Hi everyone. I've been reading through a great many of the posts on the forum and you certainly are a friendly, supportive group. I'm happy to have found you.
I lost Fritz, my 10 yr old Dobe, to heart problems in December. He was my soul mate and the heartache still weighs heavily on me. I took the position of "no more dogs" due to the pain when they pass. My husband has (easily ?) convinced me that the house is too empty and it's time to get the Hav that he's wanted for a couple of years now.
We are in our late 60s. Hubby somehow found a 3 yr old Hav that is in foster care. His owner was an elderly lady who had to give him up due to complications from major surgery. We will meet him in a couple of weeks when we return from vacation. And I admit that I'm excited.
After always having big dogs I hope to later share the news with all of you that a little Havanese and I are helping each other get over our recent losses.
I am so sorry for your loss, most of us can relate. It is wonderful that you have found this little Hav and can offer it a new home after losing his owner. Havanese are very loving little dogs I hope this little one works out for you.
Thanks each of you. The descriptions of the character and temperament of the Havanese is what sold me on the breed.
A looong time ago I used to show Afghan Hounds. I swore that the coat care/grooming was something I'd never do again. Haaa...just goes to show "never say never". I've read through a lot of the grooming posts here. I have grooming tools, shampoos, conditioners, etc bookmarked. I've also located a local groomer who does scissoring. Photos look good...a visit to her shop us on the agenda.
Thanks each of you. The descriptions of the character and temperament of the Havanese is what sold me on the breed.
A looong time ago I used to show Afghan Hounds. I swore that the coat care/grooming was something I'd never do again. Haaa...just goes to show "never say never". I've read through a lot of the grooming posts here. I have grooming tools, shampoos, conditioners, etc bookmarked. I've also located a local groomer who does scissoring. Photos look good...a visit to her shop us on the agenda.
Just to make sure you know... of course, there's nothing wrong with putting a pet dog in a puppy cut, if you want to maintain your Havanese according to the breed standard, they don't even get scissored, except to trim feet and sanitary areas.
Hi,
Welcome to the forum. I too lost a Dobie due to heart problems and I understand your grief. It took a while before I could even think of another dog. I am in my late 60's as well and my Havenese was my first small dog. They have a lot of love to give and although there are differences between them and larger breed dogs, they will fill that emptiness in your heart. Looking forward to seeing pictures of you new Havenese and sharing experiences with you. :smile2:
I lost my best friend dog, (Australian Shepherd) 35 years ago and swore I would never get another because I missed him so much. Well, things changed for me and another dog made sense for me after all those years. I wanted something small, small enough that they could travel with me on the airlines occasionally under the seat in front. non-shedding, indoor appropriate, good nature, fun and intelligent. The Havanese breed fit the bill.
You can never forget your dog, nor should you, but I can tell you that this little dog will fill the empty whole in your heart to overflowing! My 16 pound dog acts like he is 56 pounds! He is courageous, athletic, and has never met a stranger (human, dog, or cat) he isn't willing to welcome as a friend. He plays equally well with small breeds as well as his best friend, an 80 pound Lab. They become very attached to their owner with constant love and affection.
Yes, the one downside is the combing that is required to keep their coat in the best condition if you want to keep it long (which we do). However, as Karen said, you can keep them in a puppy cut and then they become much easier maintenance. They are a relatively healthy breed and it is not uncommon for them to live 15 years or more (we have some senior Havanese on this Forum).
The Havanese breed is a good choice if these criteria fit your needs. It is vitally important to get one from a good breeder and that's where this Forum can help. Most good breeders will charge $1500 to $2500 for a well bred dog. However, spending a bit more up front may save you thousands later on in Vet bills and other services.
Keep us informed on your search. New members are always welcome (new owners of the breed quickly take on the friendly and social attributes of their Havadoggies) and you will quickly become part of our family.
Zoe, Ricky and Whimsy....thank you so much. I love the comment that Hav owners and Havs have personality similarities. Thus the pleasant atmosphere on this forum.
