The Havashu, a designer dog breed emerging in the 1990s, is a delightful crossbreed between the Havanese and Shih Tzu. This small companion dog, standing 8-12 inches tall and weighing 8-15 pounds, combines the Havanese's affectionate nature with the Shih Tzu's spirited personality. Known for their intelligence, playfulness, and adaptability to apartment living, Havashus make excellent family pets with a lifespan of 12-16 years. While they require moderate exercise and regular grooming, their friendly temperament and minimal shedding have made them increasingly popular among first-time dog owners and families seeking a devoted lap dog companion.
Shih Tzu Havanese Mix Origins and Background
Historical Development
The Havashu emerged as a designer dog breed in the 1990s, combining the Havanese and Shih Tzu breeds. While the Havanese originated from Cuba in the 1400s, the Shih Tzu's roots trace back to ancient China and Tibet, where they were bred as companion dogs for nobility. The crossbreeding aimed to minimize health issues present in parent breeds while preserving desirable traits.
Geographic Distribution
Currently, most Havashu breeding occurs in the United States, with additional populations in the UK, Canada, and Australia. The breed gained popularity through association with celebrities like Barbara Walters, Venus Williams, and Bill Gates who owned parent breeds. This designer mix has established itself as a sought-after companion dog, particularly suited for apartment living and family environments across these regions.
Breed Overview and Characteristics
Physical Attributes
The Havashu typically stands 8-12 inches tall and weighs between 8-15 pounds. Their coat comes in various colors including brown, white, gray, and black. These small dogs have a silky double coat that requires regular grooming. Female Havashus tend to be slightly smaller, averaging 8-11 inches in height and 7-14 pounds in weight.
Core Traits
The Havashu exhibits high energy levels and strong sociability, making them excellent companion dogs. While intelligent and generally easy to train, they can display stubborn tendencies inherited from the Shih Tzu parent breed. The breed shows good trainability but requires patience during the training process. Their moderate exercise needs can be met through daily walks and playtime. These dogs are known for being responsive and outgoing, greeting visitors enthusiastically while maintaining a gentle demeanor.
Care Requirements and Health Considerations
Essential Care Needs
Daily care for Havashus requires 2-3 small meals to prevent obesity. Their grooming needs include weekly ear cleaning and dental care three times weekly to prevent infections. The breed requires moderate exercise through two brisk daily walks, though owners should monitor for breathing difficulties in flat-faced individuals.
Health Monitoring
While generally healthy, Havashus can develop several conditions requiring monitoring. Key health concerns include chondrodysplasia (canine dwarfism), patellar luxation, and bladder stones. Regular veterinary screenings should include patella, hip, eye, and joint evaluations. To prevent common issues, owners should obtain medical clearances from reputable breeders and schedule routine tests including urinalysis, X-rays, and blood work. With proper preventive care and health maintenance, Havashus typically enjoy a lifespan of 12-16 years.
Social Behavior and Adaptability
Family Integration and Bonding
While previous reports covered general temperament, this section specifically examines the Havashu's bonding patterns. The breed forms exceptionally strong attachments to their families and requires constant human companionship to prevent separation anxiety. Early socialization is crucial as puppies to develop balanced social skills. When properly socialized, they demonstrate remarkable adaptability in multi-pet households, peacefully coexisting with cats and other small animals without displaying prey drive or territorial aggression.
Living Space Requirements
Though previous sections discussed exercise needs, this focuses on living environment adaptation. The Havashu adjusts well to apartment living despite their energetic nature, provided they receive adequate daily walks and playtime. While they can thrive without a yard, having outdoor space allows them to explore and expend energy freely. Their compact size and adaptable nature make them equally suitable for both urban apartments and larger homes with yards.
Conclusion
The Havashu, a designer breed created in the 1990s by crossing Havanese and Shih Tzu breeds, has emerged as a popular companion dog combining desirable traits from both parent breeds. These small dogs, typically 8-12 inches tall and weighing 8-15 pounds, are characterized by their silky double coat, high energy levels, and strong sociability. The breed demonstrates excellent adaptability to various living situations, from apartments to larger homes, while forming exceptionally strong bonds with their families.
Key findings indicate that Havashus require consistent care through regular grooming, moderate exercise, and proper health monitoring to prevent common issues like patellar luxation and bladder stones. With appropriate care and preventive health measures, these dogs can enjoy a lifespan of 12-16 years. Their intelligent yet occasionally stubborn nature necessitates patient training and early socialization for optimal development. For prospective owners, the Havashu represents an ideal choice for those seeking a devoted, adaptable companion dog, provided they can commit to the breed's grooming needs and desire for human companionship.