The Havanese dog has captured the hearts of many for good reasons. The National dog of Cuba is lovable, loyal, active, and a great companion to its family members. These little balls of fur are small, sturdy, and an ideal lapdog that fits perfectly into the lives of people living in apartments.
They are typically the dog version of baby Yoda. Havanese are highly people-oriented dogs that will be affectionate towards children and older people alike, making them the perfect dog to add to your home. And their long and silky hair gives you plenty of time to braid their hair or try different hairstyles, making them look more adorable than they already are.
By now, you must be excited to get your very own baby Yoda dog but raising a dog is a huge responsibility that requires researching the breeder, maintenance cost, vet factor, and much more. To help you out make an informed decision, we’ve created this extensive guide about what are the responsibilities and expenses of raising a Havanese.
Can Havanese survive in India?
Yes, Havanese can survive in India’s climate due to their high heat tolerance. However, they require a lot of exercise and attention to raise. It is essential to buy Havanese from a reputable breeder as it is a foreign breed from Cuba.
How Much Does the Havanese Dog Cost in India
Havanese dog’s prices vary according to the quality, generally costing between INR 25,000 to 35,000. A KCI-certified Havanese costs between INR 35,000 to 50,000, whereas show-quality costs increase to INR 50,000 to 90,000. For your ease, prices can differ depending on other factors like age, location, and availability, as discussed below.
Factors that Influence the Buying Price of Havanese Dogs in India
The price of your dog can be determined by various factors like age, gender, breeder, location, bloodline, and much more. So, let’s look into each aspect discussed in detail below.
Havanese Age: Buying a puppy vs. an old dog
Puppies shouldn’t be separated from their mothers until they are eight weeks of age as it affects their health and well-being. Buying a puppy older than eight weeks is more expensive than buying an adult. People prefer buying a puppy as they can be molded into the perfect dog by training and socializing them from their early years to prevent facing problems in the future. However, puppies at this age work at their own pace, throw tantrums, and can be demanding, which is something to consider before buying one.
Adult dogs are sold at lower prices because they have already lived some years of their life, are aging, which means possible health problems in the future, and have developed well-rooted bad habits. All these factors affect the sale of an old dog, but that doesn’t mean they are not unique pets; in this case, except for focusing your energy on training and socializing them, you can put all your efforts into handling all the above problems.
Adopting a Havanese vs. Buying
There has been an ongoing debate on which option is better, but if you take our opinion, we believe the option that works best for you is the one to take. Adopting a rescued dog from shelter homes is a good dead of saving a pup’s life. Shelter homes need to be researched thoroughly; finding a healthy Havanese puppy will take time as it is not like buying from a breeder; the availability can take days or even months, which requires you to be patient.
On the other hand, buying is more accessible; it doesn’t require waiting around for your pup to become available and taking them before someone else does. However, it doesn’t mean you can trust your breeders without proper verification and research. The puppies brought from a reputable breeder are expensive compared to adopting rescued pets.
Breeder Factor
Buying a Havanese will depend on the source from where you are considering buying; a puppy purchased from puppy mills costs less than pet shops. The essential thing is to bring home a healthy Havanese to your family. To understand the viability of each source and how to verify their credibility better, we’ve discussed each aspect in great detail for your convenience below.
Buying a Havanese from Puppy Mills (Please don’t go with this option)
If there were a competition on which place is the absolute worse to buy from, you would see puppy mills winning without a doubt, but why? They are large breeding centers where dogs are mass-produced and raised in small cages by unlicensed owners without vet care and proper food. Now you can imagine how unhealthy the puppy would be.
Such illegitimate breeders are clever and try to fool naive people by offering low prices and false certificates and hurriedly making the sale, so the owner doesn’t have the time to research or verify their background. We recommend being cautious of such illegitimate breeders because there is a possibility that they will justify their credibility by making excuses and trying hard to convince you.
Buying a Havanese from Pet Shops
These shops have made the idea of window shopping for your Havanese puppy while they have been put in cages 24/7 without their mothers seem okay, but it is not. Puppies shouldn’t be separated from their mothers before they are eight weeks of age. The source from which pet shops buy should be checked thoroughly, as often they buy dogs from puppy mills at low prices to make a profit.
