Havanese - Breed Introduction
The Havanese is a native of Cuba, and evolved over centuries out of the cute lapdogs that the aristocrats spoiled like children. They have been included in families as an essential member of the household. While small, the Havanese not only has functioned as a companion, but watchdog, playmate and herder.
A small dog, the Havanese measures about 8 ½ to 11 ½ inches high (ideal is 9 to 10 ½ inches) and is has a rectangular outline with his topline being longer than his height. A sturdy dog, it and weighs between x and x pounds.
History of the Breed
Once called the Havana Silk Dog or Spanish Silk Poodle, the Havanese is the national dog of Cuba. The original stock has been traced back to the trade ships that sailed from Tenerife in the early sixteenth century. Since only the aristocrats could afford a pet dog, they soon were living in the wealthiest homes in Cuba.
They caught the attention of Europeans visiting Cuba and soon were being shown at European dog shows. The gene pool grew and now Europe has a strong gene pool that has helped to establish the breed.
In modern times, with the Cuban revolution, eleven recorded Havanese found their way across the ocean to the United States as many aristocrats fled their homeland. With a small gene pool, the breed soon was becoming not only numerous, but seen by many others who fell in love with the dog’s unique look, and sweet personality.
Out of those eleven “immigrants” rose one of the most popular dogs….and the AKC’s newest recognized breed in North America.
Color and Coat
While historically always a toy dog and therefore never overly large or coarse, he does not appear so fragile as to make him unsuitable as a child's pet. His unique coat reflects centuries in the tropics, and protects against heat.
It is remarkably soft and light in texture, profuse without being harsh or woolly. Likewise, the furnishings of the head are believed to protect the eyes from the harsh tropical sun, and have traditionally never been gathered in a topknot for this reason.
The coat is double, but without the harsh standoff guard hair and woolly undercoat usually associated with double coats. Rather, it is soft and light in texture throughout, though the outer coat carries slightly more weight. The long hair is abundant and, ideally, wavy.
An ideal coat will not be so profuse nor overly long as to obscure the natural lines of the dog. Puppies may have a shorter coat. A single, flat coat or an excessively curly coat are equally contrary to type and should be faulted. Disqualifications: A coarse, wiry coat. An atypical short coat on an adult dog (atypical would be smooth, flat coat with, or without furnishings.)
All colors are acceptable, singly or in any combination. No preference is given to one color over another. The skin may be freckled or parti-colored.
Personality and Temperament
Playful and alert. The Havanese is both trainable and intelligent with a sweet, non-quarrelsome disposition.
Show Characteristics
Judges look for In both structure and gait, the Havanese is not easily mistaken for any other breed. His characteristic top line, rising slightly from withers to rump is a result of moderate angulations both fore and aft combined with a typically short upper arm.
The resulting springy gait is flashy rather than far-reaching and unique to the breed. The overall impression of the dog on the move is one of agility rather than excessive ability to cover ground. These characteristics of temperament, structure and gait contribute in large part to the character of the breed, and are essential to type.
The face should be soft and intelligent, but mischievous rather than cute. The eyes are dark brown, large, almond-shaped and set widely apart. A solid black eye rim sets the eyes off. The nose and lips should be a solid chocolate pigment. in the chocolate dog) pigmentation on the eye rims, nose or lips. The body is of moderate length, in balance with the dog’s height.
The top line is straight with a slight rise from the withers to the rump. The plumed tail is carried loosely, curled over the rump when the dog is in motion. The legs are set well under the body, showing a well pronounced forechest. The feet are round with well arched toes; the pads and nails brown, black, white, pink or a combination. The hind legs are well boned and muscular.
It’s slightly higher rump makes the Havanese have a unique, “springy” gait like no other breed. It also has a “flashy” front action because of its shorter upper arm. The head is carried high, if on the move or not. Because of this natural and unique gait, the Havanese is shown at a normal speed and on a loose lead.
Typical Health Concerns
The Havanese tends to have problems with progressive retinal atrophy which can blindness. Chondrodysplasia, which is due to skeletal abnormalities, is a newer health problem seen by Havanese breeders.
They are also susceptible to juvenile cataracts, luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps), ear infections, tearstains and dry skin.
Grooming
The dog should be shown naturally, but groomed, either brushed or corded. Depending on the age of the dog, the length of the coat will vary. It will part naturally and fall to one side or the other. The coat can be silky, or corded. The corded coats will fall into wavy sections as young dogs, and tassel-like cords in the adults.
The Havanese should be bathed and conditioned regularly to keep it in condition. For hygienic reasons, the hair at the inside corner of the eye can be trimmed. The hair at the anal and genital areas can be minimally trimmed also.
The hair on the feet and between the pads should be neatly trimmed for the show ring, giving the Havanese a clean presentation. No other grooming should be done to this beautiful dog!
On a daily basis check their eyes for any discharge, nose for any crusting, and ears for wax or dirt. The ears can be cleaned with a swab and a natural ear cleaner that is not oily, and has herbs to help the ears from not getting inflamed. Clip their toenails once a month if they are not regularly walked or have time to get outside to wear them down.
Average Life Span
The Havanese’ average life span is 12 to 15 years.
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