[lise]

I am not quite in the market yet for a puppy but I have researched the internet for a short while and I think The Havanese looks like a breed that I would be interested in. I own a Scotty right now that was diagnosed with cushings. This is my second Scotty. My first Scotty passed with Cancer at the age of 8yrs. I thought maybe it was a fluke so I went to Scotties again. Now the one I have(which was bought from a different breeder) is only 6 yrs old.I have decided that I want to switch breeds. I would like to own my dogs for more than 7 or 8 years.
I hope that no one thinks that I love my Scottie any less as I am only researching at this point.
I am in Canada so I would purchase here when the time comes.
Any comments?

 

[Melissa Miller]

Lise,
I really sorry to hear about your Scotties. I do not know much about them, except how cute they are.

I think you proposed a great question, it not only touches on if the breed is right for you, but of the health and longevity. Of course you cant guarantee any dog to live a long life, as you well know. I hope more pipe in here with their opinions on helping you make that decision.

Based on the dog, I think its the best breed ever! I have been around a lot of different dogs, and Havanese are just different than any dog I have owned. They have great temperaments, they are very loving and loyal.

My two Goldie and Stogie you can see in my avatar. I can only imagine your pain having to deal with these issues with two different dogs under 8!
I want my two here forever!

I hope others elaborate on the lifespan of Havs. Im not sure, and I know it vaires a great deal.

There is a book called The Havanese. I think you get it at LuLu.com
I bought four, because I knew I would give them away. Its a great book on Havanese and covers so many questions you would have about the breed.
I would highly recommend it.

Good luck! Thanks for joining, and ask as many questions as you want!

 

[Dawna]

Lise,
Please check out the website for The Havanese Club of America. www.havanese.org
This is the official AKC parent club for the havanese breed.
Also, find out if there is a local havanese club in your area that is recognized by the HCA (Havanese Club of America). These will be great resources when you are ready to find a breeder to work with.
Welcome to the forum!
Dawna

 

[lise]

Havanese/Scotties

Thanks for the info. I picked the Havanese because they have some things that I picked Scotties for and some things that Scotties are bad for that Havanese seem not to have.
Scotties are small in stature but big on personality. They don't get into any trouble at home although they are not very good with other dogs. They are not lap dogs which I wish they were as I would love them to cuddle on the couch with me but alas they come up for a scratch then off by themselves they go. They are very independant.
We also have issues with shedding and some mild allergies so the Havanese seem to have that covered, as well as the health issues do not seem to be as bad or lethal with the Havanese.
I am really interested in having a dog that I could do visits at hospitals and homes and I see that the Havaneses, nature seems to be perfect for that. I am hoping to retire in the next 5 or 6 years although I do work from home so I would like to persue some volunteering this way.
I am sure that I am rambling so I will just wait for any replies or comments!

 

[Dawna]

Lise,
www.havanese.org is also a great resource to research havanese health.
There is also a list of local clubs there.
Scotties are so cute!

 

[lise]

They are really cute and they sing and talk too! I have book marked the website although I know I have been on it before. Thanks

 

[Dawna]

Oh, I just noticed you are from Canada. Duh. There is a parent club there, too. Sorry, I wasn't paying attention.

 

[Tom King]

deleted

 

[Tom King]

Sorry, I was wrong about Isabel and Scottys. It was another puppy owner of ours from Texas, Annette Childress, who also has a Scotty.

 

[Melissa Miller]

Lise, I missed your second post.
If you are wanting a lap dog, a cuddly dog, then you are on the right track with the Havs.

My guys are SOOOO cuddly. While I think they are independent in a way, I believe they think they are taking care of us. So they follow you everywhere. Both of mine sleep in the bed, and they are great. They just cuddle up against your leg and sleep all night.

My boy is a total morning guy. He comes and wakes me up when I show signs of life. He gets right next to me and cuddles until I get up. It sounds like IM talking about a guy, but its my dog!!!! Oh know, whats happened to me? HAHA

There are a lot of people who do therapy work in hospitals with their Havanese. I know Nancy G. does. I think she joined here. She is the sweetest and would tell you whatever you wanted to know!

I know you are in a tough position with your Scottie, I hope things look up for you.

 

[lise]

I think because I have been through this before I am more prepared this time for Hagers (my scotty's name) time. As I said before I work from home therefore a dog is my company for at least half of the day. Dogs are also my exercise as we go for a brisk 20 or 30 minute walk each evening.
My married daughter has a ****zu-poo who is such a lap dog. He comes over to visit us often and I love how he cuddles right up with me. This is the only time Hager climbs up as he gets a bit jealous when he sees Benji on my lap.
I am excited at the prospect of a new breed and I must say it is keeping my spirits up.