The Havanese breed is one that is not that popular or common, which immediately suggests that it will cost a lot initially, but those that love this little companion dog and want to show it are prepared to pay top dollar for this dog.
Anyone that wants to buy or show one of these dogs needs to understand the financial implications of choosing this breed.
So, how much does a Havanese cost and what do keen owners need to consider here?
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The question of how much do Havanese puppies cost isn’t always that straight forward
Generally speaking, the average price of a Havanese puppy is around $1,000 to $1,500.
Like all puppies, however, this will depend on the breeder. There will be some that are experienced breeders with the best lines and show dogs. These are the ones that can add a little more to the price tag.
Then there are those that are amateurs and perhaps aren’t breeding the best stock and won’t have quite so high Havanese prices.
Of course there will always be those asking the question of how much are Havanese puppies that find breeders with “cheap pups for sale”. These are the ones that should be avoided at all costs.
The importance of choosing a breeder based on reputation and the health of the puppies rather than the price tag
This where we have to remember that the issue of how much do Havanese dogs cost shouldn’t be the first consideration here.
We can’t focus too much on a budget with these dogs and ignore other factors about their health, upbringing and linage.
Havanese puppy – Image Source
All of the best havenese breeders will provide information on the parents of the pups, including health certification.
This is important when looking for a healthy pup with a long life ahead.
They should also be happy to let you into the home and allow you to spend time with the parents and the litter as you take your time to decide. Those that won’t probably have something to hide.
With a puppy secured and paid for, the costs do not end there
Havanese owners have to consider all of the potential health care issues that come with this breed. Vaccinations and medical insurance are just the start.
There are a number of health risks involved with these little dogs that new owners need to be aware of. They include joint dysplasia, eye problems, deafness, and heart defects.
Remember that this is also a long lived dog of 15 years or more, so this extends the costs per year significantly.
There is a balance here with the cost of a good pure-bred Havanese pup from a reputable breeder and the cost of medical care and testing.
It is possible that you may pay a lot less at a less reputable breeder, but then pay out more for health checks and other services for the pup – ones that weren’t considered by the breeder.
You may also find that they are poorly bred animals with genetic conditions that require expensive long-term care.
The best breeders will have carried out the initial checks and the dog will be fit and ready to move on. They will also have bred from healthy stock, with the most experienced breeders creating lines from strong genes that minimize the risk of genetic illness. Here you pay more at the start, but less in the long run.
There are some great tools available to help new owners provide the best healthcare.
The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health from Kingdom of Pets is a great resource for information on different topics.
The Embark Breed Identification Dog DNA Test provides a more detailed look at the genes and risk factors your Havanese puppy may face.
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Last update on 2024-11-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How much does it cost to groom a Havanese dog?
Grooming is a massive consideration with these dogs. These coats are impressive and beautiful when maintained to the right standard and clipped appropriately.
A clipped, groomed Havanese is a handsome dog that can win plenty of rosettes.
Should you look into grooming them yourself or getting a professional groomer to do the job?
There are some owners that will naturally assume that they can cut any costs of grooming and coat clipping by doing it themselves.
For the one-off cost of a decent set of clippers and some grooming tools, some owners can get a good cut from their dog.
However, the size of the Havanese, the style of the coat and the importance of the cut on show animals means that it’s often best to pay a little extra for a professional cut.
Shop around for the best deal, but don’t be afraid to pay for high quality service, especially those that will perform other duties on nails or general checks around he eyes and ears.
Also, don’t assume that if you go to the groomer once a month that your obligations for grooming are over, you will still need to brush the hair daily to avoid tangles.
Further Reading: What Is The Best Brush For Shedding Dogs? (Top 15)
Feeding a Havanese dog
The next consideration with the Havanese dog price comes in finding the best Havanese food.
These small dogs don’t require large portions, so that can reduce food costs compared to something like a Labrador or larger dog.
However, it is best to go for a high quality food that is suitable for the breed and will help to keep them fit and strong. Pay a little more for the best rather than a cheap everyday option.
Other issues with the question of how much does a Havanese cost
Finally we have to consider the other items that the dog needs over its life for a happy, healthy time within the family home.
Leashes and beds are essential for the long sleep and long walk that they need to stay fit and healthy.
Some toy dog owners cant help but go a little extravagant with the bed and “throne” for the perfect sleeping environment. Then there are all the toys and treats for the devoted companion dog to keep them happy and entertained all day.
Further Reading: Choosing The Ideal Comfortable, Stylish Dog Beds For Small Dogs
Conclusion
Clearly the Havanese cost is a lot more than the novice owner may initially think.
This is one of those breeds for the devoted owner that understands the needs and traits of the Havanese, not a typical family looking for a low maintenance family dog. This explains why these dogs are less well known and so expensive.
With the initial puppy prices, healthcare, grooming costs and other items in considerations, this is not a cheap pup in the slightest.
Still, the costs are worthwhile for those that want to breed these dogs or show them.
Featured Image: Instagram/havanese_rosie