Dog Breeds - Havanese

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of fondness a particular breed of animals is likely to show towards their family members or close acquaintances varies. Certain breeds may appear distant or unresponsive towards everyone except for their owner, whereas other breeds tend to treat everyone they know as if they are their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
When considering a breed of dog, it's essential to evaluate their capacity for tolerance and patience when it comes to interacting with children. Their overall friendliness towards families is also a crucial factor to consider. It is important to note that dogs should always be under supervision when around young children especially those who have limited prior exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
It is important to assess a breed's general friendliness towards other dogs when considering canine companionship. While it is recommended to supervise all dog interactions and introductions, certain breeds tend to possess a natural inclination towards getting along with other dogs both within the home and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
When considering a breed, it's helpful to consider the amount of fur and hair they are prone to shedding. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing to manage the loose hair. It's also important to note that these breeds are more likely to trigger allergies in certain individuals. Additionally, you can expect to do more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep up with the fur around your home.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
When evaluating a breed, it is crucial to consider the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance they require. It is essential to assess your available time, patience and budget for such care. Different breeds have varying needs in terms of grooming effort. However, it is important to note that all breeds require regular nail trimming as part of their routine care.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
When selecting a breed, it's worth considering their tendency to drool. If you have a preference for cleanliness, you may want to avoid dogs that have a propensity for leaving traces of slobber on your arm or creating significant wet spots on your clothes. It is important to choose a breed that aligns with your personal preferences and comfort level regarding drooling.
COAT TYPE +
Double, Silky
COAT LENGTH +
Long

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
When evaluating a breed, it's important to consider their disposition towards strangers. Certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds are generally more open and welcoming, happily greeting new humans whenever they come across one. It is essential to choose a breed that aligns with your preferences regarding their level of comfort and interaction with strangers.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
When considering a breed, it's worth evaluating their enthusiasm for play, even beyond the puppyhood stage. Some breeds display a lasting desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. These breeds maintain a high level of energy and enjoy interactive playtime. On the other hand, certain breeds are content with relaxing and lounging on the couch, preferring more low-key activities. It's important to choose a breed that aligns with your preferred level of play and activity.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
It's beneficial to consider a breed's inclination to alert you when strangers are present. Some breeds are more likely to react to potential threats, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds tend to be vigilant and will notify you of any perceived danger. However, it's important to note that these breeds are capable of warming up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family. Their initial alertness does not imply aggressiveness towards strangers, but rather a protective instinct.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
When considering a breed, it's important to evaluate their adaptability to change. This encompasses their ability to handle variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other day-to-day changes. Some breeds are naturally more flexible and can easily adjust to different circumstances, while others may struggle with transitions and prefer a more consistent environment. It's essential to choose a breed that can comfortably cope with the level of change you anticipate in your daily life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
When considering a breed, it's important to evaluate their trainability and willingness to learn. Some breeds are naturally eager to please their owners and are generally easier to train. They readily embrace new tasks and enjoy making their owners proud. On the other hand, certain breeds may have a more independent streak preferring to follow their own interests and displaying less interest in training. It's vital to choose a breed that aligns with your training goals and methods ensuring a harmonious training experience for both you and your dog.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to stay happy and healthy is an important consideration. Purpose-bred dogs, as you mentioned are often bred for specific tasks that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other mental qualities. These breeds typically have a higher need for mental stimulation. Without adequate mental exercise, these dogs may become bored and seek out their own activities to keep their minds occupied. Unfortunately, these self-created activities may not align with what their owners would prefer. They may exhibit behaviors such as excessive barking, destructive chewing or finding other outlets for their mental energy.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
When considering a breed, it's important to take into account their vocalization tendencies. Some breeds have a higher inclination to vocalize, whether through barking or howling. They may bark at every passer-by or react to various stimuli such as birds at the window. Other breeds, however, tend to bark only in specific situations or when they perceive a potential threat.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to stay happy and healthy is an important consideration. Purpose-bred dogs with specific jobs often need mental challenges involving decision-making, problem-solving and concentration to keep them mentally engaged. Without sufficient mental exercise, they may create their own activities to keep their minds busy, which may not align with your preferences. Providing appropriate mental stimulation for such breeds is crucial to prevent boredom and the development of undesirable behaviors.

