Havachons thrive on affection and attention. They absolutely love to be the center of attention. They love their families, have a playful personality, and have a sweet, cheerful disposition. A Havachon tends to get along well with children as well as other dogs and other pets.

They are very alert and can make good watchdogs. But, they don’t tend to make good guard dogs due to their small size and friendly nature. They are far more interested in making friends and getting some loving attention!

The Havachon is a highly adaptable dog breed. Their small size makes them a great fit for apartment living and they will do just as well in larger homes. They do well in just about any climate. But, they may need to bundle up in the winter to stay warm.

Having the right winter dog products on hand can help them stay warm, safe, and happy as the temperatures drop. Because these dogs bond closely with their families and crave attention, they do not do well with long periods of time alone.

Although a designer breed can sometimes “win the genetic lottery” and not inherit any issues common to the parent breeds, this is not a guarantee. A Havachon could inherit potential health concerns common to either the Havanese or the Bichon Frise, or both.

Potential health concerns to be aware of include allergies, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, Legg-Calve Perthes Disease, patellar luxation, and Mitral Valve Disease. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing on genetic issues, so don’t be afraid to ask the breeder about the genetic history of the parents. As a small dog, the Havachon will be more prone to dental diseases like gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss, so practicing good dental care for dogs is essential.

For the most part, the Havachon is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent and eager to please, which means they can pick up on things quickly. But, they do have a stubborn streak, which can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners.

In this case, first-time dog owners may want to be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes in case their Havachon decides to be stubborn. These classes can be a good idea regardless of owner experience because they often provide great opportunities to socialize a puppy.

A Havachon has a double coat that can vary from dog to dog. It tends to be dense, but it can be silky or curly and long or short. Coat colors can vary as well, but commonly tend to be cream, white, silver, brown, black, gray, or blue. They also tend to have a low-shedding coat, which can make them a more allergy-friendly option for someone who is allergic to dog fur.

But, low-shedding does not always mean low maintenance and the Havachon coat is not an exception. Their coat is prone to tangles, which can lead to mats if they aren’t worked out. As such, a Havachon’s coat needs to be brushed at least a few times a week. Bathing is only recommended as needed, but professional grooming is recommended about every six weeks.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Havachon’s nails, ears, and teeth. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep nails from growing too long. But, if they don’t wear down as much naturally or they just grow quickly, you may need to cut your dog’s nails more often.

It’s also important to keep an eye on your dog’s ears. You want to check them weekly to make sure they are dry, clean, and free of debris. If you see excess wax, moisture, or dirt, then you should carefully clean your dog’s ears. If the excess wax or moisture is accompanied by redness, inflammation, weird smells, or other discharge, take a trip to the vet because there is something going on.

Gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs because good dental care is often overlooked. It’s important to practice good dental care with any dog and especially with your Havachon. As a small dog, they are more prone to developing dental problems later in life. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. You can also talk to your vet about dental hygiene chews and treats as well as a special diet to help care for your dog’s teeth.

The Havachon’s energy level can range from low to moderate. Daily walks plus some rigorous playtime are usually enough to keep this dog happy and healthy. But, they hate being alone and will likely be up for more activity if you are. They’ll just be happy to be spending some time with you being active! Try hiking with your dog, playing frisbee, taking trips to the dog park, or even going swimming with your dog.

You can even try training your Havachon for dog sports like obedience, agility, flyball, and more. They may not be able to compete in official national competitions, but they will likely have a blast learning something new. By trying some different things, you can discover activities that both you and your Havachon love to do together. Just make sure you keep an eye on them as they’re likely to overexert themselves trying to keep up with you.

A fully-grown Havachon usually stands 9-14 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 9-16 pounds.

A Havachon generally lives 12-15 years.

This designer dog breed is most commonly known as a Havachon, but they are sometimes also referred to as a Bichonhavanese or a Frise Havanese.