The purebred Havanese is a member of the Bichon family, which includes the Bichon Frise, Maltese and Lowchen.
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, developed from the now extinct Blanquito de la Habana. The Blanquito descended from the also now extinct Bichon Tenerife. It is believed that the Blanquito was eventually cross-bred with other Bichon types, including the Poodle, to create what is now known as the Havanese. Sometimes referred to as "Havana Silk Dogs", this was originally another name for the Blanquito de la Habana.
The breed comes from the Western Mediterranean region and has developed along the Spanish and Italian coastal region. These dogs were imported early in Cuba by ocean navigating Italian captains. Erroneously, the most frequent brown colour of these dogs (tobacco) gave birth to the legend which would mean it to be a breed originating from Havana, capital of Cuba. The political events, however, have led to the total disappearance of the old blood lines of the Havanese in Cuba; apparently a few dogs would be successfully smuggled out from Cuba; their descendents have survived in the U.S.A. (1)
Characteristics
One first notices the breed’s animated face with dancing eyes and an expression filled with mischief. This look is almost always accompanied by an endearing head tip, the head being cocked to one side. The Havanese often do this and it starts when it is a young puppy.
Their small but sturdy bodies, adaptable nature and social skills make Havanese an ideal city dog, but they are content to be anywhere that they can command the attention of admirers young and old alike. Havanese are smart and trainable extroverts with the comic instincts of a born clown, are natural trick dogs. Havanese are also excellent watchdogs and take the job seriously, but will usually keep the barking to a minimum. (2)
The breed is relatively quiet, but it can also be active both indoors and out. Even though the Havanese is small, it is not meant to be a tiny, fragile dog. It may be small in stature but it is muscular and lively with great stamina. The Havanese is an excellent jumper and many succeed at Agility and other dog sports. While the breed excels in many pursuits, it is first and foremost a companion dog.
Temperament
A happy temperament and energetic outlook on life makes the Havanese an entertaining companion. The Havanese is a small dog, equally at home actively playing or snuggling on a lap. It is an intelligent and affectionate breed and is always happy to be the centre of attention. The breed thrives on human companionship, plays well with children, other dogs of all sizes and also cats.
Appearance
The Havanese is a sturdy, small, longhaired, drop-eared companion dog, measuring 21-29cm tall, and is covered with a long, ideally wavy, untrimmed coat.
The breed’s plumed tail is carried over its back and it has a lively, springy gait. While the tail’s long plume of hair falls over the body, the tail itself should never touch the back.
The Havanese has large dark almond shaped eyes, with a gentle expression, and is bred in a great variety of colours, patterns and markings. In the show ring, the breed should be presented as natural as possible, while consistent with good grooming. The breed should never appear trimmed, except for feet and hygienic trimming.
Health
While some health conditions can occur, the Havanese remains a relatively healthy breed with a life expectancy of approximately 12 to 15 years. The majority of Havanese experience few significant health issues.
Dedicated breeders health test hips and elbows, eyes, patellar luxation and cardiac. All breeds have inheritable disorders, some are more serious and widespread, others much more limited in their occurrence. Ongoing research and proper health screening will help reduce health issues in the breed for future generations.
Suitability
The Havanese is ideal for families with children of all ages, older people who like a happy and lively dog without being too small, and anyone who is happy to be beguiled by this active, happy breed.
Havanese are highly intelligent and eager to please, and they are easily trained, so long as you use only positive methods. This can be a sensitive breed, so care must be taken to not scold them harshly. Socialisation from an early age is very important. Expose them calmly to a wide variety of new places and people, always ensuring that the experiences are positive and not intimidating. Gentle, patient training will result in a wonderful companion dog. They are affectionate with people and get along with other nonaggressive pets. (2)
The Havanese should be fed a high-quality dog food appropriate to his age (puppy, adult or senior). Some Havanese can be prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. If you choose to give your dog treats, do so in moderation. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. (2)
Maintenance
The Havanese is a non-shedding, hypoallergenic dog, although it will lose some coat in the brush, when it rubs against furniture and in its bedding. Minimal shedding, however, does not mean no maintenance. As most of the dead hair stays within the strands of the new coat, matting is common so regular daily grooming is required. If the coat is to be left its natural length, weekly grooming will be required, which is not a hardship but a bonding time with your Havanese. Show dogs command daily brushing to keep the beautiful coat in healthy condition.
This can be done by gently running a comb or soft brush over the dog while he is on your lap. Pet owners often choose to have their dog’s coat clipped to a short trim to reduce grooming time. The Havanese should also be bathed occasionally as needed. The corners of the eyes should be gently cleaned daily to prevent tear-stain of the lighter-colored hair in the area. Check the ears often to remove excess wax or accumulated debris and wipe out the inside of the ear-flap with a slightly moistened gauze or paper towel. (2)
The Havanese has moderate exercise needs. They will benefit from a brisk daily walk or a fun playtime with their owner in the backyard, as they are happiest when someone is with them. Romping inside the home can also provide enough activity. Never over-exercise a Havanese of any age. If they are panting and struggling to keep up, it is time to go home. Havanese do well in both houses and apartments, but they are not happy left alone for hours at a time. (2)
In Conclusion
Now you know a little about the Havanese, you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Havanese and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.
