Because I have my own dog grooming shop, I would like to tell you a little about grooming a Havanese.  When you look at  photos of show dogs, anyone would want a long, luxurious coat like that.  Well, I can tell you a coat like that means daily  comb outs, weekly washing and constant conditioning.  Show dog owners themselves often keep their dogs in a puppy cut once the dog is finished in the show ring.

As a grooming shop owner, countless customers want to keep their dogs long, but the coats are full of knots or "matts."  What is a groomer to do but shave the matts?  Then perhaps shave down the entire dog to match the shaved parts.  Unless you can get through the entire dog with a comb before you bring it to the groomer, I wouldn't expect your groomer to keep the dog in a long coat.  And don't ask the groomer to keep the dog knotted, because it is uncomfortable for the dog as those matts pull on the skin.  What about brushing out those matts?  Well, if you want to pull and tug on those matts while the dog cries, that is your choice, but you also shouldn't expect your groomer to do that.

There are many breeds like the Havanese which have lovely coats.  But the coats need brushing and the dog needs grooming.  A good rule of thumb is to bring your dog to the groomer at least every six weeks for a haircut, nail trim and ear-hair removal and ear cleaning. Be prepared to brush your dog every other day, or if you don't want to do that, keep your dog in a nice, short puppy cut which requires minimal brushing.

A to Z Pet Grooming

190 Main St

Lincolnk Park, NJ

www.atozpetsoflincolnpark.com

Your Havanese will need to go to the groomer at least every six weeks. It will be $50-$60 for a dog on a schdule, more if groomed infrequently.