We are not saying all pet shops are bad, but the health and well-being of your puppy should be your first and most important concern.
Buying a Havanese from Middleman or Brokers
These intermediaries are in contact with many breeders looking to make a sale and do it through them. The broker has to connect you with the perfect breeder breeding the Havanese you want and help you with any further queries. This process is easy, but you will still have to verify the breeder’s legitimacy before the sale; after the sale is made, the intermediaries will charge a brokerage of 10% to 20% for doing their part.
Buying a Havanese from Reputable breeders
Let’s meet reputable breeders who came first in the safest possible option to buy a dog from competition. They are licensed, practicing for a long-time breeder who provide your pup with proper vaccinations, vet care, and nutrition to keep them fit and healthy; that’s everything you need from a breeder. Some breeders even provide a warranty for the pup if you come across any problem later and remain in touch with them after the sale is made because they wish to help you raise the puppy better and want the pet to be loved, healthy and happy in your lovely home.
Questions to Ask a Breeder
There are so many questions you can ask that you might get all confused and nervous, don’t worry; we have compiled a list of questions to ask a breeder below.
- How long have you been a breeder? Why did you choose this profession?
- Have the parents been microchipped by KCI?
- Have you taken the pet for veterinary care? Can I get the vet’s details?
- Are the parents healthy? Do they have any significant health issues which are hereditary?
- Has my pup been vaccinated and dewormed yet?
- What is the temperament of the puppy?
- What diet do you suggest a Havanese dog needs?
Gender
Both male and female Havanese are cute, full of energy, and demand attention and care. But female Havanese are a bit more territorial and dominant than males, which means they are protective of their family members. Females also demand more attention and show an attitude if they don’t get any. But overall, both genders make excellent pets, and we recommend you choose the one that is suitable for your fam and whose needs you can fulfill.
Males generally cost more than females even though there is no significant size difference because owners generally prefer males over females to prevent dealing with heat cycles and further breeding.
Size
Males weigh between 3.6 to 5.89 kg with a height of 22.86 to 29.21 cm. Females weigh between 3.17 to 5.44 kg and stand at a height of 21.59 to 25.4 cm. Havanese reach their full size in 6 to 8 months. There isn’t too much of a size difference between males and females, so it shouldn’t affect your decision much.
The ideal weight of a 3-month puppy is between 1.4-.1.8 kgs and stand at 3-6 inches, it is vital to know the ideal size of both genders so you can check the weight of your puppy before buying to verify if they are healthy or undernourished. If you find puppies or adults that conform to their ideal size, they will cost more compared to others due to their better health.
Mix Breed or Purebred
Purebred Havanese are often charged higher prices than Mixed or cross-bred Havanese. The reason is simple; purebreds are more likely not to develop any hereditary health problems common among mixed-breed dogs.
Bloodline
Suppose you buy a Havanese dog belonging to a Champion Bloodline. In that case, it relatively increases their price because they come from a family of Champion dogs crowned as ‘Champion’ in an official dog competition. These dogs are obedient, less prone to diseases, healthy, and carry traits of their parents, making them great pets.
Coat Colors and Markings
Unlike other pets, the Havanese come in many colors like black, silver, blue, brindle, champagne, chocolate, sable, gold, red, cream and white. Different combinations of these colors are present too, and with so much to choose from, it might be challenging to decide which one you want. We recommend taking your time with which color you prefer but keep in mind that if you go for a rare color, it will cost you more than buying the standard colors in Havanese.
Location
Havanese are relatively easy to find compared to other exotic dog breeds at a reasonable price across India. Their availability varies in different locations, if you can find reputable breeders easily in your area, the price will be less, but if you have to travel or ship your dog from another State, their price will be higher.
Certification and Warranties
The price of a Havanese varies; if they are KCI verified, they could cost between INR 35,000 to 50,000. It is because KCI-verified dogs are certified because of their purity and good health, which is difficult to find in non- KCI registered dogs prone to various health issues.
Yearly Maintenance Cost of owning a Havanese
Now that we have discussed the price of a Havanese dog, let’s discuss the additional investments you will need to make while raising them. To give you a fair idea, we have a detailed description of significant to minor expenses you will incur for the maintenance of a Havanese puppy in a year.
