Havamalts are small, sturdy dogs with a soft, often wavy or curly coat that can come in a variety of colors.

Small, typically weighing between 7-15 pounds.

Can be long, silky, and flowing like a Maltese, or slightly wavy like a Havanese. Low-shedding.

Varied; common colors include white, cream, black, brown, and combinations thereof.

Rounded skull with a moderate stop.

Dark, round, and expressive.

Drop ears, set moderately high.

Carried curled over the back.

Havamalts are known for their affectionate, playful, and sociable personalities, making them excellent companions.

Form strong bonds with their families and love to cuddle.

Enjoy games and interactive toys.

Generally good with children and other pets, especially when socialized early.

Quick learners, but can be sensitive.

Will often bark to alert their owners to strangers, but are not overly aggressive.

Havamalts are ideal for individuals or families looking for a small, affectionate, and relatively low-shedding companion.

Intelligent and trainable.

May bark excessively if not properly trained.

The Havamalt is best suited for owners who can provide consistent attention, regular grooming, and positive training, making them a wonderful addition to loving and attentive homes.

Havamalt care involves regular grooming to maintain their coat, a balanced diet, and a comfortable living environment.

Daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting and tangles. Professional grooming every few months may be needed.

Bathe as needed, usually every 2-4 weeks, or when they get dirty.

Feed a high-quality small-breed dog food appropriate for their age and activity level.

Brush their teeth regularly to prevent dental disease.

Trim nails every 2-3 weeks, or as needed.

Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections.

Havamalts are relatively easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, and they require moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Havamalts respond well to positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise. Early socialization and puppy training classes are highly recommended to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adults. Consistency is key, as they can sometimes have a stubborn streak.

While small, Havamalts have moderate energy levels. Daily walks, play sessions in a yard or indoors, and interactive toys are sufficient to meet their exercise needs. Aim for about 30-45 minutes of activity per day.

Use treats, praise, and toys to motivate them.

Expose them to various people, pets, and environments from a young age.

Establish clear rules and stick to them.

Provide puzzle toys and games to keep their minds engaged.

Keep training sessions short and fun to maintain their interest.

Havamalts are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain genetic health issues.

A condition where the kneecap dislocates, causing lameness.

A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness.

Prone to tartar buildup and gum disease.

A malformation of the hip joint, leading to arthritis.

The Havamalt is a relatively recent designer dog breed, resulting from the crossbreeding of a Havanese and a Maltese. The intentional mixing of these two breeds likely began in the late 20th or early 21st century, primarily in North America, aiming to combine the desirable traits of both parent breeds: the Havanese's sturdiness and the Maltese's hypoallergenic coat. The goal was to create a small, friendly, and relatively low-shedding companion dog. The breed is not officially recognized by major kennel clubs like the AKC, as it is considered a hybrid. However, it is recognized by some designer dog registries.

While no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, Havamalts are considered low-shedding and may be a better choice for people with mild allergies.

Havamalts are low-shedding dogs. Regular brushing helps to minimize shedding.

Yes, Havamalts are generally good with children, especially when socialized from a young age. They are playful and affectionate.

Havamalts can be vocal, especially when alerting their owners to strangers. Training can help manage excessive barking.

The average lifespan of a Havamalt is 12-15 years.

Daily brushing is best to prevent mats and tangles. Professional grooming every few months is also recommended.

Yes, Havamalts are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement methods.

Yes, Havamalts are adaptable and can thrive in apartment settings as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Havamalts have moderate exercise needs. Daily walks and play sessions are usually sufficient.

It is important to look for reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. You may also find Havamalts in breed-specific rescues.