When considering a Havanese puppy, it’s essential to find a companion that matches your personality, lifestyle, and expectations. While the adorable face of any Havanese can be irresistible, taking the time to evaluate a puppy’s temperament, behavior, and compatibility is the key to a fulfilling relationship.
Knowing Your Preferences
Before visiting a litter, think about the traits you value most in a companion dog. Are you looking for:
- Curiosity: A puppy that explores new environments with interest and energy?
- Bravery: A confident puppy that doesn’t shy away from unfamiliar sights, sounds, or people?
- Affection: One that seeks out human connection and enjoys being cuddled?
- Playfulness: A puppy that exhibits a sense of humor and loves to entertain you with its antics?
By defining your priorities ahead of time, you’ll know what to focus on during your visit. Remember, every Havanese puppy is unique, and their individual personalities will begin to show as early as 6-8 weeks of age.
Engaging with the Puppies
Once you’ve arrived, here’s how to interact with the puppies to evaluate their temperament:
1. Observe First
Watch how the puppies interact with each other in their natural environment. Which ones are dominant, playful, or quiet? Take note of the puppy’s body language—are they wagging their tail confidently or staying off to the side?
2. Get Their Attention
Call the puppies over and see who responds. A curious puppy will often approach readily, while a cautious one might hesitate. This is a good test for social confidence.
3. Gentle Handling
Pick up each puppy gently and hold them for a few moments. A puppy comfortable with being handled may relax in your arms, while one that struggles or squirms excessively might need extra socialization.
4. Introduce Novelty
Introduce a new toy or object to see how the puppies react. Curious puppies will approach and investigate, while shy ones may back away. You can also lightly jingle keys or make a gentle noise to gauge how they handle unexpected stimuli.
5. Test Focus and Engagement
Use a small toy or treat to see if the puppy will follow your movements. Puppies that are naturally attentive and eager to engage may be easier to train.
6. Patience and Comfort
Spend quiet moments with each puppy, sitting on the floor to see which ones gravitate toward you naturally. Puppies that stay near your side or place a paw on you are signaling their connection.
What Not to Do
It’s easy to get distracted by superficial traits like coat color or size, but don’t let these take precedence over temperament and compatibility. Avoid the following pitfalls:
- Over-focusing on the boldest puppy: While outgoing puppies may stand out, their high energy level might not suit every household.
- Ignoring quieter puppies: Shy puppies often blossom into loyal, loving companions with patience and care.
- Choosing based on looks alone: A beautiful coat is not a substitute for a well-matched personality.
Considerations Before Deciding
It’s worth noting that breeders and Havanese-specific clubs, like the Havanese Club of America, recommend temperament testing as part of the selection process. Reputable breeders will often match puppies to owners based on lifestyle and experience. If you’re unsure, lean on their expertise—they’ve likely observed each puppy’s development closely.
Q&A
Q: How old should puppies be when choosing one?
A: Puppies should be at least 7-8 weeks old to give them adequate time for socialization with their mother and littermates.
Q: Should I visit the puppies multiple times before deciding?
A: Yes, visiting more than once allows you to see consistent behavior and ensure you’re making the right choice.
Q: How can I tell if a puppy is overly timid?
A: A very timid puppy may hide, avoid eye contact, or freeze when approached. While they may grow in confidence with training, they’ll require more patience and time.
Q: Are males or females easier to train?
A: Havanese of either gender are highly trainable, but individual temperament is a more significant factor than gender.
Q: What if I’m not sure which puppy to pick?
A: Consult the breeder and explain your preferences. Breeders familiar with the litter can provide invaluable guidance.
Summary
Selecting the right Havanese puppy is about balancing your preferences with the puppy’s unique temperament. Observe each puppy’s behavior, test their responses to handling and new experiences, and trust the insights of experienced breeders. With care and patience, you’ll find a companion who perfectly complements your life.
Sources
- Havanese Club of America
https://www.havanese.org - American Kennel Club (AKC)
https://www.akc.org - Merck Veterinary Manual
https://www.merckvetmanual.com - Veterinary Information Network (VIN)
https://www.vin.com - Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
https://www.vet.cornell.edu
View the complete list of our research and reference sources.
Suggested Book Chapter Titles
- The Havanese Personality Spectrum
- Preparing for Your Puppy’s Arrival
- Temperament Testing:
- Socialization for a Confident Havanese
- Matching a Puppy to Your Lifestyle
Tags: havanese puppies, choosing a puppy, puppy temperament, finding the right dog, havanese puppy tips, havanese personality traits, puppy behavior tests, selecting a dog breed, choosing a havanese, dog socialization tips