havachons?
Havachons are a designer breed that results from breeding purebred Bichon Frise and Havanese. Many believe that they originated in the United States and Cuba in the early 2000s, and since they are a relatively new breed, they have a limited history.
However, the Bichon Frise and Havanese are very old breeds that originated centuries ago and are part of the same dog family called Barbichon. Because the Havanese and Bichon Frise are closely related, their history can roughly translate to the Havachons’.
The Bichon Frise and the Havanese have a similar history. Both breeds belong to the same Barbichon family that originated in the Canary Islands in the 13th century. Their loving and caring nature made their popularity explode, and both breeds were in high demand.
This popularity reached the European mainland, where they became pets of prominent royal figures in Italy, Spain, and France. Given the moniker “Little White Dogs,” their quick wit and pleasing looks made their popularity grow throughout the Renaissance.
Both breeds have been featured in paintings with their owners, like Duke Federico Gonzaga. Furthermore, King Henry III was a well-known lover of the little white dogs and was often seen with a few of his dogs wherever he went.
Queen Victoria also owned dogs from both the Bichon Frise and Havanese breeds. This extensive history of fame for the Bichon Frise and Havanese continues to this day, where they are a favorite breed of many celebrities like Richard Belzer, Martha Stewart, Barbra Streisand, and many more.
Havachon Traits That Make Them Great for Families
Mixing two purebred dogs already well known for being excellent family dogs means Havachons have a higher chance to inherit the same trait. However, we have a list of traits to drive that fact home.
1. Temperament
Havachons are a breed bursting with personality. Whether your Havachon takes after their Havanese or Bichon Frise parents, they will always be happy being the center of attention.
Havachons are energetic and love to play with their owners, and their calm and friendly demeanor makes them excellent companions for children. However, since they are a small breed that can be injured easily, teaching your children how to interact and play with your Havachon is essential.
They also work well with other dogs if you have taken the time to socialize them properly. Havachons can make friends with other breeds of similar size.
While they can initially act a little timid around larger breeds, Havachons are brave and will also make friends with them quickly. However, it would be best if you were still cautious because larger dogs can forget how big they are, and playtime can be a little dangerous as your large dog can accidentally injure your Havachon.
Havachons can also get along with cats, birds, and other small pets because they lack a prey drive that causes them to chase smaller animals around. However, socializing your Havachon and your cat is essential, and supervising their behavior in the first weeks is vital to ensure they get along.
2. Intelligence
Havachons are a very intelligent breed thanks to the traits they inherited from their purebred parents. Furthermore, they are quick-witted and eager to please their owners, which makes training a breeze.
Havachons can learn simple commands like sit and stay, and they come with a few treats and tons of praise. Not only that but knowing their name will only take a few days.
The only downside to Havachon’s intelligence is its tendency to become bored and stubborn quickly. This happens when your Havachons become accustomed to praise and treats when executing a command.
After some time has passed without receiving praises or treats after they sit or come when you call, a Havachon will ignore your commands. Instead, they will arrive within your line of sight and stare at you until they know they will receive some kind of reward for following a command.
3. Energetic & Playful
Havachons have a surprising amount of energy for a breed their size. As such, they love to play and learn.
These dogs have a ton of energy to play and should do so daily. Going on a long walk will give them the exercise they need to stay healthy. Regardless, indoor or outdoor play time in your backyard will do the trick.
The high energy levels of the Havachon breed make them a great companion for your kids. Letting them play outside is a great way to get them to become even closer than before and a good way for them to exercise.
4. Havachons Are Hypoallergenic
Both the Bichon Frise and the Havanese are hypoallergenic breeds. This means Havachons is guaranteed to inherit this trait.
When an animal is hypoallergenic, it produces a small number of allergens that can cause an allergic reaction. This makes Havachons a fantastic dog for families with members who suffer from allergies.
