Whether you’re considering a second dog, or just about to visit the dog park, it helps to know whether Havanese get along well with other dogs, and which breeds will work best!
Are Havanese more likely to get on with small or big dogs? Which breeds do they like the most? All of this and more is covered below.
Yes, Havanese typically get on well with other dogs and are considered very social and approachable. Although most Havanese are naturally friendly, early-on socialization has a big influence on their ability to make friends when older.
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How Good Are Havanese With Other Dogs?
Havanese are regarded as one of the most naturally friendly breeds out there. This means they are extremely receptive to both strangers and new dogs they’ve never met before.
So the answer is a resounding yes, nearly all Havanese will be excellent with other dogs.
However, this may not be the case if a Havanese has suffered some past trauma or abuse, as this can alter their natural temperament dramatically in unforeseen ways.
It must be said, though, that socialization also plays a role in this. How much your Havi has been “socialized” will affect their sociability and friendliness when they’re older.
The more your Havanese experiences meeting strangers and other dogs as a puppy, the better social skills they will develop.
And this has a big impact on how they handle interactions later on in life. Their natural temperament will only take them so far.
➡️ Full List: 11 Breeds That Best Get Along With Havanese
Do Havanese Get Along Well With Small Or Big Dogs?
One of the first distinctions we all make is whether a dog is “big” or “small”. So how does that affect friendliness?
The truth is that Havanese generally get along perfectly fine with both small and big dogs.
Although from what owners say, there is a trend that some Havanese act more boisterous around bigger dogs. Which is likely to assert some kind of dominance over their physical presence
But, ultimately, this will also depend on the other dog’s temperament too. In fact, most “big” dogs are generally friendlier than most “small” dogs (apart from Havanese).
So all in all, it’s fairly balanced, and Havanese will try their best to befriend dogs regardless of their size.
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Do Havanese Need Another Dog?
So what about a permanent companion, are Havanese better when they have another dog with them?
Havanese are typically considered lapdogs, and most lapdogs do exceptionally well just on their own. Due to how much they enjoy their owner’s full attention, Most Havanese are fine on their own.
This doesn’t mean to say they wouldn’t appreciate another canine buddy, though.
Remember, Havanese are one of the friendliest breeds out there and will enjoy having a canine playmate.
Dog behavior experts have come out and clarified that in general dogs are happier in pairs or more.
And this is likely due to the fact that dogs are pack animals. While it’s not needed, it might be appreciated.
11 Best Companion Dogs For Havanese
Let’s run through a list of breeds that Havanese generally gravitate towards the most. To find this kind of information out I’ve posted in Havanese forums, asked friends and family, as well as strangers at the dog park. Here are the breeds most often mentioned.
➡️ Full List Explained: 11 Breeds That Best Get Along With Havanese
- Labrador
- Beagle
- Miniature Poodle
- Golden Retriever
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Spaniel
- Vizsla
- Boxer
- Australian Shepherd
- Greyhound
- Pug
As you can see there’s a range of large dogs to very small ones! But what you’ll find all these have in common is that they themselves are also generally friendly and very playful.
These dogs all love socializing and playing with others whenever given the chance.
In the dog world, opposites usually don’t attract, so when dogs with similar temperaments meet, it often works out well.
Socializing Your Havanese When Young
If you’re reading this and are soon to get a Havanese puppy, then it’s crucial to understand how and when to socialize them. As we explained earlier, purposeful socialization will practically guarantee your Havanese will be friendly and approachable to strangers and new dogs.
According to VCA Hospitals, the ideal window to begin socializing any puppy is within the first 3 months of their life.
0-12 weeks is the most impressionable time to have them interact with as many other people and dogs as possible.
Socialization can definitely still work (and is encouraged) way beyond 3 months though. The first year is very impactful too.
Socializing counts as interacting with strangers, different people frequently, other dogs, other animals, and even visiting new environments to some extent.
It’s all about building social skills and getting your puppy comfortable in a variety of new places and situations.
If you’re worried about vaccines, it’s been confirmed that unvaccinated puppies can safely interact with other dogs so long as they themselves are vaccinated and otherwise healthy.
One Important Thing About Havanese
While Havanese get on well with most other dogs, it’s crucial to remember that this little breed loves its humans! They are essentially lapdogs, and love nothing more than the attention they get from their human owner. And unfortunately, a second canine buddy will never be able to replace this.
I say this because many owners often seek to get companion breeds, in order to keep their first dog happy when alone. While it does help to some extent, it often doesn’t produce the positive results many expect (ultimately leading to two dogs longing for their owner to come home).
This may or may not be your situation, but I thought it’s a good point to mention!
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3 Reasons Why a Havanese Wouldn’t Get Along With a Dog…
While the Havanese breed is often known for its friendly and social nature, there might be some situations where they might not get along well with another dog.
If your Havanese isn’t clicking with a certain dog at the dog park, here are the likely reasons why:
- Personality Clash: Just like people, dogs have their own unique personalities. A Havanese might not mesh well with another dog if their personalities clash. This could be due to a difference in energy levels or temperament. For example, if the other dog is much more aggressive or dominant, a gentle Havanese might feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable.
- Lack of Socialization: If a Havanese hasn’t been properly socialized with other dogs from a young age, it may be unsure or even scared around new furry friends. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts with other dogs. It’s like being thrown into a party where you don’t know anyone – it might make you a little uneasy!
- Size Difference: Havanese dogs are generally small and delicate. If the other dog is much larger and plays roughly, the Havanese might feel threatened or get injured. Imagine playing a game with someone much bigger and stronger than you – it might not be much fun!
Every dog is an individual, and with the right training and attention, most dogs can learn to get along. It’s all about understanding their needs and helping them feel safe and comfortable.
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