Damon Dahlen, AOL
Dog Breed: Havanese
Personality: "Havanese are a happy, playful sort, with immense charm," says Susan Siver, a member of the
Havanese Club of America's breeder directory committee. "They are a small dog in stature with a big-dog attitude, and they are very people-oriented."
"The Dog Breed Bible" describes the Havanese as "a busy, curious dog. It loves to play and clown and is affectionate with its family, children, strangers, other dogs and pets. Basically everyone!"
Grooming: The Havanese's "wavy, silky coat is profuse," according to the
American Kennel Club. It's a good thing that it's a nonshedding dog, and Havanese owners have options when it comes to "how much effort they want to put into maintaining a Havanese coat," Siver says. "A puppy cut, which most pet owners prefer, requires much less effort in brushing. However, there is still daily brushing involved."
Common Health Issues: This is a "relatively healthy" breed, Siver says, although particular concerns can include "cataracts, cherry eye, chondrodysplasia, deafness, hip dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes, liver shunt and luxating patella."
buxhsammy, Flickr
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