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Short History of the Breed

Tons of info is available at Havanese Club of America the HCA is a tremendous resource, with additional links to helpful folks.

The Havanese is relatively new to the AKC (since 2001), but has been in existence since Cuba was settled by Europeans in the late 1400s. The story goes that the dogs were from the island of Tenerife, related to the Bichon family of dogs (obvious similarities). Today the Havanese is the national dog of Cuba. Fun facts: traditionally the long hair on the top of the dog's head is not tied up (as seen with Bichons) because Cuban's believed the hair in the eyes helped protect the Havanese's eyes from the sun. Also known as the Cuban Silk dog, their soft silky hair helps them tolerate hot weather.

Physical Description & Size

The Havanese standard is carefully defined by the AKC and available here. But perhaps a more useful description, including potential flaws and health issues, in Diane Klumb's book which you should buy: "The Havanese" by Diane Klumb.

Temperament

By reputation, these are very smart dogs. Yes, sure, all owners think their dogs are smart, but these dogs were once used as circus dogs due to their eagerness to please and ability to quickly learn tricks. Owners report that they are indeed quite smart and are also very devoted. Experienced Havanese owners report this breed has an almost ideal temperment. They are gentle, playful, intelligent and very alert. Havanese are great with children and even cats. As with all dogs they have excellent hearing and use this to advantage in watch dog mode. While they are far too small to be physically threatening, their alert bark as unknown people approach is a comfort to those who want a watchful pet.

Dog Care (exercise, grooming, diet)

Many understimate the grooming. Havanese have hair, not fur, which means that you need to brush it out every day. If you don't do this, they mat, and then must be shaved. This can be avoided if you kept your Havanese in a puppy cut. (Much like the pictures to right show.) This reduces the amount of time needed for brushing. If you should decide to keep your Havanese with longer hair, you should seriously consider finding a good groomer and invest your time in brushing out their hair daily.

This breed is a happy indoor pet, ideal for apartment living. They do well with limited exercise and can happily exist in small living spaces with the occasion short or long walk. Like all dogs for their mental and physical health daily period of play should be the norm. But this play period can be indoors and certainly shorter than that required by larger breeds or even some of those of the same size such as the small terrriers.

Health Issues, Life Expectancy

Heritable diseases with this breed are Chondrodysplasia, Deafness, Heart Problems, Liver Shunt, Seizures, Hip Problems-Dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes, and Patellar Luxation. (Information found at the HCA's website.) As with many breeds with limited breeding stock you will want to be very, very careful about the breeder. The relatively high cost of these puppies ($1,200-2,600 is typical) has attracted many backyard-breeders, which should be avoided. Find a reputable breeder or a referral list.

AKC Group

Toy.

Additional Resources

• YourHavanese - Online Community for Purebred Dogs!

• Havanese Online Community
• HCA's program to recognize healthy Havanese
• Havanese Rescue
• Try before you buy, check out a Havanese club near by...

Havanese on WikiFido

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