Dog Food Factor
Havanese are pretty active dogs who need a diet full of nutrition to fulfill their needs and keep them healthy. Their food should contain 50% animal protein and 25% complex carbohydrates; the remaining 25% can be fruits and vegetables. They are smaller, so their food expenses will be less than other large breeds. Your monthly food expenses can range from INR 2,500 to INR 3,500.
Home Food vs. Purchased Food
Retail food prices vary according to different types and brands. Generally, a box can range between INR 1,000 to 2,000. But you should be careful and check if your dog is allergic to certain foods before feeding them. You can consult with your vet on which dog food brand they recommend will be the best for your Havanese.
It doesn’t mean the need of the Havanese can’t to be fulfilled with homemade food. They will need a nutritious diet that can be prepared at home quickly. However, again, you will need to discuss with the vet before feeding them homemade food, which can be fruit, vegetables, milk, boiled eggs, meat, cheese, and much more. Homemade food costs less compared to store-bought food.
Portion Size and Frequency
The portion and frequency you feed your Havanese pup are essential as their nutritional requirements change as they grow. Havanese puppies need to be fed 3-4 times a day as they can’t eat significant portions of food a compared to adult that can quickly eat large meals.
We have included a feeding chat for your Havanese pup based on age and weight. However, we recommend checking in with the vet first before relying on the diet chart given below.
| Age | Food per Meal | Servings per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | ¼ cup | 4 servings |
| 3-6 months | ⅓ cup | 3 servings |
| 6-12 months | 1 bowl | 2 servings |
| 1 year | ½ bowl | 2 servings |
| 2-7 years | 1 small bowl | 2 servings |
| Seniors (above 7 years) | ½ bowl | 2 servings |
Fun Facts of Owning a Havanese
- Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemingway are a few authors who are proud of Havanese wonders and have fallen in love with this breed.
- They are called various names like Havana silk dog, Havanese, Havanese Cuban Bichon, and Bichon Habanero.
- Havanese were used in circuses because of their clownish nature and ability to perform tricks efficiently.
- Havanese came close to extinction between the 50s and 60s, but 3 families from Cuba left for the US and built the breed back up.
Vet Factor
Havanese are healthy dogs, but they are prone to several diseases like elbow and hip dysplasia, chondrodysplasia, cataracts, and many other serious health issues. They will need veterinary care, which can include vaccinations, major or minor surgeries, along with frequent visits to the vet.
Vaccination Cost
Due to transmissible diseases like rabies, it is unsafe to bring unvaccinated Havanese puppies’ home. You need to check in with your breeder to see if the puppy has completed all of its vaccination doses; if not, take a vaccination schedule card and complete them on time without fail. Vaccinations will cost anywhere between INR 1,000 to 2,000, but prices can differ depending on the dosage of each vaccine.
Neutering or Spaying Surgery Cost
Removing the reproductive organs of your pet is a smart choice as it helps avoid unwanted litter, monthly heat cycles of females, and finding a mate for your male or female dog during mating season. A neutering/spaying surgery helps keep your dog healthy, increases its lifespan, and prevents cancer.
A neutering/spaying surgery should be performed by professionals only, not at home. It can cost between INR 6,000 to INR 12,000.
Deworming Cost
It is crucial to deworm your Havanese dog from time to time as they can serve as hosts to various worms like tapeworms and roundworms which can lead to skin affections and affect their health severely. Your pet can be easily dewormed at home with the help of deworming medicines such as tablets or syrup, which can cost up to INR 500.
You must consult your vet about the medicine and its dosage before feeding them. If you don’t wish to worry about the hassle, you can take your pet to a professional for a deworming session, but they will cost you more.
Preventive Medications Cost
When your dog faces any minor injury while playing or roaming around the house, it is better to treat them yourself instead of frequent visits with the vet to prevent further damage or diseases. You will need antiseptic spray, cotton, and bandages to treat these scratches or injuries. Ear drops shall be used to reduce inflammation and redness in your dog’s ears to prevent further ear infections. You will need to keep their skin healthy and clean from parasites by using ticks and flea powder.
All of this can cost up to INR 2,000 but will come in handy in unexpected injuries, skin infections, and maintaining their coat.
