The Havanese is an expensive and rare dog, and the cost of getting a dog from a breeder who takes the time to put them through the right health tests can drive the price to $2000 or more. Beware of anyone who is selling a Havanese through a pet store. There is a lot of time and money invested into a healthy puppy, and a responsible breeder should want to meet you, often a few times, before selling you a puppy.
Many people sadly use the Havanese's rarity to sell them for a fast profit. Increasingly, some people will attempt to pass off a crossbred 'poodog' as the more desirable Havanese. If you must look for an inexpensive dog, try a Havanese rescue group first.
Havanese have several specific considerations for their care that a prospective owner should keep in mind.
The Havanese has difficulty in housebreaking and can take a year or longer to consistently train. This is due to a smaller bladder than many other dog breeds. Crate training or litter box training are two options to help aid in this difficulty.
The Havanese has a profuse coat that requires daily grooming. If one does not intend to show their dog, it can be trimmed shorter so as to require less brushing.
The Havanese, with their drop ears, need to have their ears cleaned to help prevent ear infections.
Though they are not a dog that requires long walks, Havanese are active and require at least a large, well-enclosed yard to run around in a few times a day. They will also use up energy tearing around and getting underfoot.
The Havanese is not a naturally yappy dog, but may alert its owners to approaching people. Usually acknowledging that you have heard their alert is enough to make them cease.
