Appearance of the Hava-Wheat
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| Hava-Wheat dogs are hybrids made up of two very different-sized dogs, a toy-sized Havanese Bichon and a medium-sized Soft Coated Irish Terrier, so your pet is likely to be a combination of the two. Common colors are likely to include white, black, red, brown and wheaten. The facial expression is often proud and perky, and your Hava-Wheat's coat will be soft and silky, straight, vaguely wavy or curly, and may be quite thick. It will have dark brown or dark hazel, almond-shaped eyes that are often watery, and secretions may leave tear stains on the coat. Tails may be docked or carried over the back, ears may drop and fold or be small and carried in front. |
Temperament of the Hava-Wheat
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| Hava-Wheats are likely to be happy and affectionate, and make excellent pets like both parent breeds. They are likely to get on well with children and most other dogs, although soft-coated Irish Terriers are known to chase small animals, including cats. They are generally easy-going dogs, but Terriers can be a little stubborn. Both parent breeds are quite responsive when it comes to training. The Havanese Bichon is very energetic for a small dog and needs almost as much exercise as a much larger dog. They don't like to be left alone for any length of time and can suffer from separation anxiety. So they'll be better off with an owner who works from home, or an active senior who's retired. Soft-haired Irish Terriers also prefer company, and if left for any length of time, are likely to dig in or develop other bad habits. Your Hava-Wheat can be quite chased by prey and should therefore be kept on a leash. On walks, he'll welcome a hello from anyone as he's friendly with strangers. |
Needs and activities of the Hava-Wheat
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| A Hava-Wheat probably needs a little exercise to stay fit and happy. Your pet will enjoy walks or hikes and is likely to enjoy games. The Hava-Wheat needs plenty of exercise and loves dog sports like agility, flyball and obedience training. Keep obedience sessions short so your hybrid can build on his concentration skills. He won't do well in extreme cold or heat, so make sure he lives indoors and is never left outside for any length of time in extreme conditions. |
Maintenance of the Hava-Wheat
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| The Hava-Wheat is likely to be hypoallergenic like both parent breeds, so it will be good for allergy sufferers. Neither parent breed sheds much, but the Havanese Bichon is considered easier to groom, as soft-coated Irish Terriers can look scruffy if not brushed daily. They also tend to collect food in their beards, which needs cleaning. Your Hava-Wheat's requirements will depend on whether its coat is more like that of the Havanese Bichon, which may need frequent clipping, or the soft-haired Irish Terrier, which will need daily brushing and sometimes beard trimming with scissors. The teeth of small breeds are prone to disease, so keep them clean between visits to the vet. Your Hava-Wheat may naturally wear out its nails depending on the terrain it travels through, so keep an eye on the nails for tears or breaks and trim if necessary. |
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