A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.
General Appearance
The Havanese is a sturdy little dog, low on his legs, with long abundant hair, soft and preferably wavy. His movement is lively and elastic.Important proportions: The length of the muzzle (tip of nose to stop) is equal to the distance between the stop and the occipital protuberance. The relation between the length of the body (measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock) and the height at the withers is of 4:3.
Temperament
Exceptionally bright he is easy to train as an alarm dog. Affectionate, of a happy nature, he is amiable, a charmer, playful and even a bit of a clown. He loves children and plays endlessly with them.
Physical Standards
Head and Skull
Of medium length, the relation between the length of the head and that of the trunk (measured from the withers to the base of the tail) is of 3:7.Skull: Flat to very slightly rounded, broad, forehead hardly rising; seen from above it is rounded at the back and almost straight and square on the other three sides.Stop: Moderately marked.Nose: Black or brown.Muzzle: Narrowing progressively and slightly towards the nose but neither snipey nor truncated.Lips: Fine, lean, tight.Cheeks: Very flat, not prominent.
Eyes
Quite big, almond shaped, of brown colour as dark as possible. Kind expression. The eye rims must be dark brown to black.
Ears
Set relatively high; they fall along the cheeks forming a discreet fold which raises them slightly. Their extremity is in a lightly rounded point. They are covered with hair in long fringes. Neither propeller ears (sticking sideways), nor stuck to the cheeks.
Mouth
Scissor bite. A complete dentition is desirable. The absence of premolars 1 (PM1) and molars 3 (M3) is tolerated.
Neck
Of medium length.
Forequarters
Forelegs straight and parallel, lean; good bone structure. The distance from the ground to the elbow must not be greater than that between the elbow and the withers.
Body
The length of the body is slightly superior to that of the height at the withers.Back: Topline straight, slightly arched over the loin.Croup: Noticeably inclined.Ribs: Well sprung.Belly (abdomen): Well tucked up.
Hindquarters
Good bone structure; moderate angulations.
Feet
Of slightly elongated shape; small, tight toes.
Tail
Carried high, either in shape of a crozier or preferably rolled over the back. It is furnished with feathering of long silky hair.
Gait/Movement
According to his happy nature, the Havanese has a strikingly light-footed and elastic gait; forelegs with free stride and pointing straight forward, the hind legs giving them impulsion and moving in a straight line.
Coat
Undercoat woolly and not very well developed: it is often totally absent. The topcoat is very long (12-18 cm [4.5-7 ins] in an adult dog), soft, flat or wavy and may form curly strands. All grooming, the usage of scissors to even out the length of the coat and all trimming is forbidden. Exception: tidying up the hair on the feet is permitted, the hair on the forehead may be slightly shortened so that it does not cover the eyes and the hair on the muzzle may be slightly tidied up, but is preferable to leave it in natural length.
Colour
Rarely completely pure white, fawn in its different shades (slight blackened overlay permitted), black, havana-brown, tobacco colour, reddish brown. Patches in mentioned colours allowed. Tan markings in all nuances permitted.
Size
Height at withers: From 23 to 27 cms [9-10.5 ins]Tolerance from 21 to 29 cms [8-11.5 ins]
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in the exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.Important Faults:- General appearance lacking in type.- Truncated or snipey muzzle, length not identical to that of the skull.- Bird of prey eyes (yellow); eyes too deep set or prominent; rims of eyelids partially depigmented.- Body too long or too short.- Straight tail, not carried high.- French front (pasterns too close, feet turned outwards).- Deformed hind feet.- Coat harsh, not abundant; hair short except on puppies; groomed coat.Disqualifying Faults:- Aggressive or overly shy.- Depigmented nose.- Upper or lower prognathism (over or undershot).- Ectropion, entropion; rim of eyelids of one or both eyes depigmented.- Size over or under the indicated norms of the standard.Any dog clearly showing physicals or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
History
The breed comes from the Western Mediterranean region and has developed along the Spanish and Italian coastal region. It would seem that these dogs were imported early in Cuba by ocean navigating Italian captains. Erroneously, the most frequent brown colour of these dogs (tobacco) gave birth to the legend which would mean it to be a breed originating from Havana, capital of Cuba. The political events however have led to the total disappearance of the old blood lines of the Havanese in Cuba; apparently a few dogs would be successfully smuggled out from Cuba; their descendents have survived in the U.S.A.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of DOGS NSW. By accepting this acknowledgment you agree to the following;
Once issued to you, you cannot use your DOGS NSW membership number to sell puppies that you already have without first becoming a registered breeder with DOGS NSW. You acknowledge that you have read the information on becoming a breeder on the DOGS NSW website Become a breeder (dogsnsw.org.au)
You agree to read the weekly newsletter, The Weekly Woof to keep up to date with the latest news.
Once your membership has been submitted, it will be reviewed and processed within five (5) business days.
You will be charged a pro-rated membership fee depending on the number of months remaining until June. Membership renewals are due by June 30th each year regardless of when you joined.
There are no refunds issued if you change your mind or have misunderstood information on our website.
Contact Us
Facebook
Instagram
Popular Searches
Browse all Breeds
Download PDF
