Oldies - Saluting our seniors
Barring accident, illness or injury, Havanese are generally a healthy and long lived breed, with a life expectancy of about 12 -15 years. Many publications suggest that dogs become canine senior citizens to at 7 years old. Perhaps this is so for some breeds but certainly not for the Havanese. At this age, most are still in their prime. Havanese mature slowly and retain their youthful exuberance for many years. In a long lived breed like the Havanese, dogs are not really considered seniors till 10 years of age and even then, are still active, vibrant and delightful companions.
Ten year old Sparky, a retired Super Dog and agility competitor, still continued dazzling displays in Musical Freestyle as well as regular appearances as breed ambassador at canine events and Pet Expos. At ten years of age, he remained a lively, energetic companion who had not slowed down much from his younger "energizer" days. At ten years of age, Fievel behaved much like he did at 3 years. Still very loving and totally geared to his favourite person. Both Sparky and Fievel continued in stud programs and sired litters of outstanding puppies, only two among other older dogs still used at stud. Both also occasionally went back to the show ring and strutted their stuff in the Veterans ring. Ten year old Silvi stayed the family clown, carrying on like a youngster tossing toys up in the air and behaving silly. At 10 years old, many Havanese are nowhere close to retirement. My own Mitzi, Rags, Cricket and Jinx, as seniors, still showed in veterans classes and continued competing and earning titles in performance.
Jinx started playing Peek-A-Boo among the flowers when she was just a puppy.
Who would have guessed that 12 year old Jinx would still be cavorting in the garden, just as she did as a youngster?
Even the teenagers continue with active lives, working and having fun. Two things happenned on Sparky's 13th birthday; he earned his Novice Rally Obedience title (RN) and he was also bred later the same day. As a senior, Spraky still very much enjoyed doggy dancing, riding his skateboard down a ramp and running the agility course.
Fourteen year old Opal could be found snoozing on the couch or solicitously tending a puppy or two. Though many years since her last litter, Opal's mothering instinct was very strong. Taking her duties as grandmother to heart as a self-appointed den-mother, she spent her senior years overseeing all the household's activities, in particular keeping a watchful eye over young mothers and their broods.
Stories like this are repeated all over. Havanese age slowly and gracefully. Older Havanese may take life at a bit slower pace but still remain very much a vital part of the family. Signs of aging may include reduced eyesight or hearing, some tooth loss and perhaps a few arthritic aches and pains. Most are still healthy and spritely. Treasure your devoted companions. No matter how long they live, it is never long enough.