Housing and Confinement Cost
Havanese reach their total growth by 6 to 8 months of age and owning to their small sizes. You can buy a crate or a dog bed. A crate costs between INR 1,000 to 2,000, and a comfy dog bed can cost anywhere between INR 2,000 to 3,000.
Both are great options to provide your Havanese with a personal space to sleep and rest. Crates can be carried as a carrier for your dog and help regulate their bowel movements. We don’t recommend keeping your dog locked in crates for long hours as it can affect its temperament and health. Dog beds are comfy, cozy, and spacious, providing comfort to your pet.
Accessories Cost
Collar and Leash vs. Training Harness
There has been an ongoing debate on which option is better, but it all depends on your pet’s comfort. Collar and leash give you more control over your dog on walks, but it also exerts pressure on their neck if you pull the leash hard, which can cause neck injuries. A training harness doesn’t involve putting pressure, offers excellent control over your dog’s movements, and can be used while training them.
Instead of buying a collar and leash separately, we recommend going for a collar and leash set which is cheaper; the set will cost you between INR 1,000 to 1,500, whereas a training harness costs between INR 1,000 to 2,000.
Toys Cost
Toys will make your pup happy during playtime, stimulate their mental and physical health and provide comfort when they are anxious, which makes them a must-have. It is up to you how many toys you want your dog to have. Generally, a toy can cost between INR 500 to INR 1,500.
Grooming Cost
The Havanese have a silky and soft coat; they have a wavy or light curl topcoat and an undercoat beneath it. They require regular brushing for a healthy and tangle-free coat, along with monthly baths to keep them clean. It doesn’t mean they don’t need professional grooming sessions from time to time, but a professional can’t do all the work. They also need frequent brushing to remove tooth decay and tartar buildup.
You will need to take the responsibility of brushing them regularly as taking them to the vet regularly can be expensive and troublesome. You will need a top-quality brush, shampoo, conditioner, and nail clippers which can cost up to INR 2,000. A professional grooming session will cost you between INR 1,500 and 2,500.
Walker Cost
A Havanese dog’s exercise needs can be easily fulfilled by walking them daily, which will keep them healthy and in good shape. If you don’t wish to or have the time to walk your dog, finding walker services in your area is a good option. A walker service generally costs between INR 100 to 500 per hour or 3,000 to 5,000 per month; your monthly walker expenses will depend on how many hours and how many times a week you employ these services.
Training and Socialising Class Cost
Havanese are highly active dogs that need about 30 minutes of exercise, either by daily walks or by playing games with them to keep things interesting. Training your dog by yourself can be challenging for a first-time dog owner, so we’ve listed some tips to ease it out for you.
- Use positive reinforcements like treats during training because they are highly emotionally sensitive and react badly to punishment.
- Start training with small sessions like five minutes and increase the time at a pace that helps set a routine for your Havanese; they won’t get frustrated or bored this way.
- The essential thing is to be patient and calm while training them. Initially, Havanese can be stubborn and throw tantrums, but this can be resolved with time.
We recommend training them by yourself, but as an alternative, you can hire training professionals to train your pet. One session can cost anywhere between INR 1,500 to INR 3,000 or 5,000 to 6,000 per month, depending on the trainer.
Treat Cost
Just like humans need snacks, pets need multi-purpose treats- showing love, pampering, providing nutrition, engaging your pup, and training. Homemade goodies like eggs or your pet’s favorite veggies are cost-friendly and nutritious. You can also opt for commercial treats, which can cost up to INR 1,000 per box and prices differ according to brands and types.
Insurance Cost
Medical expenses can take a significant leap on your money when your pet faces an accident; thankfully, there are pet insurance policies to cover these situations. Generally, if your pet is between 8 weeks to 8 years, you can take pet insurance. There are a few companies in India like Bajaj Allianz that offer good insurance policies. You need to research and compare various policies and companies and go for the one that suits your pet the most.
Travel Cost
Suppose you love traveling and want to take your pet, too. In that case, you will need to complete all the formalities of documents, vaccination, and a dog carrier according to the airline’s requirements. Additionally, you will need to find dog-friendly hotels and proper dog food and walk them without fail. It is advised not to take your dog everywhere as it can affect their health, and they might be uncomfortable in a new environment.
