Havanese: Equipment and travel

Choose Havanese's travel equipment for fit, comfort, and the actual journey, then condition each part before combining them. Watch Havanese's response closely and change one variable at a time. Condition the harness, crate, car, surfaces, and handling separately; check fit and comfort before adding distance or duration. Condition fit, movement, and duration separately before combining them in a real journey.

What the dog's body and routine require

Havanese's height is recorded as 8.5-11.5 inches. Here, that matters because it is useful context, but the individual dog's response still decides the next step.

Condition equipment in stages

  1. Condition the harness, crate, car, surfaces, and handling separately; check fit and comfort before adding distance or duration.
  2. Keep the height in view (8.5-11.5 inches) and make the next step reversible, observable, and easy to stop.
  3. Condition fit, movement, and duration separately before combining them in a real journey.

Stop using it if

Stop if equipment causes rubbing, restricted breathing, panic, limping, or escape risk.

References

Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height

Weight: 7-13 pounds
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight

Life expectancy: 14-16 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy

Grooming: The long, soft, and silky coat of the Havanese needs to be groomed daily to be kept free of mats and tangles. This can be done by gently running a comb or soft brush over the dog while he is on your lap. Pet owners often choose to have their dog's coat clipped to a short trim to reduce grooming time. The Havanese should also be bathed occasionally as…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy

Exercise: The Havanese has moderate exercise needs. They will benefit from a brisk daily walk or a fun playtime with their owner in the backyard, as they are happiest when someone is with them. Romping inside the home can also provide enough activity. Never over-exercise a Havanese of any age. If they are panting and struggling to keep up, it is time to go home.…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy

Training: Havanese are highly intelligent and eager to please, and they are easily trained so long as you use only positive methods. This can be a sensitive breed, so care must be taken to not scold them harshly. Socialization from an early age is very important. Expose them calmly to a wide variety of new places and new people, always ensuring that the experiences…
AKC page Training > official section copy

Official breed description: Havanese, the only dog breed native to Cuba, are cheerful little dogs with a spring in their step and a gleam in their big, brown eyes. These vivacious and sociable companions are becoming especially popular with American city dwellers.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description

Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Patella Evaluation', 'Hip Evaluation', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club

Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Havanese.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard

Use the tools

Turn a question into a closer look