Havamalt

Quick Take

• Havamalts look like the perfect family dog, though one common owner habit can quietly wreck their health. See feeding risks →
• Hybrids are supposed to be healthier than purebreds, yet the Havamalt carries a surprisingly long list of inherited conditions. See inherited conditions →
• This dog's sweet, affectionate nature hides a behavior that can turn destructive fast if one need goes unmet. Explore separation anxiety →
• Leash training a Havamalt puppy the wrong way could cause problems that follow them for life. Read leash training cautions →

The Havamalt is an entertaining little furball resulting from crossbreeding the Havanese and Maltese. They get their loving nature from the Havanese and their playful personality from the Maltese. These dogs are easygoing and are perfect for families with children and other pets.

However, they don’t like to be left alone for too long and need owners who can dedicate much of their time to their care. Havamalts are generally healthy dogs and, if cared for properly, can live long and happy lives.

Three Pros and Cons of Owning a Havamalt

Size and Weight

Havamalt males do not differ in size from the females; both genders weigh around 5 to 12 pounds, and their height varies from 9 to 12 inches.

Common Health Issues

While hybrids are sometimes assumed to be healthier than their purebred parents, research suggests there is no consistent difference in overall health between the two, though they are still prone to some health issues. For the Havamalt, this includes:

• Patellar luxation
• Hypoglycemia
• Legg-Perthes Disease
• Joint issues
• Obesity

Besides being susceptible to these health issues, Havamalts generally have a long lifespan of 12 to 14 years.

Temperament

Havamalts are gentle, sweet-natured dogs who crave lots of human attention and are ready to show affection at all times. Their temperament makes them perfect for families with children and other pets.

In addition, they are loyal and will guard your family to the best of their abilities, despite their size. However, these dogs may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, making them anxious and destructive. So, they will thrive in a house where someone is home a lot and will participate in interactive playtime.

How to Take Care of a Havamalt

It’s tough to determine what kind of maintenance a Havamalt needs because it depends on which parent it takes after. However, here is a general outline of what these furry pups might need.

The Best Dog Food

Finding the best dog food for your Havamalt is essential to their health and well-being. Their diet should reflect their age, size, and energy level. For example, energetic dogs require a high-calorie diet to sustain their muscles while they run and play. So, if your dog is low-energy, do not feed them a high-calorie diet.

In addition, Havamalts suffer from joint issues, making obesity a big concern in this breed, which is why you should never free-feed them. Instead, provide your Havamalt with 2 to 3 small meals throughout the day. That way, you can control the amount of food your pup is consuming.

Grooming

Havamalts can vary in coat type, with some inheriting the Havanese’s double coat and others the Maltese’s single coat, but most have long, silky hair. While they don’t shed a lot, they still require a thorough brush 3 to 4 times a week to avoid matting. In addition, they should go for a professional trimming every 3 months.

These pups need natural oils to keep their skin healthy; bathing them too often will dry out their skin, so only wash them when necessary.

Smaller breeds tend to suffer from dental issues, so you must brush their teeth at least 3 to 4 times a week, but daily is even better.

Training

Havamalts are intelligent and eager to please. Because of these traits, they are quick learners and relatively easy to train. However, training and socialization need to start when they are young. They respond best to a consistent approach of verbal praise and reward-based training.

Exercise

The Havamalt is a low-energy breed and would much rather play games indoors than go for a lengthy walk. This makes them the perfect apartment dog, but they still need a daily dose of fresh air. To keep them mentally stimulated and fit, they need a daily combination of short walks and indoor interactive activities.

Puppies

While Havamalts are gentle, loving dogs, puppies require early socialization to ensure they get along with other pets.

Havamalt puppies are very small and fragile, so young children require supervision when handling them, as they could accidentally injure their joints or bones.

Both of the Havamalt’s parent breeds have bone and joint issues, so use caution when leash training. If they sustain joint injuries from over-exertion, it could lead to bigger health problems later in life.

Havamalt and Children

Havamalts are perfect for families with children and other pets if socialized from a young age. They are gentle and affectionate and will fit in well in any situation if properly introduced.

Dogs Similar to the Havamalt

There are a few dogs that are similar to the Havamalt when it comes to size and behavior; they include:

• Bichon Frise
• Boston Terrier
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel