Friday, September 3, 2010

What You Should Know Before Buying A Havanese Hybrid

Are you thinking about a new family pet? If a dog is in your future, why not consider a Havanese mix? Havanese hybrids, also known as “designer dogs”, come in a wide variety of sizes and colors depending on the breed that the Havanese is crossed with. You can find Havanese mixed with Maltese, Lhasa Apso and Bichon Frise among others. In many cases these Havanese mix breeds are bred specifically by breeders who are interested in bringing together the best of each type of dog in an effort to create the best pet possible. By selecting a breeder that specializes in a Havanese mix, you can enjoy the assurance that your puppy was bred with his welfare and your best interest at heart.

One of the advantages to a Havanese mix is that crossbreeds can diminish the incidence of genetic disorders and illnesses. Statistically, there is a significantly smaller number of mixed breeds that carry genetic problems than purebreds. However, to ensure that this is the case, you will need to exercise caution in selecting a reputable breeder and make sure that you do your homework regarding your dog’s lineage and the characteristics to expect from each of the breeds.
When you begin researching the Havanese mixes that are available through breeders, you may be surprised to find the number of crossbreeds that are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. Registration through this organization will give dog owners peace of mind in knowing where their dog came from in terms of the lineages of both parents. Without that knowledge, your “designer dog” becomes a plain old mutt that can be a mix of many different breeds.

Some of the more popular Havanese mixes that are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club include the Havanese and Lhasa Apso mix (Hava-Apso), the Havanese and Shih Tzu mix (Havashu) and the Havanese and Yorkshire Terrier combination (Havashire). While getting a puppy of one of these mixes can have its advantages, keep in mind that you won’t really know exactly what type of dog you are getting until that pet becomes full-grown. For example, a Hava-Apso may have the feisty temperament of a Lhasa Apso, or the milder manner of a Havanese. There is no way to predict which one you will get.
A Havanese mix puppy can be a cute and playful addition to any family. These little dogs are guaranteed to bring you plenty of enjoyment for years to come. But because this dog will be a long-term commitment for your family, it is important to shop for and choose your dog with care. First, make sure that you research both of the breeds that will be in your Havanese mix quite thoroughly. Since you won’t know which breed’s temperament your dog might end up with, it is a good idea to prepare yourself for either likelihood. It is equally important to shop for a reputable breeder, just as you would if you were in the market for a purebred dog. Designer dogs should have an ancestry from two purebred lines, which can easily be traced through registration papers. This will help you to know exactly what you can expect from your Havanese mix breed.

The Havanese mix breed can be a wonderful addition to your family, as long as you take the time to do your homework and find the best dog for you. Articles like this one, which provide invaluable Havanese information, are an important first step in finding the right pet for your family.

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