Hava-Tzu Breed Information
Description: The Hava-Tzu breed is a small-framed, mix breed of the Shih Tzu and the Havanese. Dogs of this breed are described best as petite, strong-bodied and friendly. Their eyes are black and they have flappy ears.
Other Names: Havashu
Type: Designer
Height: 10-12 in.
Weight: 8-15 lbs.
Colors: Common colors of the Hava-Tzu coat include brown, gray, cream, golden, black, white and chocolate.
Coat: The Hava-Tzu coat can be wavy, curly, long or fine; it depends on their parent dogs. The options are very diverse. Hava-Tzu dogs have been on the rise for the last 30 years and most are bred elsewhere in the UK, Canada and Australia. Since the history of this breed is so new, the history of its parent breeds is more telling.
Temperament: The Hava-Tzu is intelligent, calm, sweet natured, affectionate and their energy level is always high. Known for being an excellent family dog, Hava-Tzy love playing games and know how to get a laugh out of their owner and their family.
With Children: Hava-Tzu dogs love the company of children and look forward to making them laugh and playing games like fetch with them. With Pets: If they are socialized as puppies, Hava-Tzu dogs will happily get along with other dogs and household pets.
Watch-dog: Hava-Tzu are protective when they need to be and will warn their owners when they are in danger. This makes them a solid watch dog.
Guard-dog: Due to their petite size and calm demeanor, this breed would not be a successful guard dog.
Care and Training: Hava-Tzu dogs are best trained with gentle moves and positive reinforcement. Consistency is a plus when it comes to home training.
Learning Rate: High. The Hava-Tzu breed is known to be very intelligent and thrives when pleasing their owner. Obedience: High. Problem Solving: High.
Activity: High. This breed requires two or more outdoor walks a day.
Living Environment: Since they are small in size, the Hava-Tzu breed can thrive in an apartment setting.
Health Issues: Health concerns of the Hava-Tzu are patellar luxation, kidney problems, bladder problems, eye problems, umbilical hernia, liver problems, Legg-perthes, Chondrodysplasia, heart problems, Allergies, joint dysplasia, dental problems, ear infections, snuffles, reverse sneezing and deafness.
Life Span: 12-16 years.
Litter Size: 1-8 puppies.
Country of Origin:
History: The Hava-Tzu breed is a designer, mixing Shih Tzu and Havanese genes. The Havanese is a toy breed and the national dog of Cuba. It is a member of the Bichon family, believed to have been developed crossing the Blanquito de la Habana with other Bichon types. The Blanquito de la Habana are now extinct but there is speculation that all Bichon dogs can be traced back to the Teneriffe dog who arrived in Cuba on ships. The Spanish gravitated to these dogs because of their cute appearance and strong build.
Class: Designer
Registries: The Hava-Tzu breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA). And the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).