The Havachon is a cute crossbreed, combining a purebred Havanese with a pedigree Bichon Frise. These pale coated companion dogs are small, weighing around 12lbs and standing about 11 inches tall. They make ace apartment pets or lapdops, and surprisingly good watchdogs too. This active, trainable dog fits well with older families as well as singles, responds brilliantly to positive reinforcement and has the potential to excel at obedience, agility or even as therapy or service animals. They have adorable faces with round eyes and wide mouthed smiles. Their silky, wavy hair needs a lot of grooming and clipping to stay shiny, but it’s worth the effort.
Contents
- Where do they come from?
- Grooming, shedding and care
- Are Havanese Bichon Frise mixes friendly?
- Training, exercise and health
- Havachon puppies
The Havachon is a first generation designer dog. They are active, intelligent and very loving. Fitting in well to homes with plenty of time to give them the attention, and grooming, they need!
Havachon History
Like the majority of hybrid dogs, the exact ancestry of the Bichon Havanese is unknown. We do know that both parent breeds come from the ancient Barbichon group. This included the Havanese, the Bolognese, the Maltese, and the Bichon Tenerife, which later became the Bichon Frise due to its curly coat.
We can get to know the Havachon’s past a little better, and understand their current temperament and needs more by getting to know their purebred ancestors.
Havanese and Bichon Frise Origins
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba and has a rich and interesting history. They are thought to have been brought across the seas from the Spanish island of Tenerife by Cuba’s first settlers. The only native breed from the country, this Cuban cutie was a popular lapdog of the aristocracy. At the time of Fidel Castro’s coup, fleeing Cubans took eleven of these little dogs with them to America. Here, the Havanese were preserved and then florished, and are now sought after across the world. Famous owners include Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, and Ernest Hemingway.
Also from Tenerife, the Bichon Frise is thought to have been a companion dog to Spanish, and later Italian, sailors. Originally known as the Bichon Tenerife, this little white wonder spread across Europe, favored by royal courtiers of Spain, France, and Italy. Their pampered position didn’t last, however, and during the French Revolution, they were turfed out onto the street, becoming nothing more than doggie urchins.
Bright and resourceful, the Bichon’s infectious and entertaining nature shone through and many turned into performing circus dogs. Their luck changed after the two world wars, when a group of European fanciers took them under their wing. Soon, the plucky Bichon Frise was in vogue once again.
What Will a Havachon Full Grown Look Like?
Remember that, as he is a crossbreed, a Havachon adult could take after either of his parents. The Havanese is known for its long, silky coat which can be seen in a myriad of colors and patterns. We can safely say that a Bichon Havanese puppy will be unbearably cute.
They have beautiful brown eyes which sparkle with inquisitiveness. Their pleasing plumed tail is arched and carried over the back. The lush powder-puff coat of the Bichon Frise is glowingly white with the occasional cream or apricot tinge.
Havanese’s contrasting twinkling black eyes and shiny nose flaunt their curious character. The Bichon’s tail curves cheerfully over the back. A Havanese and Bichon mix could be a combination of both, or take after one parent more than the other.
Size and Weight of the Adult Havachon Dog
Classed as a toy dog, the Havanese typically stands at 8.5 to 11.5 inches. Weight-wise, you can expect them to be between 7 and 13 pounds. Similar in height, the Bichon is usually measured at around 9.5 to 11.5 inches at the withers. This hound is a fair bit heavier though, weighing in at 12 to 18 pounds.
The Havachon size, therefore, is likely to be anywhere within these ranges, but could be at either end of the scales. Most Havachons weigh from 9 – 16lbs and stand around 10 inches tall.
Grooming and Caring for Your Havanese Bichon Mix
As the Havachon can take on the appearance of either of it’s parents, it’s impossible to predict whether the coat will be long or short-to-medium in length. One thing for sure though is that your pooch will need to be brushed regularly.
Three times every week is ideal to keep on top of knots. Bear in mind that it is very likely that the coat of your Havachon will need trimming by a professional groomer every 6 weeks or so.