However, it’s essential to know that being hypoallergenic does not mean you will never have an allergic reaction to your dog. Hypoallergenic dogs still produce allergens like shedding hair and dander but in a reduced amount. This means the allergic reactions you will have will be far fewer between and of reduced severity.
Moreover, we will discuss some grooming tips shortly that will help further reduce the number of allergens your Havachon can spread around your home.
Havachon Care Guide
Here we will provide a simple care guide that covers all of the basics and will help you guarantee your Havachon will be happy and healthy.
1. Brushing Your Havachon
Havachons are a hypoallergenic breed, which means they shed fewer allergens like hair and dander than other breeds that are not hypoallergenic.
Havachons also have a dense coat, which helps retain some of their hair and dander in their coat. Without proper grooming habits, your Havachon’s coat can look very puffy.
Grooming your Havachon is very simple. Yet, the most time-consuming part of grooming is brushing. Brushing a Havachon coat at least once a week would be best.
However, brushing their coat two or three times a week will help keep their coat looking healthy. Brushing several times a week removes shed hair caught in its over and undercoats and thus helps reduce the allergens they spread across your home.
The best brush for your Havachon is a slicker brush because it removes the shed hair in the undercoat and is suitable for all coat types. If your Havachon has long hair, use a pin brush instead.
2. Giving Your Havachon a Bath
It would be best to bathe your Havachon every three to four weeks. Their sensitive skin can be irritated if you bathe them too often. We always recommend using de-shedding shampoo when bathing your dogs. It’s packed with moisturizers and omega-fatty acids that promote skin and fur health.
It also works even better for hypoallergenic dogs as it helps reduce shedding. The omega acids and moisturizers provide nutrients that strengthen their hair and prevent damage that can lead to shedding.
3. Taking Your Havachon to the Groomer
One of the easiest ways to keep your Havachon skin and coat looking pretty and healthy is to set up monthly appointments with a groomer. Groomers will bathe, brush, trim the nails, and give your pup a haircut.
Havachons have two types of fur: curly and wavy. Both fur types require the same grooming, but your Havachon’s hair can change a few things depending on how long you like it. For example, how often they need to be brushed or bathed depends on how often they play outside.
4. Feeding Your Havachon
Havanese and Bichon Frise can quickly become overweight if their dietary and exercise needs are unmet; the same goes for Havachons.
The most vital part of preventing your Havachon from becoming overweight is not feeding them too much. The second most crucial step is feeding them food that is very rich in nutrients.
The easiest way to combat this is by consulting your Havachon’s vet. A veterinarian can advise you on what type of food and how much you should feed your Havachon to keep them at a healthy weight.
If you decide to pamper your pooch, you can feed them a home-cooked diet, and your vet can also help you ensure your Havachon is getting all the nutrients it needs.
Finally, Bichon Frises often have food allergies, which can be passed on to your Havachon. Your vet can tell you what your Havachon is allergic to and help you set up a special diet to help your Havachon stay happy and healthy.
5. Health Conditions & Vet Visits
Havachons are a mixed breed, making their health slightly more challenging to predict. However, they can be healthy throughout their entire life and never suffer any conditions that their purebred parents commonly do, and vice versa.
The best way to prevent your Havachon from suffering certain conditions is by purchasing from a reputable breeder that screens their puppies and adult dogs. It would also be wise to take your dog to a vet every few months for a check-up because catching a condition early can make a huge difference.
Here are some of the common health risks associated with Havachons:
Minor Concerns
- Bladder stones and infections
- Leg and calve Perthes disease
- Patellar luxation
- Cataracts
Major Concerns
- Mitral valve dysplasia
- Heart murmurs
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Portosystemic shunts
Final Thoughts
Havachons are fantastic family dogs. Their loving and caring nature makes them excellent companions for owners of all ages.
They love lounging around on their owner’s lap but can be pretty energetic when in the mood to play. They are very friendly and get along great with other dogs and even cats.
Finally, if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, the Havachons’ hypoallergenic trait makes them a great choice.
