Havanese, Cuba’s national dog, are known for their gentle, affectionate nature, intelligence, and adaptability. If you’ve decided that this friendly, small breed is the right fit for your family, the next question is: should you adopt a puppy or an adult Havanese? This article will discuss the pros and cons of both options to help you make an informed decision. And, it’s crucial to remember, many rescue organizations also have Havanese puppies available for adoption, making adoption the optimal choice when considering a new pet.
Adopting a Havanese Puppy
Havanese puppies, with their boundless energy and adorable faces, are hard to resist. However, raising a puppy requires time, commitment, and patience.
Pros of Adopting a Puppy:
- Training Opportunity: Puppies are like blank slates and, with Havanese being a trainable breed, you can have the opportunity to shape their behaviors and habits from the beginning.
- Long Life Expectancy: Adopting a puppy means potentially having a longer time to bond and enjoy their company. Havanese dogs generally have a long lifespan, often up to 15 years or more.
- Growing with the Family: If you have young children, a puppy can grow up alongside them, fostering a unique and enduring bond.
Cons of Adopting a Puppy:
- Intensive Care: Puppies require a significant commitment in terms of time and energy. You’ll need to commit to house training, socializing, and regular vaccinations and vet check-ups.
- Teething and Chewing: As with all puppies, Havanese puppies will go through a teething phase that could result in damaged furniture or personal items.
- Unpredictability: While reputable breeders can predict certain traits, there will always be a degree of uncertainty in a puppy’s future health, size, and temperament.
Adopting an Adult Havanese
Adopting an adult Havanese can be a rewarding experience and an act of kindness.
Pros of Adopting an Adult:
- Behavioral Certainty: An adult Havanese’s personality is already developed, so you’ll have a better idea of what you’re getting in terms of temperament and behavior.
- Basic Training: Many adult Havanese are already house-trained and may know basic commands, eliminating the need for early obedience training.
- Lower Energy Levels: While still playful and active, adult Havanese are less demanding and hyperactive than puppies, making them a suitable choice for a quieter or older household.
Cons of Adopting an Adult:
- Health Conditions: Adopting an adult dog may come with some existing health issues that will require care and potentially, additional costs.
- Behavioral Problems: Some rescue dogs may have behavioral issues or bad habits that were fostered by previous owners, which may require time and patience to address.
- Adaptation Time: Adult dogs may take more time to adjust to new environments and people compared to puppies. However, with patience and love, they can still form strong bonds with their new families.
Remember, rescue organizations often have both adult and puppy Havanese available for adoption. Adoption should always be your first choice when considering a new pet, as it provides a loving home for a dog in need.
Choosing between a Havanese puppy and an adult dog ultimately depends on your lifestyle, patience, and the kind of pet you wish to have. Whether you choose an energetic puppy or a calm adult, a Havanese will provide companionship, love, and joy to your family.
