Havashu are affectionate dogs that thrive on attention. They bond closely with their families and love nothing more than spending time with them. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, they tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. These are facts about the Shih Tzu and the Havanese that also apply to the Havashu.

They even tend to be open and friendly with strangers. They do tend to alert bark on occasion, but do not tend to bark excessively unless they have been unintentionally trained into it. It’s not a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on, especially as you continue to socialize them, to keep barking from becoming a nuisance.

The Havashu is a highly adaptable dog. Although they are energetic and do not like to be left alone, they adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat and may need to bundle up with some winter dog products when it’s cold outside.

One of the facts about the Havanese and the Shih Tzu is that they were bred to be companions through and through. As such, the Havashu is also a companion breed. These dogs bond closely with their families and do not like to be away from them. Because of this, they tend to be Velcro dogs that want to stick close to you, do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone, and can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on.

Although mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs, it’s not a guarantee. A mixed-breed dog can inherit some, all, or none of the conditions common to their parent breeds. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Havashu can include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, heart disease, eye issues, and bladder stones.

Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Havashu puppies. Reputable breeders should be screening their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health of both parents and about any tests or clearances that have been done.

Havashu are intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and tend to be people pleasers. They are relatively easy to train, but they can have a stubborn streak.

For the most part, they are a good fit for owners of all experience levels. But you may want to be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes to help you keep training consistent and focused to overcome any stubbornness.

Havashu have a long, silky coat that sheds a little, if at all, year-round. They don’t shed much, but you will need to brush their coat daily to remove tangles and prevent mats. Visits to the groomer every 4-8 weeks are recommended to keep this dog’s coat healthy and looking great.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Havashu’s nails, ears, and teeth. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful ear cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections.

As a small dog breed, the Havashu is prone to developing dental disease. This makes good dental care early and throughout your dog’s life even more important. Daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed are a good foundation.

Although the Havashu is small, they have a lot of energy and sit in a moderate activity range. These little dogs are very playful and are often described as fun-loving dogs that would play nonstop if they were allowed to do so. They are likely to exhibit bursts of high energy when they play. They are also known for becoming hyperactive when they don’t have an outlet for their energy.

Daily walks, playtime throughout the day, and some time to run are usually enough for this little dog. But they will likely be up for more activity if you are. They will often be happy just for the chance to spend more time with you. Just make sure you are building in some breaks to make sure they are not overheating or overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. Also, keep things low-impact until puppies finish growing to avoid damage to developing bones and joints.

A fully-grown Havashu usually stands 8-12 inches tall and weighs 7-15 pounds. This makes them one of the smallest dog breeds.

Havashu generally live for 12-16 years on average.

The Havashu is also sometimes called a Hava-Tzu or Havatzu.