Are Havachons Hypoallergenic?
The Havanese and Bichon Frise tend to be low shedding breeds, and so is the Havachon depending on their exact coat type. Although they are low shedding however, they do still produce dander and spread allergens in their saliva. If you are allergic to dogs, it’s a good idea to meet a few Havachons before you commit to bringing home your puppy, to see whether they are a good match for your allergy levels.
Havachon Care
Good dental hygiene is vital, and it’s best to brush teeth daily, if possible. The Bichon Frise, in particular, is known to suffer from early tooth loss, so it’s wise to get your Havachon used to regular brushing as soon as you can.
As with any dog, ears and claws should be inspected from time to time to prevent problems in these areas.
Havachon Temperament and Behavior
Each of the Havachon’s parent breeds is a chirpy chappie with clown-like tendencies. It stands to reason then that a Havachon will be playful, curious, and alert, making him an excellent watchdog.
These merry little monkeys are affectionate too and enjoy nothing more than whiling away the hours with their human housemates. If it’s a loving lapdog that you seek, the Havachon definitely fits the bill.
Exercising and Training the Havachon
Energetic and sprightly, the comical Bichon Havanese dog just loves to run and play. He can take on agility, flyball, and obedience training, all with ease.
These little characters are highly intelligent and so should be easy to train. Reward-based training is best to build trust and to form that special bond. With patience, he can even to be taught to perform tricks on command.
Watch out though, because Havachons can be stubborn little fellas. Overindulged pups can also develop bad habits, and you may find that he’s actually training you.
Possible Health Issues of the Bichon Frise and Havanese Mix
Both of these breeds are generally pretty healthy with long lifespans of 14 years, often several more. There are some health conditions to be aware of though, including eye problems, hip dysplasia, patella luxation, and congenital deafness. Fortunately, health testing is available for the majority of issues.
(paid link) Are Havachons Good Family Pets?
This jolly little dude is great with sensible kids, who know how to be respectful around dogs and other animals. The Havachon’s small stature should be taken into account if there are small children in the family.
Havachon dogs are sociable souls and long to mingle with their human family at all times. This “Velcro dog” tendency does mean that they don’t like to be left alone for long periods.
Their potential to suffer from separation anxiety means that a work-at-home household is ideal. Whether you dwell in an apartment in the city or at a country retreat, any abode is suitable for this adaptable pup. As long as you are there, too, your Havachon will be happy.
Where Can I Find Havanese Bichon Mix Puppies?
As this mix is still relatively rare, Havachon breeders can be hard to find. Therefore, you may well have to wait for a puppy of your own.
Havachon puppies are so unbelievably adorable, though, that it will certainly be worth it. Breeder recommendations are always the best way to go, but the internet has a wealth of information to offer. It’s imperative that you find a reputable breeder as, sadly, puppy mills are very real. Make sure that you meet the mother of a prospective Havachon puppy, at the very least.
Always ensure that the breeder provides paperwork to show that both parents have been health checked. If a breeder is unwilling to provide this or if you are unhappy with anything at all, be strong and walk away. Don’t forget to consider a Havachon rescue to give a home to a dog in need.
Judy says
My Havachon is 15 years old and still doing great. Layla has a 14 year old Havanese sister named Chloe. Both appear to be almost deaf now but they are Stull healthy and happy.
Annette Combs says
We have a 131/2year old Havachon. He is the best dog we have ever had. His name is Buddy! Named by a foster child we had when we got Buddy when he was 10 weeks old. By 12 weeks he was completely potty trained and has only made one mistake in all this time. He made while we were stuck at the Emergency Room for 16 hours and it was right in front of the door he goes out. He is very smart and can tell by the clothes I put on if I am leaving the house.
He is extremely smart and he doesn’t shed, I am allergic to dogs and cats and I have never had a problem. He hasn’t had many medical issues, usually just annual check ups. He is just recently starting to have some hearing issues but, only if he is asleep. He also is a great traveler.
