It would very much depend on the life style of the pensioner…
Pensioners
Advice please, would a havanese puppy be a good choice for a pensioner.
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
As well as lifestyle, I would add your health status and dog experience are important too if you’re thinking of a puppy. I am 71, pretty active, in decent health and have owned dogs for the past 45 years.
There is a fair amount of physicality involved in having a puppy. Before they learn to walk on a leash, you have to carry them when you need to take them somewhere. There’s a lot of bending over when potty training, either picking them up to get them to the potty area or cleaning up messes when you weren’t fast enough. When quite young, your schedule has to change to suit their need to relieve themselves. No more sleeping in. 😉 There’s also the financial side. Buying the puppy will be the cheapest part of the journey and a well-bred puppy from a good breeder is not cheap!
I got a 14-week-old Havanese puppy almost six weeks ago. He is a really, really good puppy. He’s quite laid back and the breeder gave him an excellent start. He came already crate trained and started on potty training. Even with all that, there are times when he runs me ragged! LOL It’s been over 11 years since I last had a young puppy and I’d forgotten how much work they are! It’s like having a young toddler in the house, you can’t take your eyes off them for a minute!
I don’t mean to put you off, just pointing out some of the realities of rearing a puppy especially if you’re a senior. It wouldn’t matter if it was a Havanese or some other small breed, the first year is a lot of work.
There is a fair amount of physicality involved in having a puppy. Before they learn to walk on a leash, you have to carry them when you need to take them somewhere. There’s a lot of bending over when potty training, either picking them up to get them to the potty area or cleaning up messes when you weren’t fast enough. When quite young, your schedule has to change to suit their need to relieve themselves. No more sleeping in. 😉 There’s also the financial side. Buying the puppy will be the cheapest part of the journey and a well-bred puppy from a good breeder is not cheap!
I got a 14-week-old Havanese puppy almost six weeks ago. He is a really, really good puppy. He’s quite laid back and the breeder gave him an excellent start. He came already crate trained and started on potty training. Even with all that, there are times when he runs me ragged! LOL It’s been over 11 years since I last had a young puppy and I’d forgotten how much work they are! It’s like having a young toddler in the house, you can’t take your eyes off them for a minute!
I don’t mean to put you off, just pointing out some of the realities of rearing a puppy especially if you’re a senior. It wouldn’t matter if it was a Havanese or some other small breed, the first year is a lot of work.
Thank you for your reply, I am very active at 69 very involved looking after my grandchildren and I walk a lot, but of course I'm thinking to the future. I have researched a lot and the havanese is a breed recommended as suitable for seniors and first time owners but then I've also heard they are a very energetic breed, but I guess any puppy needs a lot od attention. Also I would need a breed that good with children as my grandchildren stay a lot with me and the havanese is a breed that loved kids.
You just need to make sure you get the right puppy. Forget about color, and maybe even gender, but make sure the breeder has the right match for you and puts time into considering that as most important.
Absolutely agree with Tom. If I’d had my wish, I would have a black or brown female Havanese. I have a mostly white male. 🤣 He is perfect for my lifestyle since I live in a condo apartment. He is quiet, smart and laid back. I depended on his breeder to know her puppies’ temperaments and took her word he was the right puppy for me. So far, she was absolutely right, the rest is up to me to ensure he stays that way. 😉
I knew a long time ago that we would be too tired to raise an infant puppy the next time around (we will be 78 & 82 on our birthdays). When the time came, we looked for an adult that needed re-homing, but it was not to be. We ended up with a pup that was 6 month old because he had been returned to the breeder (not his fault). He was pretty much housebroken, crate trained, leash trained, so it didn't seem daunting. We have had dogs for 0ver 50 years and I have trained them extensively. Well, Pippin was very busy when he came here, and it was tiring to keep up with him, supervise him, and train him. He loves interactive games so being a couch potato is not on his horizon. My health was borderline at the time as well. But he slowed down as he matured and now at 19 months alternates between busy and napping. He is smart as a whip and learns quickly. He adores children, although we were never blessed with children ourselves, so no children visit here. Out on walks he keeps his eyes peeled for them and he is a neighborhood favorite with both children and retirees. He is very entertaining and very affectionate. Havanese are usually loaded with personality and the struggle of raising from puppyhood is definitely worth it. Havanese, like our previous Border Collies, want to be with you and engage with you almost all of the time.
Kathy & Steward
Kathy & Steward
Thank you all so much, I have found your comments very helpful. I'm still researching as is my daughter, although the havanese is my favourite at the moment, there are a few other y
Toy dog breeds that also fit what I'm looking, the Maltese, coton de tulear, bolognese.
Toy dog breeds that also fit what I'm looking, the Maltese, coton de tulear, bolognese.
Even the havanese poodle mix sounds lovely.