Traveling domestically costs up to INR 20,000 and between INR 2,00,000 to 3,00,000 for international flights. Airlines charge different fees according to your dog’s size, weight, and distance traveled.
Daycare Cost
It is advised not to leave Havanese puppies alone due for more extended periods due to their separation anxiety. You can leave them in the safe hands of professionals at daycares. Daycares are a safe place for your pup while you are away; they feed, walk, groom, and engage your pet in individual games as well as group games with other dogs, which helps in socializing them as well.
The per-hour price of daycares can vary depending on the services you get and the locality you live in; they generally charge between INR 500 to 2,000 per day.
Registration Cost
Getting a license for your pet dogs in India is essential. Denying or failing to do so leads to a violation of the law. There are different requirements according to your state by the municipal corporations; you can apply for online or offline registration based on your convenience; apart from documents related to your dog, you will need to pay a registration fee.
You can also register your dog with KCI (Kennel Club of India). This official body sets the standards for different breeds across India.
Miscellaneous
Havanese dogs need toothbrushes, separate towels, name tags, food and water bowls, dog food storage containers, and poop cleaner. This will add up to INR 2,000 to your maintenance expenses for the breed.
Hidden and Related Costs of Havanese Puppy Ownership
It is essential to understand that Havanese are great human companions and can get anxious if left alone. Havanese will be stubborn and hard to deal with throughout their life which will call for you to be patient and understanding as getting angry at your dog is fruitless. Instead of anger, you need to consistently train and modify their bad habits into good ones, which is time taking. However, worth every second you spend on molding them.
We hope you understand the responsibility of owning this breed, the good and bad parts so that you can handle them accordingly.
Essential things to Consider Before Buying a Havanese
Like all the other breeds, Havanese are not perfect and come with some problems which you need to consider before buying them.
- Potty training- Havanese are hard to train because they don’t always know when to go outside, making it tough to housebreak a Havanese puppy.
- Grooming- They’re low shedders but require daily brushing and frequent baths to keep their coats healthy, clean, and tangle-free, which can be time-consuming.
- Separation anxiety- They suffer from separation anxiety as Havanese is an affectionate breed and accustomed to being around people. Leaving them alone for long hours can give rise to such issues of anxiety and depression.
- Barks- Havanese bark a lot, disturbing your environment and personal space. They can be trained to bark less and only in a critical situation of threat or strangers in your house.
Nevertheless, all these problems can be handled and modified with patience, training, and love to make Havanese easier to handle and raise.
Benefits of Bringing a Havanese Puppy To Home
Owning a Havanese dog has several benefits, as they are more than just cute and lovely.
- Family dogs- Havanese are affectionate, warm, and friendly, and thrive in human companionship. They socialize easily and will shower you with lots of love once they get attached and is not an aggressive breed.
- Apartment Friendly- Their small size and ability to stay indoors without any discomfort make them excellent pets for someone who lives in an apartment and doesn’t want a big dog.
- Low Shedders- Despite their long hair and a double-coated coat, they’re low shedders and hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
- Low Exercise- Havanese don’t need many exercises to stay healthy; they do well on short walks once or twice a day.
Faqs
Are Havanese hard to train?
No, Havenese is an intelligent dog that is easy to train as they are obedient and learn quickly. They can follow commands and learn new tricks with ease.
Do Havanese bark a lot?
No, generally, Havenese is quiet and gentle and doesn’t indulge in unnecessary barking unless they sense a supposed threat by a stranger or unexpected situation.
Does a Havanese smell?
No, Havanese don’t have much of an odor that prevents your house from stinking due to their low-shedding long-haired double coat. But lack of bathing can result in foul odors in your dog.
What is the average lifespan of a Havanese dog?
They can live up to 14-16 years, giving you plenty of time to play with their silky smooth hair.
Can a Havanese face dental problems?
Yes, they are prone to tooth decay and tartar buildup. They will need frequent brushing and visits to the vet to keep their teeth healthy and clean.
Summing It Up
The Havanese is a fun-loving, gentle, affectionate, and loving dog that will make you happy. They are an excellent choice for first-time dog owners as they don’t require much exercise and space, making them apartment-friendly dog who is happy to stay by your side. While it is essential to consider all the expenses before buying a Havanese, we can confidently say they are worth every penny and make wonderful pets.