As long as he is with us he is
happy. I would strongly recommend this bred especially if you can be home with your pet. He’s fine being alone for hours but, they are very much known as
“Velcro dogs”. When we lose him
my husband and I will be lost. He brings us so much love and joy everyday.
We live in Colorado but, my husband brought Buddy home from a breeder in Berryville,VA.
I don’t remember their name and don’t know if they are still in business. Berryville is very small and as he remembers they were
older. They were registered and highly regarded when we got Buddy. He came with papers but, we never registered him because we had no intention of breeding him.
Jim Mendelson says
Have lost my best friend and companion, Lily after 15 years. Had many wonderful dogs in my lifetime, but Lily, a Havachon was human intelligent, with her own personality. We would play on the floor for hours at a time, even up to the very end. I’m so sad and depressed, I need to get away from my office and home for a while, maybe a new arrangement of my home furniture, different color walls may help stop those tough memories that come from familiar things. I knew this day would come, but knowing this did not defend me from the inevitable sadness.,Ouch, this really hurts..
Annette Combs says
Very sorry for your
loss. I remember going through the loss of our last dog. Praying for happiness ahead whatever that may look like for you.
Sequoia Shannon says
I would like to adopt a Bichon or a Havachon female dog about 1 to 3 years old
Where can I find my next best friend?
Sharon L Prime says
Please help me find a Havachon. I miss my Tyler that I had for 14 years. He was the best and he passed away on my birthday last year. I was as sad as I ever could be.
Roberta Cunningham says
I have a 10 yr old havachon female. She is the sweetest laid back dog. She barks when someone comes to the door but not if she knows the person. She is so smart. Learned to sit pretty, fetch and return with almost no training at all. She is quite calm and understands almost every thing. I know she doesn’t like it when I leave her alone. I inform her ahead of time and when she is ready she gets up on the back of the loveseat. Then I know she is ok for me to leave for a bit. She does have bladder stones so is on a special diet from the vet for that. Highly recommend this breed. She is awesome and was so easy to train. I do put potty pads down due to bladder stones but she rarely uses one.
Ellen Bourland says
Looking for havachon late summer. My17 yer old bichon passed two yers go. I am. Single lady in Dallas Tx
Juliette Castleberry says
I am looking for a Havachon in Arizona. Grew up with a Bichon and think a Havachon would be a great addition to our family. Anybody with puppies or know where to look to adopt one? I’m in Arizona but looking anywhere at this point! Thank you in advance for any help!!
Jack says
Lancaster County Pennsylvania. We are the proud owners of a Havachon female and she turns 6 next month. She is the most stubborn wonderful pet I’ve ever owned. Extremely easily house trained, but she never wants to leave me out of her sight. She could care less about my wife LOL
Joe says
Our havchon is adorable funny and speedy….. a lover too. We love him to death… so much fun and action
Patricia Fox says
I am aware tht you you are in USA but I am hoping you can halp me.
I am looking for a Havachon puppy in the UK.
I was wondering if you are aware of any sites I could go on over here.
These dogs look so gorgeous. Dying to find one.
Thank you
Sharon says
My daughter’s 9-month puppy let out a scream and died. Resuscitation efforts failed. Heart attack? Congenital issue? Puppy was loved and cared for. Puppy obedient classes. All shots. Spade. Any thoughts?
Nick Arena says
We just spent 13 years with our Havichon female named Daisy.
We lost her two weeks ago and miss her dearly. She was a sweet little girl
with a beautiful white coat that didn’t shed. She barked when she wanted
attention, potty, food, a walk and barked when strangers approached. We
are seniors living in adult community in Peoria, AZ.
Our objective is to locate another like and prefer the Havachon or Maltichon
mix. Someone with a 4-7 year old range, white, and housebroken. Our hearts
are so heavy since we lost that we decided to find another like her.
Lisa Vega says
I live in Texas and am looking for a female havachon at 2 to 3 years old. I have an 11 year old female and she is the best!
