Havashire
The Havashire is a cross between the Havanese and the Yorkshire Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Havashire. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog that exudes charm and elegance in equal measure. Standing between 8.5 and 11.5 inches at the shoulder, with an ideal height of 9 to 10.5 inches, this breed weighs between 7 and 13 pounds, with 8 to 11 pounds considered optimal. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, creating a rectangular silhouette that appears well-balanced rather than square. Despite being classified as a toy breed, the Havanese possesses a robust build that is neither fragile nor overdone, giving it surprising substance for its compact size. The legs are relatively short but provide sufficient length to keep the dog from appearing too close to the ground. The breed's most distinctive feature is its magnificent double coat, which is soft, light, and silky to the touch in both the outer and undercoat layers. The coat is long, abundant, and characteristically wavy, standing slightly off the body while flowing gracefully with movement. All colors and marking patterns are permitted and considered equally desirable, ranging from pure white through shades of cream, champagne, gold, black, blue, silver, and chocolate, including parti-color and tricolor combinations. The coat may be left natural or may develop into cords in mature dogs, creating tassel-like formations that cover the entire body. The Havanese head is proportionate to the body, featuring large, almond-shaped eyes that are very dark with a gentle, expressive quality. The ears are set high, drop-folded, and covered with long hair that blends into the mane. A unique breed characteristic is the springy, lively gait, which results from the combination of a short upper arm with moderate shoulder layback and strong rear drive. The topline rises slightly from the withers to the croup, and the plumed tail is carried arched forward over the back, adding to the breed's distinctive appearance.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The breed demonstrates excellent social skills, getting along wonderfully with children, other dogs, and even cats when properly introduced. Havanese are naturally non-quarrelsome and possess a sweet, affectionate disposition that makes them poor guard dogs but exceptional therapy and emotional support animals. They are alert and will announce visitors with barking but are not excessive barkers when properly trained. Their adaptable nature makes them suitable for various living situations, from apartments to large homes, as long as they receive adequate attention and companionship from their beloved humans.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Heart conditions, particularly mitral valve disease, affect approximately 11 percent of the breed and typically develop in middle-aged to older dogs. Regular cardiac screenings can help detect murmurs and other abnormalities early. Additional health concerns include hypothyroidism, sebaceous adenitis affecting the skin and coat, and dental disease due to the small jaw size. Responsible breeders conduct health testing on breeding stock for these conditions. Owners should maintain regular veterinary checkups, keep vaccinations current, and monitor their Havanese for any signs of illness or discomfort throughout the dog's life.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a diminutive toy breed that combines elegance with a spirited terrier character in a surprisingly small package. According to breed standards, the Yorkshire Terrier should not exceed 7 pounds, with most well-bred specimens weighing between 4 and 7 pounds and standing approximately 7 to 8 inches at the shoulder. Despite this tiny stature, the breed presents a compact, well-proportioned silhouette with a level topline and confident carriage that commands attention. The body should be neat and compact, appearing neither overly delicate nor coarse, with the head carried high to project an unmistakable air of self-importance and confidence. The Yorkshire Terrier's crowning glory is its spectacular coat, which consists of long, perfectly straight, silky hair that parts naturally down the center of the back from skull to tail. Unlike the double coats found in many breeds, the Yorkie possesses a single coat of fine, glossy hair with a texture similar to human hair rather than typical dog fur, which contributes to the breed's hypoallergenic reputation. The distinctive coloring follows a specific pattern, with rich golden tan on the head, chest, and legs contrasting with a dark steel blue that extends from the back of the skull to the tail. Puppies are born black and tan, with the characteristic blue coloring developing gradually as they mature over the first two years. The head is small and rather flat on top, with a medium-length muzzle and a black nose. The eyes are medium-sized, dark, and sparkling with intelligence, conveying a sharp, alert expression that reflects the breed's keen awareness of its surroundings. Small, V-shaped ears are carried erect and set not too far apart, adding to the breed's attentive appearance. The tail is customarily docked to medium length and carried slightly higher than the level of the back. When presented in full show coat, the Yorkshire Terrier displays a flowing, glamorous appearance that belies its working-class origins as a ratter in English textile mills.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament As companion dogs, Yorkshire Terriers are deeply affectionate and loyal to their families, often becoming especially attached to one particular person. They can be wary of strangers and possess strong watchdog instincts, readily alerting their owners to any unusual activity with their surprisingly loud bark. The breed does best with older children who understand gentle handling, as their small size makes them vulnerable to injury from rough play. Yorkshire Terriers can coexist peacefully with other pets when properly socialized, though they may attempt to assert dominance regardless of the other animal's size, demonstrating the characteristic terrier attitude that defines the breed.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Dental disease poses a serious and almost universal concern for Yorkshire Terriers due to their small mouths and crowded teeth, leading to accelerated plaque buildup and periodontal disease. Regular professional cleanings and daily home dental care are essential. Eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia, and lens luxation occur in the breed. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, involving deterioration of the femoral head, and hypoglycemia, particularly dangerous in puppies under five months of age, require owner vigilance. Heart conditions, particularly patent ductus arteriosus, and hypothyroidism round out the health concerns Yorkshire Terrier owners should monitor throughout their dog's life.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Havashire may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Havanese and Yorkshire Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.