Because Havanese like to run in the garden and play rough, we find that they require a good thorough brush every day. When going through the dreaded coat change, we find that they require brushing twice a day, sometimes more! This is because the puppy’s coat is changing into an adult coat and it seems like the coat fuses together almost immediately after brushing! It is more important during this time than ever to make sure your pup is regularly brushed.
In order to maintain the lovely coat the breed is famous for, we recommend that show Havanese are washed at least once a week. Prior to bath time the dog should be thoroughly brushed out to ensure that there are no mats. This is crucial as if there are mats in the coat prior to being bathed, getting them wet will only make them worse! Be careful to make sure that the shampoo does not get in your pups eyes and ears (a good tip we learned is to put some cotton wool in their ears to prevent water getting in). Prior to blowdrying the coat, it is advisable to spray a good anti static mist over the coat. Some people prefer to let the coat dry naturally, however we prefer to blow dry our Havs as Ireland would not be the warmest of countries!!
With regards to which shampoos and conditioners etc, we find that one size certainly does not fit all! Many Havanese owners find that they use different products on different dogs, as what is good for one hav’s coat may not necessarily suit another. It is all about trial and error to see which product best suits your pup. We would, however, stress the importance of carrying out a patch test on your pup before trying a new product, as if your pup is sensitive to a particular product, it could be disastrous for the coat should they take a reaction.
Apart from regular brushing and baths, like all other dogs, you should ensure that your dog’s nails are kept short, their ears are cleaned regularly and their eyes are also kept clean. We also recommend brushing your pups teeth to keep them clean and healthy.
In order to maintain the lovely coat the breed is famous for, we recommend that show Havanese are washed at least once a week. Prior to bath time the dog should be thoroughly brushed out to ensure that there are no mats. This is crucial as if there are mats in the coat prior to being bathed, getting them wet will only make them worse! Be careful to make sure that the shampoo does not get in your pups eyes and ears (a good tip we learned is to put some cotton wool in their ears to prevent water getting in). Prior to blowdrying the coat, it is advisable to spray a good anti static mist over the coat. Some people prefer to let the coat dry naturally, however we prefer to blow dry our Havs as Ireland would not be the warmest of countries!!
With regards to which shampoos and conditioners etc, we find that one size certainly does not fit all! Many Havanese owners find that they use different products on different dogs, as what is good for one hav’s coat may not necessarily suit another. It is all about trial and error to see which product best suits your pup. We would, however, stress the importance of carrying out a patch test on your pup before trying a new product, as if your pup is sensitive to a particular product, it could be disastrous for the coat should they take a reaction.
Apart from regular brushing and baths, like all other dogs, you should ensure that your dog’s nails are kept short, their ears are cleaned regularly and their eyes are also kept clean. We also recommend brushing your pups teeth to keep them clean and healthy.