The AKC (American Kennel Club) recently named the Havanese to its list of best breeds for apartment or condo dwellers.
And while stalwart breeds like the French Bulldog, Pug, and Shih Tzu are certainly deserving of their place on the list, the unique traits of the Havanese make it the favorite of property managers everywhere for these reasons;
Nondestructive: The Havanese is a toy breed bred for companionship. Havanese owners are not combating natural instincts to dig, chew, herd, or hunt prey. It was the dog owned by the ruling class in pre-revolution Cuba and is more than content with its genteel life.
Size: The Havanese is a small breed weighing between 7 and 13 lbs.
Quiet: Many of the toy breeds are considered “yappy” but not so the national dog of Cuba. The Havanese is also happily not prone to barking, and definitely not loud, continued, or nuisance barking.
Non-shedding: The Havanese breed does not shed in the way other dog breeds do and thus does not leave a trail of fur in its wake.
Clean: The Havanese is a fastidious breed that keeps itself and its home clean.
Odorless: Even a wet Havanese does not smell. Try to say that about a sheepdog!
Toilet trained: Many Havanese are trained to use self-contained indoor pet toilets, eliminating the outdoor dog waste issues that accompany other breeds.
Owner demographics: AKC statistics show Havanese owners among the most highly educated of all dog breed owners. Though growing in numbers it is still considered a rare breed and as such comparatively expensive. Accordingly, Havanese owners are among the top per capita consumers of pet services and products among all the breeds. That also makes the Havanese owner a good neighbor that pays his rent or HOA dues on time.
It’s clear to see why property managers, landlords, and HOA boards love their Havanese tenants.