A fluffy white ball of fluff with big brown eyes and wagging tail? Or perhaps an adorable pooch that looks like a cross between a teddy bear and a puppy? If so, then a Havanese is probably not the first breed that springs to mind — unless you’re talking about the breed’s signature long flowing coat.
While some Havanese owners prefer their pets’ trademark look, others find that keeping up with the curls can be difficult. Fortunately, there are many different options when it comes to managing your Havanese hair — from brushing, trimming, coloring, and even straightening! Our experts share three popular Havanese haircuts, as well as a few basic techniques, below.
How to Manage Different Havanese Haircuts
If you have recently acquired a new Havanese pup, you may be wondering which style will work best for them. There are several factors to consider before choosing a haircut for your pet, such as age, health, lifestyle, activity level, and personal preference. That said, we’ve compiled a list of common cuts and styles to help guide you through this process.
Tips For Beginners
Beginners should brush their Havanese’s fur forward to reveal the skin underneath. Then, use clippers to achieve an evenly clipped edge. Take care to avoid over clipping, as excessive grooming can cause bald patches, dryness, and irritation.
To help reduce shedding, be sure to apply a specially formulated wet shaving product to your Havanese after each trim. Finally, rinse your Havanese’s hair thoroughly with cool water to remove any residual residue.
Best Types Of Havanese Haircuts
1. The Havanese Puppy Cut
This classic cut is ideal for most breeds, including Havanese. It features medium-length layers around the ears and nose area (not too far away from the skull), giving it a soft appearance. This cut also has no bangs in front of the ears and no fringe behind the ears.
It is recommended that puppies get their full coats trimmed every two weeks by a professional groomer until they reach six months of age. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Havanese does not develop any unwanted matting or tangles. After six months, you can start cutting your own shorter version of this length.
Many people opt for a puppy cut because it provides their Havanese with the same look as other smaller dogs, such as Yorkies and Maltipoos. This cut includes just enough fur to create a cute yet sophisticated look for your pet. Although the puppy cut is very trendy, it is important to remember that it is still considered a traditional cut. This means that you cannot use scissors or clippers to shorten the length of the hair.
Use scissors to trim the edges of the hair to remove any excess fur. Once finished, clip the bottom of the hair where it meets the scalp to prevent mats.
2. The Havanese Teddy Bear Cut
The teddy bear cut is one of the most popular styles for Havanese, especially those who enjoy participating in activities outside, such as swimming, hiking, running, and playing fetch. This cut also works well if your Havanese enjoys spending time lounging or sleeping, since it doesn’t require extra attention needed to maintain.
In addition, this style can be achieved at home without any special equipment or training. Beginners should take note that all dogs grow faster than humans, and therefore, it might take longer to achieve the desired result. For example, if you want to shave off a couple inches of fur down the middle of their head, it would normally take about eight weeks. You can always contact a local professional groomer to schedule a trial run and make sure that the cut is both safe and comfortable for your pet.
A teddy bear cut is another popular option for Havanese owners who want a stylish and simple look. Unlike the traditional puppy cut, however, this cut offers a sleeker finish. To achieve this look, follow the instructions listed under section #2 of this article.
Remember to allow plenty of room for growth and movement. Also, avoid over clipping your Havanese’s hair to control shedding. Your dog could end up with bald spots due to dryness and irritation caused by excessive grooming. In addition, be aware that all dogs grow at varying rates, and your Havanese could take longer than usual to reach the final desired length.
3. The Havanese Short Hair Cut
Another great choice for maintaining your Havanese’s comfort and happiness is the short hair cut. Just like the teddy bear cut, this option is also suitable for Havanese who spend most of their day indoors. However, unlike the teddy bear cut, where the layers extend past the ears, the short hair cut only shows the top layer of fur above the ear. This gives your pet a sleek look similar to other small dog breeds with short coats.
On average, adult Havanese usually weigh between 22-35 pounds (10-15 kilograms) and stand 7-11 inches tall (18-28 centimeters). Therefore, if you are planning to buy a larger dog, it is recommended to consult with your vet to see whether he/she recommends a specific size and weight range for your particular breed. Additionally, keep in mind that all dogs grow slower than humans. As a general rule of thumb, it takes about four times longer for a dog to mature into adulthood compared to us human beings. So, expect to wait anywhere from 4-8 years for your dog to fully mature.
For those who’d rather go for a quick fix, the short hair cut is perfect for Havanese who enjoy being active outdoors. This cut is also ideal for those who are interested in creating a unique look for themselves and their Havanese. Many Havanese owners choose to give their pets a shaved or cropped look for special occasions, such as weddings, graduations, and vacations.
Havanese Haircut Conclusion
Although having a Havanese is fun and exciting, they are also among the largest canine breeds in terms of size and weight because of their large size they typically require more space and energy to move around comfortably. Therefore, be prepared for a variety of situations depending on your Havanese’s physical characteristics, activity levels, and lifestyle.