COLORS +
,
PATTERNS +
Marking

CARING WITH FAMILY Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of fondness a particular breed of animals is likely to show towards their family members or close acquaintances varies. Certain breeds may appear distant or unresponsive towards everyone except for their owner, whereas other breeds tend to treat everyone they know as if they are their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN Unwise Good With Children
When considering a breed of dog, it's essential to evaluate their capacity for tolerance and patience when it comes to interacting with children. Their overall friendliness towards families is also a crucial factor to consider. It is important to note that dogs should always be under supervision when around young children especially those who have limited prior exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS Unwise Good With Other Dogs
It is important to assess a breed's general friendliness towards other dogs when considering canine companionship. While it is recommended to supervise all dog interactions and introductions, certain breeds tend to possess a natural inclination towards getting along with other dogs both within the home and in public settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere
When considering a breed, it's helpful to consider the amount of fur and hair they are prone to shedding. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing to manage the loose hair. It's also important to note that these breeds are more likely to trigger allergies in certain individuals. Additionally, you can expect to do more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep up with the fur around your home.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily
When evaluating a breed, it is crucial to consider the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance they require. It is essential to assess your available time, patience and budget for such care. Different breeds have varying needs in terms of grooming effort. However, it is important to note that all breeds require regular nail trimming as part of their routine care.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel
When selecting a breed, it's worth considering their tendency to drool. If you have a preference for cleanliness, you may want to avoid dogs that have a propensity for leaving traces of slobber on your arm or creating significant wet spots on your clothes. It is important to choose a breed that aligns with your personal preferences and comfort level regarding drooling.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Double, Silky
COAT SPECTRUM
Long
FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend
When evaluating a breed, it's important to consider their disposition towards strangers. Certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds are generally more open and welcoming, happily greeting new humans whenever they come across one. It is essential to choose a breed that aligns with your preferences regarding their level of comfort and interaction with strangers.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop
When considering a breed, it's worth evaluating their enthusiasm for play, even beyond the puppyhood stage. Some breeds display a lasting desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. These breeds maintain a high level of energy and enjoy interactive playtime. On the other hand, certain breeds are content with relaxing and lounging on the couch, preferring more low-key activities. It's important to choose a breed that aligns with your preferred level of play and activity.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant
It's beneficial to consider a breed's inclination to alert you when strangers are present. Some breeds are more likely to react to potential threats, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds tend to be vigilant and will notify you of any perceived danger. However, it's important to note that these breeds are capable of warming up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family. Their initial alertness does not imply aggressiveness towards strangers, but rather a protective instinct.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable
When considering a breed, it's important to evaluate their adaptability to change. This encompasses their ability to handle variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other day-to-day changes. Some breeds are naturally more flexible and can easily adjust to different circumstances, while others may struggle with transitions and prefer a more consistent environment. It's essential to choose a breed that can comfortably cope with the level of change you anticipate in your daily life.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please
When considering a breed, it's important to evaluate their trainability and willingness to learn. Some breeds are naturally eager to please their owners and are generally easier to train. They readily embrace new tasks and enjoy making their owners proud. On the other hand, certain breeds may have a more independent streak preferring to follow their own interests and displaying less interest in training. It's vital to choose a breed that aligns with your training goals and methods ensuring a harmonious training experience for both you and your dog.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy
The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to stay happy and healthy is an important consideration. Purpose-bred dogs, as you mentioned are often bred for specific tasks that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other mental qualities. These breeds typically have a higher need for mental stimulation. Without adequate mental exercise, these dogs may become bored and seek out their own activities to keep their minds occupied. Unfortunately, these self-created activities may not align with what their owners would prefer. They may exhibit behaviors such as excessive barking, destructive chewing or finding other outlets for their mental energy.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal
Likes To Be Vocal
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Happy to Lounge Needs a Job or Activity
The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to stay happy and healthy is an important consideration. Purpose-bred dogs with specific jobs often need mental challenges involving decision-making, problem-solving and concentration to keep them mentally engaged. Without sufficient mental exercise, they may create their own activities to keep their minds busy, which may not align with your preferences. Providing appropriate mental stimulation for such breeds is crucial to prevent boredom and the development of undesirable behaviors.
COLORS	,
PATTERNS	Marking

About The Breed

The Havanese, the only dog breed native to Cuba are known for their cheerful and lively personality. They have a spring in their step and a sparkle in their big, brown eyes. These sociable companions are gaining popularity among American city dwellers. One of their distinctive features is their curled-over tail, along with a gorgeous silky coat that comes in a variety of colors.

The Havanese coat can be styled in different ways based on preferences. Some owners opt for corded coats resembling the Puli breed, while others prefer to keep it clipped short for easier grooming. Regardless of the hairstyle, Havanese dogs retain their undeniable cuteness.

With their small yet sturdy bodies and adaptable nature, Havanese make excellent city dogs. However, they are content anywhere they receive attention from admirers of all ages. Havanese are intelligent and trainable extroverts displaying the comic instincts of a natural-born clown. These traits make them well-suited for learning tricks and entertaining.

While being excellent watchdogs, Havanese typically keep barking to a minimum. They take their guarding duties seriously but are not excessive barkers. This characteristic can be beneficial for those who prefer a quieter living environment. Overall, Havanese are a delightful breed known for their sociability, adaptability, intelligence and endearing nature, making them an ideal choice for many dog enthusiasts.

