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The Havapeke is an adorable mix between the Havanese and Pekingese and is usually a toy-sized hybrid. Despite its small body, the Havapeke packs a lot of attitude, but with proper training and socialization, its strong will can be toned down.
If you are considering a Havanese and Pekingese mix, here’s everything you should know.
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Havapeke (Havanese x Pekingese Mix) History
The Havapeke is quite a new hybrid dog and there is no clear indication of when or where it appeared first. However, its parents come with a very long history – the Pekingese has been around for more than 2,000 years, while the Havanese has a history that spans several centuries.
The Pekingese is a Chinese breed and one of the most ancient dogs that still lives today. This breed could only be owned by the imperial family and was raised in palaces as a sacred dog.
It has been known as the lion dog, some saying it’s because of its lion-like appearance, others praising its courage and intelligence. The breed was only brought to Europe in the mid-1800s when the English invaded Peking city (today’s Beijing).
The Havanese is a more recent breed compared to the Pekingese; in the 1800s, this breed was very popular in Cuba, and similar to the Pekingese, it was adored by the nobility.
Havapeke Appearance, Coat, Size, and Weight
The Havapeke is a toy-sized hybrid. There is no standard appearance of this mixed breed because its traits and features depend on each parent. In general, the fur is of medium length with a wiry texture like the Pekingese, or long, soft, and silky like a Havanese.
The eyes are large, ears are short and drop down, and the coat may be in different colors, including blue, black, or gray. This small hybrid usually reaches 7”-12” and may weigh between 9 and 14 lbs at maturity. The actual appearance of a Havapeke may be unique to each pup, depending on its genetics.
Some may look more like their Pekingese parent, with a short face and legs, while others may look more like the Havanese parent, with a bouncy walk and large, dark brown eyes. Also, it’s important to note that Havanese puppies often change coat colors as they mature, so this feature may also affect a Havapeke.
Havapeke Maintenance, Activity, and Space Requirements
The Havapeke sheds moderately and its maintenance depends on which parent it inherits. If the fur is long, daily brushing is a must to keep tangles at bay, as Havanese dogs are known for their wavy, long coats. If your pooch has a long coat and you are inexperienced when it comes to grooming, you could opt for a shorter haircut. This will make it easier to brush and maintain.
The ears of a Havapeke are quite sensitive; they may collect dust and dirt that lead to infections. Hence, you need to make sure you check and clean them when required. After a bath, the ears must be thoroughly dried, as moisture encourages bacteria growth.
In addition to this, Havapeke pups are known for their sensitive skin. While bathing should be done as often as necessary, it’s important not to overdo it because it can remove much-needed, protective skin oils. You should also use pet-friendly bathing products, such as shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for its needs.
Finally, you should also trim your pup’s nails as often as possible. While this can be done at home, you could schedule regular grooming sessions to pamper your pooch and have a professional take care of it.
A robust grooming routine must be established as soon as your puppy gets home, even if it may not be necessary during puppyhood. This ensures it gets used to all the grooming tasks as soon as possible so you don’t have issues with hair brushing, nail trimming, or teeth cleaning as your dog matures.
When it comes to activity requirements, the Havapeke is not a very demanding dog. Moderate exercise is sufficient to keep it healthy and happy. About 30 minutes of activity per day is sufficient, and you can break this down into 15-minute sessions. You should avoid highly intensive exercise, such as running, especially during hot weather, because the flat face of this dog makes breathing more difficult.
In terms of space requirements, the Havapeke can easily adapt to any type of living space, whether it is a small studio or a large country house with a secured yard. It is very important, however, to note that the Havanese parent prefers a warmer climate, while the Pekingese doesn’t mind colder climates. The resulting hybrid best adapts to a temperate climate and indoor-only living.
Havapeke Temperament and Intelligence
The Havapeke is certainly an intelligent hybrid. With a sweet and affectionate attitude, this is the perfect companion for an individual who wants a good-natured, gentle dog. Thanks to its temperament, it can be a great choice for singles, couples, seniors, or families with kids.
To tone down its willful temperament, you need to train your Havapeke as early as possible. Socialization with strangers and other pets is also a must from puppyhood to avoid issues later on. In addition to this, the Havapeke is an alert dog, which makes it ideal if you want a watchdog to alert you of anything suspicious.
In terms of training, the Havapeke may take after the Pekingese parent, which could translate into some stubbornness. If you are a first-time dog owner, you should know that this hybrid may be a bit difficult to persuade.
The small dog syndrome may also affect your Havapeke without proper obedience training, which may cause your pup to think of itself as the boss of the family and act like one. For first-time or inexperienced pet owners, a professional trainer will surely be a good decision to raise a well-mannered Havapeke.
Havapeke Health and Lifespan
As a hybrid dog, this breed comes with some good news: hybrids benefit from genetic diversity, which means that they are generally healthier than pure breeds. However, as its parents are pure breeds, they are still predisposed to several health issues that may still be inherited by your hybrid pup.
For example, one of the most common health problems of small dogs is patellar luxation. This is an issue that affects the dog’s kneecaps, locking them in a bent position. Other possible issues include liver shunts, or BOAS (a Havapeke inheriting airways that make it difficult to breathe).
However, these conditions are not so common and some illnesses can be prevented. Make sure you adopt your Havapeke from a trustworthy breeder and go for regular vet checkups to prevent health issues.
The Havapeke’s lifespan is quite long, as it is a healthy hybrid. With proper diet and lifestyle, it can live 14-16 years or even more.
The Havapeke is a toy breed, so its dietary needs are quite brief. However, to avoid weight issues and health problems, you should work together with your vet to create a suitable dietary plan for your pup. Its needs depend on age, size, health, and other unique factors.
Is Havapeke the Right Breed for You?
The Havapeke is a loving, loyal hybrid ideal for anyone who wants a companion dog. It is not very demanding, notwithstanding its grooming routine which should be very clear, consistent, and stringent to avoid skin, fur, and ear problems. You should have plenty of time (and willingness) to take care of its fur, trim its nails, and brush its teeth at least a few times per week (preferably daily).
This breed is suitable for many people, including single people, couples, seniors, or families with kids, as long as you have enough time to spend with it at home – or anyone in the family to be at home at all times to take care of the pup.
The Havapeke may not be very tolerant of rough play, so you should still supervise your kids when playing with the pup. Overall, it is good with children as long as they know to treat the Havapeke like a dog and not a toy.
Additionally, this breed is a good choice for owners of all experience levels. However, if you are a novice in terms of dog training, you may want to opt for a professional trainer to get you started on the right track. Training and socialization should be a priority when you adopt any dog.
This hybrid pup may not be the right choice for you if you suffer from allergies, as its Pekingese side of the family is not hypoallergenic. On the good side, though, it does not require too much exercise or activity per day, so it’s a good choice for those with a less active lifestyle.
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