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Havachon (Bichon Frise & Havanese Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

havachon

Height: 9 – 15 inches
Weight: 9 – 17 pounds
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Colors: Cream, black, grey, white, silver, brown, blue, silver, Pied
Suitable for: Families, people with other pets, active people, people who work from home
Temperament: Friendly, loving, loyal, cheerful, playful

When you are looking for a dog breed, it often feels like an exciting journey. One of the best ways that you can make it simple is by researching the type of dog you want to have.

That’s why we have created this Havachon dog breed guide, to help you understand everything about these adorable dogs. These dogs are created by breeding a Bichon Frise and a Havanese. These dogs are sweet to everybody, including other dogs. You will fall in love with your Havachon as soon as you see it.

Are you intrigued and want to know more? Read on and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this dog.

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Havachon Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Before buying a new puppy, it’s important to choose a puppy that will work well for your living situation. So, we have done our best to tell you what to expect with a Havachon.

Before you decide to get a dog, you want to ensure that you’re able to properly care for them. That’s why you want to understand the costs and the time that is associated with the type of dog you are considering. People who aren’t ready for the associated costs of dog ownership have to take them to the SPCA or just abandon them outside to fend for themselves.

If you know that you aren’t going to do this, then you’re ready to get a puppy.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Havachon Puppies

1. Bichon Frise and Havanese are both Bichons.

These are both derivatives of Tenerife dogs that originated in Spain.

2. Bichon Frise came to the US with Italian sailors who found the dog in Spain.

The sailors were so enamored with the dog that they brought them back to Italy. Years later, when France invaded Italy, the dogs were taken to France, where they were given their current name. They were also popular because Henry III had one himself.

3. Since Havanese are also Bichon descendants, they’re also from Tenerife in Spain.

They were taken on ships to Cuba, where they received the nickname “Cuban Velcro dogs” due to them always being stuck to the dogs’ owners. They are also Cuba’s national dog.

Parent Breeds of the Havachon
Image Credit: (L) Dorotthya Mathe, Shutterstock | (R) Spill Photography, Shutterstock

Temperament & Intelligence of the Havachon 🧠

The Havanese and Bichon mix dogs are cheerful and playful dogs and they make wonderful family pets. They’re loyal and love being around people, especially their owners, and receiving a lot of attention. They have an independent playful streak but don’t like to be left alone and often suffer from separation anxiety.

The best people to have a Havachon are people who’re working from home or who are retired but active and can give them a lot of time. They’re very simple when it comes to training and extremely curious, but can also be stubborn.

It’s an awesome dog for first-time dog owners and you should socialize them early. This will prevent any kind of bad habit that may develop. This dog can sometimes be wary when they’re around strangers, but they’re also alert to strange sounds, so they are going to make good watchdogs. They are great with other pets and children and won’t roam. They’ll do well with living in apartments.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Yes, they are great for families.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Yes, they are fine with dogs and other pets.

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Things to Know When Owning a Havachon

Now that you know a bit about what you should expect when you are buying a Havachon puppy, we’re going to tell you what to expect when you have one in your home.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Havachons are small dogs and don’t need to be fed a lot. You only need to feed him one cup per day, so if you have a small budget, you don’t have to worry about your dog costing a lot to feed.

You will spend anywhere from $30-$50 per month on premium food. You can also make your own dog food or feed them a raw food diet.

It doesn’t matter how you’re feeding your Havachon, just make sure that they are getting the nutrients needed for helping them be healthy and strong.

Exercise 🐕

Havachons need lots of exercise even though they are small dogs. Going on walks each day to the beach or a park is a good idea. They also will love playing with you and a ball in your yard.

Because of their small size, they can live in apartments or houses, but make sure that you are giving them the exercise they need to avoid any type of bad habits. You don’t want to leave your Havachon alone, so you should expect to spend lots of time with your pup.

Training 🦮

Havachons are intelligent and they love doing tricks. They also are curious, so they enjoy learning things. They also enjoy the company of their owners and are willing participants in all activities. These factors make them easily trained. However, you should know that they can be stubborn, so you want to be firm, consistent, and positive with your approach. If they doubt your leadership ability, they’ll take advantage. Make sure that you are socializing and training them early so that they are developing into great dogs.

Grooming ✂️

Havachons are hypoallergenic dogs, so that means they are good for people who have allergies. These dogs don’t shed much, but you need to brush them 2-3 times each week so that you don’t have to worry about their fur matting. There’s a good chance that your pup will need to be trimmed every 6-7 weeks so that they stay looking good. The best way to do this is by taking them to a pet groomer. You don’t have to bathe them unless it’s necessary, and when you do, make sure that you are using a shampoo for dogs so that their skin doesn’t get irritated.

It’s a good idea to brush your Havachon’s teeth each day and check their nails regularly to find out if they need to be clipped. You also should check their ears each week for burrs and dirt and you can wipe them using a soft damp cloth.

Health Conditions ❤️

Havachons are fairly healthy and they don’t have a lot of health risks that owners should be concerned about until they’re older.

Most of the problems can be prevented if they are caught early. Even if they’re not, they still can be treated, and the problems won’t stop your dog from having a very happy life.

Minor Conditions
  • Bladder infections & stones
  • Cataracts
Serious Conditions
  • Heart murmur
  • Mitral valve disease
  • Portosystemic shunt
  • Progressive retinal atrophy

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Choosing Toys for Your Havachon

Even though he may prefer your company to anything else, your Havachon will want a few toys to keep him entertained. This is going to help you feel better when you can’t be there and you’re running to the store for a few minutes.

Toys can also be given to him as a reward for properly following commands or being good. There are also times when your dog might not be feeling active or playful and wants to spend time chewing, so having a few chew toys are a great choice.

Before you purchase toys for any kind of dog, you want to consider the dog’s strength, size, and build.

Havachon dogs are dainty and small dogs, so you want to choose toys that are lightweight and small. Otherwise, your dog might be injured.

Another good idea is to buy some dental chews. This will help your dog with boredom and anxiety and help keep its teeth clean and breath fresh. They come in a variety of flavors, so try out some different ones to find which ones they like best.

Havachons are also fans of bones, so you can purchase them bones that are made of rawhide or nylon for them to enjoy. These types of toys can withstand aggressive and continuous chewing and keep your dog entertained. Even though they won’t enjoy them as much as playing with you, toys are important for any pet.

You also should avoid toys that have little items that are attached to them, since they can choke a small dog like a Havachon.

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Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a dog, the Havachon is a great choice for people who have a family or who have other pets. They are fun, friendly and can provide you with a lot of hours of enjoyment. You just don’t want to leave them alone for too long, because they prefer being with you.


Featured Image Credit: BIGANDT.COM, Shutterstock

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