Havanese

Although Havanese might not be the first breed that comes to mind for a guard dog, these are alert and intelligent dogs. They notice and alert their owners when something is amiss, but are never aggressive and rarely bark. These petite, quiet pups make excellent apartment dwellers (and can even learn to use indoor potty systems).

Havanese are true lap dogs and prefer having their owners around most of the time. If left alone for long periods, they can become unhappy or anxious.

This extroverted breed likes being around people, performing tricks, showing off their friendly dispositions, and turning strangers into friends. Havanese are great with children and will allow their gentle affections. And with their background as circus performers, they eagerly learn new tricks.

Havanese require a high-quality dog food that's appropriate for their age and small size. This breed is prone to becoming overweight, so it's important to keep an eye on food intake. Avoid over-feeding by using a measuring cup to portion out their meals and limit treats to no more than 10% of their daily calories.

It takes some effort to help Havanese maintain their silky coats. Daily grooming is required to keep their hair free of mats and tangles. The hair on their feet and between the pads should be neatly trimmed.

Some people choose to have their Havanese's coat clipped to cut down on grooming (something not permitted in the show ring). Putting bows in their hair and having their coats corded are other ways to reduce grooming time—and add to their adorable appearances. Regular ear cleanings and nail trims should also be part of the grooming routine.

Dental care is essential to all dogs' long-term health. Start an at-home dental care routine that includes teeth brushing as part of a lifelong dental hygiene program.

Havanese have moderate exercise needs. They love going for walks and playing hide-and-seek or fetch with their people. A dog park is also a good option for these social pups—as long as they remain separate from larger dogs. This breed is known to enjoy activities like agility, competitive obedience, and canine musical freestyle.

Havanese are not known for their stamina, so focus on short bursts of exercise and look for cues (like panting or falling behind on a walk) that signal it's time for a break. Games and tricks also provide much-needed mental stimulation.

Despite having thick coats, these small dogs are vulnerable to the cold. They shouldn't spend long periods outside in cold temperatures.

Use positive reinforcement and reward-based training to help Havanese learn basic commands and new tricks. This eager-to-please breed learns fast, but they can also be sensitive, so avoid harsh training methods.

Start introducing Havanese to new people, pets, and places when they're puppies. Positive experiences are an essential part of socialization and will help ensure these dogs keep their outgoing personalities.