The Havamalt is fast becoming a popular designer breed. They are a hybrid mix of the popular purebred Maltese and the rather unknown purebred Havanese. What an incredible combination! Their combined genes combined, produce one of the most interesting, fun, healthy and intelligent big dogs in a small package.

The Havamalt is probably one of the most perfect little dogs on the planet. They have tons of energy, but love nothing more than snuggling under the covers. Ever vigilant, they’ll protect your castle from marauding raiders with their ear-piercing barks, but when you tell them you’ll do it from there, they respect your authority and back off. They greet everyone they meet like they’ve always been best friends, but their devotion to you is unquestioned.

Extremely smart, obedience training is instant! They love it because they are the center of attention. The tone of your voice communicates volumes of information to them. They like nothing more than to hear that they have pleased you. They hate nothing more than hearing disgust in your voice.

The sound of your laughter is music to their ears. Highlight the little jester in them. They can have fun if necessary; however they prefer to include him and entertain him with their antics. When they are socialized early, they love adventures and new experiences.

They make great family pets! Socialization and positive reinforcement, punishment-free puppy kindergarten, and obedience training are vital when they are young. Some smaller breeds are prone to small dog syndrome. The more positive experiences a puppy has in his first 20 weeks generally determines how self-assured, well-mannered and well-adjusted he will be as an adult dog. The young Havamalt needs to be exposed to as many people, other animals, and good experiences as possible. They are usually gentle and friendly, but if they are too isolated they can become clingy and possessive.

Remember, they are tiny, so although children love to play, care must be taken that the games do not become too difficult and do not fall over. For that reason, they should be supervised when around small children. Those little bones break easily.

When their power switch is flipped to the “on” position, they can keep up with the best. His self-image is comical. Most prefer to run with the big dogs at the dog park, rather than play with their own size. It is not unusual to witness David and Goliath Syndrome. Many Havamalts can be seen giving orders to the larger dogs!

For the elderly, they are a wonderful and loving companion pet. A couple of good walks a day, a trip to the dog park to play with friends, and they’re ready to snuggle up with you to a good movie. This is a breed that has been recognized for its therapeutic temperament. Countless nursing homes, rehabilitation and assisted living facilities now use Havamalt’s loving, gentle and humorous personality as part of their therapy programs. They were born for the job of making people smile!

Havamalt owners unabashedly describe their companions as happy, goofy, curious, smart, lovable, loyal, devoted, sassy, ​​fun, energetic, laid-back, affectionate, fearless, buffoonish, lovable, and just perfect for them.

They are generally surprisingly healthy! Being small, usually between 6 and 13 pounds, they tend to be loaded so care must be taken not to drop them or allow them to jump from anything too high. Hip dysplasia and watery eyes are his most common weaknesses. Expect to have your canine companion around for a while. Their average lifespan is usually 12 to 16 years.

Havamalt’s hypoallergenic double layer takes a bit of work. Regular bathing and brushing are essential to prevent matting and to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Visits to a professional hairdresser may not be a bad idea a few times a year.

So what are the disadvantages of Havamalt? Three come to mind. First of all, they are not dogs to be left alone outside. It is not uncommon for the smallest to be carried away by birds of prey. Second, they hate being alone. Third, like many small breeds, they can be difficult to housebreak. These are all “problems” that can be easily fixed.

If you live in areas where there are large birds of prey, never leave your puppy or dog outside unattended, especially at night. Their presence is usually enough of a deterrent.

If your Havamalt is going to be left home alone for extended hours while you’re at work, consider a kennelless daycare or perhaps a friend or neighbor who would love nothing more than to share their day with their dog. He will be a very happy dog!

Housetraining is not easy, but it is not impossible. Plan to spend some time working on it. The trick is to be fair, firm and consistent. Take them outside regularly. Don’t go back in until they successfully complete the mission. Do not interrupt them until they have finished. So praise, praise, praise them! The goal is to help them make a positive association that outside is where the business at hand is supposed to be done, not behind a chair or in a corner.

Bottom line: do your homework. Avoid flea markets, backyard breeders, and pet stores. They only perpetuate the terrible puppy mills that produce inferior quality dogs. If you must have a puppy, find a responsible and trustworthy breeder. Shelters and specialized rescues occasionally have adult Havamalts available for rescue. Being a favorite of the elderly, they are abandoned more often due to life circumstances than due to behavioral problems. Who knows, maybe your new best friend is patiently waiting for you there.