As a parent, choosing the right family pet isn’t an easy decision, as there are many factors to consider. You want to ensure the pet fits into your family’s lifestyle while guaranteeing it’s safe for your children.
Since dogs are individual animals, it’s hard to determine whether your pet will be friendly or aggressive around your children. However, studying its general temperament will make finding a safe, kid-friendly dog for your family easier.
If you’re considering owning a Havanese, it’s worth noting that this breed is generally known for being friendly and good with kids. It’s regarded as a family-friendly and kid-friendly dog due to its playful yet gentle nature. Keep reading to learn more about the characteristics of Havanese dogs and determine whether they’ll be good with your children.
Are Havanese Dogs Family Pets?
Havanese dogs are excellent family pets because they are friendly, affectionate, and playful. When trained correctly, these dogs love spending time with their owners and cuddling up with their favorite family members. If you have other pets in the home, the good news is that Havanese dogs are also friendly with cats and other dog breeds.
Havanese dogs typically weigh between seven and 13 pounds, making them a small breed. That’s why they’re great pets for families living in smaller homes or apartments. Plus, they’re pretty easy to train!
These dogs also have non-shedding coats, which is excellent news for any pet lover with allergies. The Havanese breed is known for its adaptability, which is why it can thrive in various living environments. Whether you live in an apartment in the city or a house with a backyard in the suburbs, your Havanese pup will make it a home.
Also, they only need about 30 minutes of exercise every day. All you need to do is take them for a quick daily walk, and you’re good to go! If you’re looking for a small, friendly, and adaptable dog for your family, a Havanese dog will be the perfect fit.
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Will a Havanese Be Good with My Kids?
Havanese dogs are commonly recommended as the ideal pet for families with children. Their friendly and playful nature makes them quick to develop a strong bond with all family members, including the kids.
Unlike many dog breeds, Havanese are exceptionally patient and tolerant of children. If your kids are still young, they may make a few mistakes while handling the dog, but this breed does not generally react aggressively. Still, it’s crucial to teach your children how to safely and gently interact with your pets.
You must also supervise interactions between the kids and the dog while your children are still young and unable to detect aggressive behavior. Additionally, it’s worth noting that dogs are individuals, so there’s no surefire way to predict how a specific dog will react when stressed or irritated.
Havanese dogs are known for their patience and tolerance around children, but it’s still possible that a mishap causes them to become anxious or aggressive. Socializing and training your dog early on is the best way to prevent aggressive behavior while teaching your children to interact safely with the Havanese.
How to Introduce a Havanese to Children
It can be an exciting and fun experience to introduce your children to their first-ever pet. Still, it’s crucial to do so in a secure and controlled environment to ensure the comfort and safety of the dog and your children. Here are some tips to remember while introducing your children to a Havanese:
1. Educate Your Children About Dog Interactions
Before introducing a Havanese dog to your kids, take your time to teach them how to interact with dogs safely and gently. Make sure they understand how to calmly approach a dog while avoiding sudden movements or loud noises.
More importantly, your children must learn to gently pet a dog and avoid pulling on its ears or tail.
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2. Supervise All Interactions
Since your children might be too young to recognize aggressive behavior in animals, it’s crucial to supervise all interactions between your dog and your children. This is especially important at the beginning when the two are just getting to know each other.
Havanese dogs are generally even-tempered, but it’s still best to watch out for signs of discomfort to prevent an attack before it occurs.
3. Create a Safe Space
While the Havanese is still new to your home, it’s crucial that the dog has a safe space to retreat to. In the beginning, they may feel overwhelmed and anxious due to the sudden attention and change of environment, so you may provide a crate or a separate room as a safe space.
At the same time, you must also teach your children to respect the dog’s space and let them be when they have retreated.
Image By: Boryana Manzurova, Shutterstock
4. Encourage Positive Activities
The best way to help your children bond with the Havanese is by encouraging them to interact in positive ways. For example, your children and dog’s relationship will definitely benefit from going on walks together, giving them treats, and enjoying playtime together.
5. Take It Slow
Above all, introducing your children to a new Havanese dog will only go well if you take it slow. The process can be overwhelming for all parties involved, so take your time to let everyone understand each other’s boundaries over time.
Remember these tips while introducing your children to a pet dog to ensure safety and comfort for the dog and the children. A positive and comfortable introduction is a surefire way to spark a harmonious relationship for many years to come.
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What to Know Before Owning a Havanese
A Havanese is an ideal pet for a family with children, but there are downsides to owning any dog breed. Here’s what you should know about this breed before owning one:
Separation Anxiety
Havanese dogs can quickly become attached to their owners, which is why they’re also prone to developing separation anxiety. These dogs do not react well to being left alone for too long and may become anxious and distressed. Leaving them alone often can result in destructive behavior and excessive barking.
Grooming Needs
Although Havanese dogs do not shed as much as other breeds, their coats are still thick and long. That means it requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. You’ll need to frequently brush their coat and make timely visits to the groomer for haircuts.
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Health Issues
The Havanese dog is a purebred breed, which means it can be prone to various health issues. That may include specific eye problems, deafness, hip dysplasia, and patella luxation. To make sure your Havanese isn’t born with such issues, we recommend buying from a reputable breeder who provides proof of their health screenings.
Barking
As small as they are, Havanese dogs can be fierce when it comes to their bark. Without the proper training or socialization, these dogs can become very vocal and bark excessively, making it impossible for you to get a good night’s sleep.
It’s possible for you to get lucky and find a Havanese who doesn’t bark too much, has no health issues, or doesn’t mind being alone. Still, it’s best to expect and prepare for these disadvantages before owning a Havanese to make sure your family welcomes it with open arms.
Conclusion
Havanese dogs can be great family pets due to their cool-tempered and friendly nature, which is why they’re also well suited for a life with children. They tend to be patient and tolerant of children’s playful antics, so you don’t have to worry about any aggressive behavior.
With the proper training and socialization, your Havanese can be intelligent, eager to please, and incredibly playful. Still, it’s crucial to encourage a positive introduction between your kids and the dog and supervise their interactions to prevent any accidents.
Jeff is a data privacy tech professional who spends his evenings writing and practicing photography. He's been a software team lead at various Fortune 100 startups for 20 years and loves to relax after work with his pets.
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Are Havanese Dogs Family Pets?
