The Havanese is Cuba’s only native dog, and it is recognized as the national dog. The breed evolved in Cuba from the bichon breeds brought over by the Spanish settlers during the 1700s. The little dog subsequently diversified its role from cherish lap dog of European aristocracy to family pet, watchdog, poultry herder and children’s playmate. After the Cuban revolution, a handful of Havanese accompanied Cuban refugees to the United States. In 1996, the American Kennel Club recognized the Havanese as a member of the toy group, and the breed’s popularity has since soared.
The Havanese is 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder, and the toy breed weighs 7 to 13 pounds. The dense, double coat is long and comes in any color. The short legs carry the sturdy dog with a lively spring, and the overall demeanor exudes charm and friendliness. The earflaps hang downward, and the plumed tail is carried upward to curve over the dog’s back. The Havanese is a small, happy dog breed with short legs. It has a double coat with a dense, soft undercoat and a furry, wavy overcoat. This dog does not shed but its coat may need occasional clipping.
Personality
The Havanese is playful, happy, lively, charming, friendly and affectionate. This combination of admirable qualities makes the Havanese an ideal choice for a family companion. The breed is outstanding with children and other pets in the home. They crave attention, and they will be vocal about making such demands. They are not excessive barkers, however. They are lively, but they do not require much exercise beyond a daily walk or round of fetch with the kids. They adapt well into any family situation, and they are well suited to apartment living. They are alert watchdogs. This is an active, little dog that is good-natured and happy. It’s very playful and affectionate towards its family. It needs daily exercise in the form of walks or fun play. It loves everyone and is friendly towards children, other dogs and strangers. It tends to be happy.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Bichon |
| Function: | Companion |
| Origin: | Central America |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Toy |
| Life Span: | 14-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | Bichon Havanese, Bichon Havanais, Bichon Habanero, Spanish silk poodle, Havana spaniel, Havana silk dog |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Havanese Build Information
The Havanese is a small dog breed with a dense, double coat is long and comes in any color, this breed do not shed but its coat may need occasional clipping. This is a happy dog breed with short legs. The short legs carry the sturdy dog with a lively spring, and the overall demeanor exudes charm and friendliness. The earflaps hang downward, and the plumed tail is carried upward to curve over the dog’s back. It has a double coat with a dense, soft undercoat and a furry, wavy overcoat. The Havanese is 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder, and the toy breed weighs 7 to 13 pounds.
| Size: | Toy |
| Length (Male): | 8-12 in. |
| Length (Female): | 8-10 in. |
| Weight: | < 14 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 4 – 5 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Havanese is playful, happy, lively, charming, friendly and affectionate. This combination of admirable qualities makes the Havanese an ideal choice for a family companion. The breed is outstanding with children and other pets in the home. They crave attention, and they will be vocal about making such demands. They are not excessive barkers, however. They are lively, but they do not require much exercise beyond a daily walk or round of fetch with the kids. They adapt well into any family situation, and they are well suited to apartment living. They are alert watchdogs. This is an active, little dog that is good-natured and happy. It’s very playful and affectionate towards its family. It needs daily exercise in the form of walks or fun play. It loves everyone and is friendly towards children, other dogs and strangers. It tends to be happy.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The long coat of a Havanese requires regular grooming to keep it free of mats and tangles. Owners who opt to keep their Havanese in full coat must be prepared to brush the coat daily. Alternately, enlisting a professional groomer to trim the coat to a short puppy cut every six to eight weeks will reduce the need for brushing to three times a week. Havanese coats shed minimally, and their natural growth is to cord after six months of hair growth. Owners who choose the corded look for their Havanese must be sure to dry the coat thoroughly after bathing to prevent mildew growth within the cords. Like many toy breeds, Havanese are prone to periodontal disease. Brushing the teeth daily will be helpful in reducing tartar and plaque accumulation and in preserving oral health. Clean the ears of a Havanese as needed and keep them dry to prevent ear infections.
| Colors: | Black, Blue, Chocolate, Cream, Gold, Parti-color, Silver, Tri-Color, White |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Feathered |
Havanese Common Health Conditions
The Havanese lives an average lifespan of 14 to 15 years. The breed is prone to a number of potential health conditions, including patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, osteochondrodysplasia, congenital deafness, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, liver shunts and heart murmurs.
Havanese Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
A Havanese makes an excellent addition to any family. These affectionate little charmers adore children, and they are eager entertain the whole family with their silly antics. The Havanese originated in Cuba, where it is now the national dog. The Havaese is also known as a bichon Havanese, a bichon Havanais, a bichon habanero, a Spanish silk poodle, a Havana spaniel and a Havana silk dog. The Havanese is a charming, lively and playful little dog that will get along well with all of its household family members. The Havanese stands 8,5 to 11,5 inches tall and weighs 7 to 13 pounds. The Havanese has a moderate energy level. A Havanese requires extensive grooming. The average lifespan for a Havanese is 14 to 15 years.
| Training: | Hard |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | No |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