I would avoid mixes. By definition, mixes are a cross of two dogs that do not come from good breeders, because good breeders would NEVER let their dogs be used to produce crosses. (With the exception of the very occasional “oops” litter, but you can’t plan on those) All you get with a Havanese Poodle mix is a cute little dog with a coat that is dreadful to care for. Poodles are great dogs and So are Havanese. Choose either. Not a cross.Even the havanese poodle mix sounds lovely.
I think the first year of any dog's life is alot of work. My last 2 dogs(Bichon Frise and my current, Hav, Shadow) both came to me at 10 months old. The Bichon Frise was not that much work since he was shown previously and handled by a pro handler and sold as a pet. My Shadow was rehomed by the breeder more than once. He needed more attention due to his lack of structure in his early puppyhood, potty training(he caught on in under a week), separation anxiety issues since he had never been alone and walking on a leash.
I missed the nippy stage of puppyhood. Both dogs were content to play indoors and neither required vigorous walks. But both of them were very social animals and loved to socialize with everyone and anyone. I am a senior now(although I don't feel it or want to admit it) and Shadow is content to lay around and watch me and just be around people. He adores children! He is 6 years old now and quite mellow. He is quite exhuberant and will tug on his leash at times when he spots a friend but is nothing I can't control.
I think Havanese are perfect little dogs for older people. Just find a good breeder that matches you with the right dog, like Tom said.
I missed the nippy stage of puppyhood. Both dogs were content to play indoors and neither required vigorous walks. But both of them were very social animals and loved to socialize with everyone and anyone. I am a senior now(although I don't feel it or want to admit it) and Shadow is content to lay around and watch me and just be around people. He adores children! He is 6 years old now and quite mellow. He is quite exhuberant and will tug on his leash at times when he spots a friend but is nothing I can't control.
I think Havanese are perfect little dogs for older people. Just find a good breeder that matches you with the right dog, like Tom said.
Hi, thank you both for such good advice, so helpful, yes I'll avoid a mix, yes one question toTere, if you had to say which of the two breeds you have are best for childen and easier to train etc. Thank you
Sorry for going on, I just want to be as sure as possible that I get the right breed for me.
All of my dogs have been male(5, 4 Bichon, 1 Hav). I "think" my Hav is more stubborn and has a mind of his own but I find him to be the happiest, easiest to make friends with anyone. You just need to show that you "might" be interested in him and he will treasure you forever! Housetraining has been equal, I think. In that respect, I am on the job 24/7 til we get it right, whatever it takes. Most housetraining problems are due to the owner giving too much freedom too soon and expecting it too early. These are little dogs with small bladders. Puppies taken away too early are harder to housetrain. Also, if you pick a breeder that starts housetraining in early puppyhood, it will be easier for you.Hi, thank you both for such good advice, so helpful, yes I'll avoid a mix, yes one question toTere, if you had to say which of the two breeds you have are best for childen and easier to train etc. Thank you
I think the Hav is better with children and equal in training. They both have sharp little teeth that will terrorize anyone til they get their adult teeth.
In my area, there are more Hav breeders to pick from so you are more likely to get a dog that will suit you more.
Thank you so much Tere.
You also might want to take into consideration maintenance for the Havanese’s coat or any other dog you decide upon.Thank you all so much, I have found your comments very helpful. I'm still researching as is my daughter, although the havanese is my favourite at the moment, there are a few other y
Toy dog breeds that also fit what I'm looking, the Maltese, coton de tulear, bolognese.
What a thoughtful reply. I’m 66 and have 2 Havs 4 and 1.5 years. They were our first dogs. I say “our” but they’re really mine and stick to me like glue🥰
My advice would be to try to get an older Hav, not a puppy. I say this because our younger pup is a solid 23 lbs. He’s heavy to lift and we can’t travel with him on a plane. Having said that he has the sweetest temperament and we love them both to bits. My point is at your age, it would be better to know exactly what your getting. Best of luck!QUOTE="CarolineS, post: 1513561, member: 81823"]
As well as lifestyle, I would add your health status and dog experience are important too if you’re thinking of a puppy. I am 71, pretty active, in decent health and have owned dogs for the past 45 years.
There is a fair amount of physicality involved in having a puppy. Before they learn to walk on a leash, you have to carry them when you need to take them somewhere. There’s a lot of bending over when potty training, either picking them up to get them to the potty area or cleaning up messes when you weren’t fast enough. When quite young, your schedule has to change to suit their need to relieve themselves. No more sleeping in. 😉 There’s also the financial side. Buying the puppy will be the cheapest part of the journey and a well-bred puppy from a good breeder is not cheap!
I got a 14-week-old Havanese puppy almost six weeks ago. He is a really, really good puppy. He’s quite laid back and the breeder gave him an excellent start. He came already crate trained and started on potty training. Even with all that, there are times when he runs me ragged! LOL It’s been over 11 years since I last had a young puppy and I’d forgotten how much work they are! It’s like having a young toddler in the house, you can’t take your eyes off them for a minute!