To be perfectly honest I refused to talk to the person fostering the dog that my husband is interested in. Geez, I get choked up just going out in the yard. Fritz was always with me ready for an adventure regardless of what we were doing. I just am having trouble dealing with this loss, more so than with dogs in my past. But, as the saying goes, ya gotta get back up on the horse....
All of your reassurance that this is "the right breed" convinced me that putting up a wall to stop the hurt won't help with the healing. It's the unconditional love from a fun loving little dog that will do it. I look forward to sharing pictures and our progress with you. ?
I was touched by your story and can relate to the heartbreak of losing a very special dog. We have only had big dogs until now, so I did a lot of research when I decided our next dog needed to be a smaller breed of dog. There were certain small dog temperament types I was hoping to avoid. I chose the Havanese primarily because I wanted a small dog that was calm and confident, not too yappy with barking, and could be housebroken very reliably. Oh wow has this little doggy over-delivered on every aspect of personality! I have never known such a happy dog, which was a bonus I had not really counted on.
Although Maisy is super friendly to all, just like Ricky's popi was describing, and is best friends with our 90 lb (very submissive) lab, she was almost instantly devoted to the two of us with a strong attachment bond. I have known very friendly dogs who seemed for years like they would be just as happy to go home with the next guy who comes along. Her housebreaking is every bit as reliable as our lab now (Maisy is 7 months old) and she finally seems to have outgrown her protective alarm barking phase at every little noise she does not understand.
I could not be happier with my choice and I am amazed at how my heart is overflowing with love for this very special dog. I was sure I had just gotten exceedingly lucky until I started getting to know the folks on this forum and heard so many similar accounts. Please keep us posted on meeting your new Havanese friend in need of a special home.
Pauline, welcome to our forum! I am sorry to hear of your loss of Fritz. I too loss my doggie soulmate just about a year ago. Willow has filled most of the gap left in my heart. I've never had a small dog before either and never had one that needed the grooming that she does. It's all been a learning process for me and this forum has proved to be a wonderful place for help and full of knowledgeable and friendly people. Let us know how your visit goes with the 3 yr. old in foster care. At that age you should have a dog already potty trained! We adopted Willow when she was about 9 months so she was potty trained which was nice not to have to go through. However I did miss out on all the coat color changing and puppy breath.
Yes, definitely easier-- the shorter the hair, once it's free of mats, the easier it is to comb. I would recommend it unless you can keep up with the grooming. That being said, I think they look so cute in their long coat. The longer coat may also act as an insulator in extremem weather but these little guys will not object to coats and sweaters. My Hav actually prefers the shorter hair in the summer, as we take her on long walks and she seems much more comfortable without all that hair. It's your decision but if you cut it, it will grow back.
Well, having owned 4 afghan hounds in show coats at one time I'm familiar with lots and lots of grooming. It was a labor of love though.
With the exception of the Jack Russell all my dogs have been big. I've come to realize that with a Havanese there will be a lot less body area to care for. I can do this.
Well, having owned 4 afghan hounds in show coats at one time I'm familiar with lots and lots of grooming. It was a labor of love though.
With the exception of the Jack Russell all my dogs have been big. I've come to realize that with a Havanese there will be a lot less body area to care for. I can do this.
I am late to welcome you but would like to do so. I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dobie. I lost my 12 year old Papillon unexpectedly at the end of December and helping him to the rainbow bridge was just such a sad and difficult way to end the year.
I notice in another thread (while catching up on threads since its been awhile since I last visited) that you have a new puppy on the way. May your Lola bring your heart comfort. I hope to add another dog (not sure if it will be another Papillon, Havanese or a rescue of some sort) to our home for our family and my Havanese who loved having a playmate.
The plans for the adult Hav fell through. The contact person seemed to have fallen off the face of the earth. After repeated attempts to reach her by telephone we decided it would best to move on. A puppy became our choice when I recognized the main reason an adult was preferred...I was getting too comfortable in my recliner. Lol.
Civano I'm sorry that you lost your Papillon. It's difficult to say goodbye. They stay in our hearts forever.
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