Pros:
* Affectionate: Havanese are incredibly loving and enjoy being around people.
* Playful: They have a lot of energy and love to play, making them great companions for children.
* Gentle: They are generally gentle and patient with children, even when being pulled on or hugged tightly.
* Trainable: With consistent training, they can learn commands and be well-behaved.
* Hypoallergenic: They have a soft, non-shedding coat that's good for families with allergies.
Cons:
* Lots of attention: They need a lot of attention and can get anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods.
* Fragile: They are relatively small and delicate, so it's important to supervise interactions between children and the dog to prevent accidental injury.
* Grooming: Their long, silky coats need regular brushing and professional grooming to prevent matting.
* Energetic: They need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Things to Consider:
* Supervision: With eight children, it's essential to supervise interactions between the dog and your children at all times, especially with younger children who might not understand how to handle a dog gently.
* Training: Start training as soon as you get your Havanese. Teaching commands like "leave it" and "drop it" will help prevent issues with children grabbing toys or food.
* Space: Make sure you have enough space for the dog to have a safe and comfortable area where it can relax and de-stress.
* Time commitment: Havanese require a significant time commitment for training, exercise, grooming, and attention.
Additional Tips:
* Introduce the dog slowly: Let your children meet the dog in a controlled environment and supervise their interactions.
* Teach your children how to handle a dog gently.
* Set boundaries: Make sure your children understand that the dog has its own space and needs time to rest.
* Consider a puppy: If you're getting a puppy, it's important to start socialization and training early to make sure the dog grows up well-adjusted around children.
Ultimately, whether a Havanese is the right dog for your family depends on your lifestyle, willingness to commit to training and care, and your children's ages and maturity. Before making a decision, it's best to talk to a veterinarian or professional dog trainer to get their advice.
If you're still unsure, consider other breeds that are known for being good with children, such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.