I don’t mean to put you off, just pointing out some of the realities of rearing a puppy especially if you’re a senior. It wouldn’t matter if it was a Havanese or some other small breed, the first year is a lot of work.
[/QUOTE]
My advice would be to try to get an older Hav, not a puppy. I say this because our younger pup is a solid 23 lbs. He’s heavy to lift and we can’t travel with him on a plane. Having said that he has the sweetest temperament and we love them both to bits. My point is at your age, it would be better to know exactly what your getting. Best of luck!QUOTE="CarolineS, post: 1513561, member: 81823"]
As well as lifestyle, I would add your health status and dog experience are important too if you’re thinking of a puppy. I am 71, pretty active, in decent health and have owned dogs for the past 45 years.
There is a fair amount of physicality involved in having a puppy. Before they learn to walk on a leash, you have to carry them when you need to take them somewhere. There’s a lot of bending over when potty training, either picking them up to get them to the potty area or cleaning up messes when you weren’t fast enough. When quite young, your schedule has to change to suit their need to relieve themselves. No more sleeping in. 😉 There’s also the financial side. Buying the puppy will be the cheapest part of the journey and a well-bred puppy from a good breeder is not cheap!
I got a 14-week-old Havanese puppy almost six weeks ago. He is a really, really good puppy. He’s quite laid back and the breeder gave him an excellent start. He came already crate trained and started on potty training. Even with all that, there are times when he runs me ragged! LOL It’s been over 11 years since I last had a young puppy and I’d forgotten how much work they are! It’s like having a young toddler in the house, you can’t take your eyes off them for a minute!
I don’t mean to put you off, just pointing out some of the realities of rearing a puppy especially if you’re a senior. It wouldn’t matter if it was a Havanese or some other small breed, the first year is a lot of work.
[/QUOTE]
Many thanks for all the response, it's been incredibly helpful, Catharine, is 23lb unusual for a Hav or fairly typica l, I did think they were more on the small side I suppose it varies a lot.
I am active, walk a lot, have grandkids staying every week and see them most days we all live within a 2 mile radius so they are in and out all the time , hence the reason I'm looking into breeds that are good with children, the youngest is 5. Theres a lot of information on this forum from experienced owners.
I am active, walk a lot, have grandkids staying every week and see them most days we all live within a 2 mile radius so they are in and out all the time , hence the reason I'm looking into breeds that are good with children, the youngest is 5. Theres a lot of information on this forum from experienced owners.
Thank to all
[/QUOTE]What a thoughtful reply. I’m 66 and have 2 Havs 4 and 1.5 years. They were our first dogs. I say “our” but they’re really mine and stick to me like glue🥰
My advice would be to try to get an older Hav, not a puppy. I say this because our younger pup is a solid 23 lbs. He’s heavy to lift and we can’t travel with him on a plane. Having said that he has the sweetest temperament and we love them both to bits. My point is at your age, it would be better to know exactly what your getting. Best of luck!QUOTE="CarolineS, post: 1513561, member: 81823"]
As well as lifestyle, I would add your health status and dog experience are important too if you’re thinking of a puppy. I am 71, pretty active, in decent health and have owned dogs for the past 45 years.
There is a fair amount of physicality involved in having a puppy. Before they learn to walk on a leash, you have to carry them when you need to take them somewhere. There’s a lot of bending over when potty training, either picking them up to get them to the potty area or cleaning up messes when you weren’t fast enough. When quite young, your schedule has to change to suit their need to relieve themselves. No more sleeping in. 😉 There’s also the financial side. Buying the puppy will be the cheapest part of the journey and a well-bred puppy from a good breeder is not cheap!
I got a 14-week-old Havanese puppy almost six weeks ago. He is a really, really good puppy. He’s quite laid back and the breeder gave him an excellent start. He came already crate trained and started on potty training. Even with all that, there are times when he runs me ragged! LOL It’s been over 11 years since I last had a young puppy and I’d forgotten how much work they are! It’s like having a young toddler in the house, you can’t take your eyes off them for a minute!
I don’t mean to put you off, just pointing out some of the realities of rearing a puppy especially if you’re a senior. It wouldn’t matter if it was a Havanese or some other small breed, the first year is a lot of work.
Many thanks for all the response, it's been incredibly helpful, Catharine, is 23lb unusual for a Hav or fairly typica l, I did think they were more on the small side I suppose it varies a lot.
I am active, walk a lot, have grandkids staying every week and see them most days we all live within a 2 mile radius so they are in and out all the time , hence the reason I'm looking into breeds that are good with children, the youngest is 5. Theres a lot of information on this forum from experienced owners.
Thank to all
1 - 20 of 25 Posts
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