Cathy says
I have a 10 year old Havachon from a Havanese mother and Bischon father who was chocolate. Her coloring is light, no black around eyes, mouth, everything is flesh or light brown tint.
The Breeder was Melissa Barnes who lived in Northern Arkansas. We drove 22 hours to buy her
I was teaching her at 4 months to bark on command then I stopped and thought ok let’s train her not to bark because we were traveling a lot during her younger years.
She rings a bell to go outside. She begs, does multiple tricks. She is 90% Service Dog trained to assist me as I drop things, etc. I will get her certified after some minor issues are worked out.
She is the loveliest loving dog that I had ever owned. She won’t even kill. Bug, she just follows it with her nose.
They are wonderful around the grandkids. They were 5 to 8 when I got her. One threw her across the room. She suffered no injuries but I never fully trusted the one specific step grandchild after that.
Watch for Allergies, ear yeast infections constantly, licking paws, OCD, dental issues galore. She goes for a yearly cleaning and I don’t think it’s often enough.
Also watch for skin growths. I remember ppl saying to put sunblock on their noses if outside for very long due to the lack of pigment in her skin.
She can be very obstinate, stubborn. I remind her who the boss is. Her vocabulary is wonderful and I am teaching her to read lol. Ok am trying it for fun. She’s learned everything that I have tried to teach her. To find videos of her go to YouTube and search for havachon ringing a bell or Chouchou sock lol. My daughter put a sock on her head and…. It was just funny.
Love my puppy, does shed lightly. After monthly grooming puppy cut f5 type there will be loose hair. So yes they do have hair but like ours theirs comes out as well.
I highly recommending microchipping them along with writing your cell phone number on the inside of their collar. Always spay or neuter. If something happens to her, I will probably foster a US Military persons dog next.
Typing on my cell please excuse errors
Christie says
From your description of your little dog, I believe i have a Havanese – Bichon breed. I rescued him August, 2018. I would like to send you his picture.
Christie
Prescott, Az
DM says
Cathy, thank you so much for your post! I believe we could possibly have a havachon from the same litter or close. Our 14 1/2 havachon came from Melissa in 2009. We had him flown from her to us in Virginia Beach. All these years we could not remember her name (lost all our initial paperwork for him unfortunately) and so glad you mentioned it. He’s the mesh breed we could ever ask for. Hope your little one is still doing well too.
Deanne M from Va Beach,Va
Audrey says
I have a sweet little Havishon named Sassy Bella who will be 7 years old on April 1st. She lives up to her name in every respect, being sassy in temperament and spunk, and beautiful as well. She is intelligent, was fairly easy to train, will go lay in her bed on command, and likes her crate for sleeping. I think you’ll be delighted and not disappointed in this mix. Sassy weighs 12 lbs. A perfect lap dog size.
Carrie says
Where did you get her? I am having a hard time finding a breeder
Thanks
Carrie
Tracy says
I’m wondering how much shedding the Havachon does and also if this breed is a barker or happy.
Thanks in advance!!
Linda says
We have a Havachon and he doesn’t shed at all. He does bark some when we leave him home while we are at work. He is such a loving , sweet boy. My husband is allergic to dogs but this breed he has no issues with.
DM says
No shedding at all!
And our havachon never barks unless someone comes to the door. Even walking by other dogs, he just wants to greet them and play, no barking. He’s 14 1/2 and still playful as ever. Slowing down a little because of arthritis in his back legs but still runs a lot, he’s lost his hearing, but everyone still thinks he a puppy. Best breed ever.
Rebe Young says
Looking for a female Havachon , or bichon mix with Maltese, bologonese. Would like to adopt, because I don’t have much money. My 2 children are grown, (one is married and moved to Texas and the other is in the navy), so I live by myself in Columbia, S.C.
Greata hicks says
I am looking for a female puppy havachon
Di says
Good luck Greata! We have our own Havanese puppy and he’s a delight and almost 12 weeks old. We searched for three years (in the UK) to find him but he was so worth waiting for! You really won’t regret it one bit. x