What to Expect When Caring for a HAVANESE

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs, as sentient beings, require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health, emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Havanese: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Havanese, in general, are known to be a healthy breed with a relatively long lifespan. However, like many dog breeds, there are certain conditions that they can be prone to. Responsible breeders take steps to address these health concerns by conducting health clearances on their breeding stock. Some of the conditions that Havanese can be prone to include various eye disorders, chondrodysplasia (a skeletal disorder), deafness, heart murmurs, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (affecting the hip joint) and patellar luxation (knee dislocation). To ensure the health of the breed, the Havanese Club of America encourages its members to perform specific health tests and submit the results to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). These tests typically include an annual eye examination (CAER), a hearing test (BAER), hip x-rays and patellar (knee) certification. By conducting these tests and sharing the results, breeders can make informed breeding decisions to help reduce the incidence of these health issues within the Havanese population. When considering a Havanese from a responsible breeder, it is important to inquire about the health clearances performed on the parents and ask for any relevant health information to make an informed decision about the puppy's health and well-being. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Patella Evaluation Hip Evaluation BAER Testing Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Havanese breed has a beautiful long, soft and silky coat that requires regular grooming to keep it free from mats and tangles. Daily grooming is recommended to ensure the coat stays in good condition. You can gently run a comb or soft brush over the Havanese while they are comfortably positioned on your lap. This helps to prevent tangles and maintain the coat's quality. Many pet owners choose to trim the Havanese coat to a shorter length, which reduces grooming time and makes it more manageable. However, the decision on whether to keep their coat short or long is a matter of personal preference. Regular bathing is also necessary to keep the Havanese clean and looking their best. The frequency of baths may vary depending on the dog's lifestyle and coat condition. To prevent tear-staining of the lighter-colored hair around the eyes, it is important to gently clean the corners of the eyes on a daily basis. This helps to remove any accumulated debris or tears. Proper ear care is essential for the Havanese. It is important to regularly check the ears for any excess wax or debris. If necessary, you can wipe the inside of the ear-flap using a slightly moistened gauze or paper towel. Be careful not to insert anything deep into the ear canal, as this can cause harm. By following these grooming practices, you can help keep your Havanese looking clean, healthy and comfortable.

Exercise

	The Havanese breed has moderate exercise needs and can maintain their health and happiness with regular physical activity. Going for a daily brisk walk or engaging in fun playtime in a fenced backyard is beneficial for them. They thrive when they have their owners' company and enjoy activities that involve interaction and bonding. Romping and playing inside the home can also provide sufficient exercise for Havanese especially during inclement weather or when outdoor activities are not feasible. It's important, however, to avoid over-exercising Havanese dogs of any age. If they show signs of panting excessively and struggling to keep up, it's a clear indicator that they need to take a break and head back home. Havanese can adapt well to various living situations including both houses and apartments. However, they are not happy when left alone for extended periods. They are social dogs and thrive when they have human companionship. Being left alone for hours on end can lead to boredom, anxiety or even behavioral issues. It's important to ensure that Havanese have adequate social interaction and mental stimulation throughout the day to keep them happy and content. By providing them with regular exercise and companionship, you can help meet the needs of your Havanese and contribute to their overall well-being.

Training

	Havanese are indeed highly intelligent and eager to please making them a breed that is generally easy to train. Positive reinforcement training methods work best with this sensitive breed, as harsh scolding can be detrimental to their learning and overall well-being. They respond well to gentle and patient training techniques. Socialization is crucial for Havanese starting from a young age. It is essential to expose them calmly to a wide range of new places, people and experiences. This helps them develop confidence and ensures that they view new situations in a positive light rather than feeling intimidated or overwhelmed. With proper training and socialization, Havanese make wonderful companion dogs. They are known for their affectionate nature towards people and generally get along well with other nonaggressive pets. Their intelligence, trainability and friendly disposition make them excellent family pets. By using positive methods, providing gentle and patient training and ensuring early socialization experiences, you can help your Havanese become a well-rounded and delightful companion.

Nutrition

	Proper nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of your Havanese. Feeding them a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, whether they are a puppy, adult or senior, is crucial. High-quality dog foods are formulated to meet their specific nutritional needs and provide the necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients. It's important to monitor your Havanese's calorie consumption and weight level. Some Havanese can be prone to gaining weight, so it's important to ensure they don't overeat. Watch their portion sizes and avoid excessive calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight. While treats can be useful for training, it's important to give them in moderation. Overindulgence in treats can lead to obesity, so it's important to choose healthy treats and limit their quantity. Treats should not replace the nutrition provided by their regular meals. When it comes to table scraps, it's best to avoid giving them to your Havanese. Cooked bones and foods high in fat content can cause health issues. It's essential to educate yourself about which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian for guidance. By providing a balanced and appropriate diet, monitoring portion sizes and being cautious with treats and table scraps, you can help ensure that your Havanese maintains a healthy weight and enjoys optimal nutrition.

Historiography

The Havanese, whether referred to in singular or plural form belongs to the ancient Bichon family, which includes other breeds like the Bichon Frise and Maltese making them potential common ancestors. Throughout history, these lively lapdogs were traded by seafaring merchants across different parts of the world since the earliest days of human civilization. Possessing small size and intelligence, these dogs served as a status symbol, distinguishing royals and aristocrats from lower social classes in various societies.

Originating from Cuba, the Havanese was the favored lapdog among the aristocrats and wealthy planters of the country, hence the name. It gained its highest popularity in the capital city, Havana. Depending on varying accounts, the breed's ancestors were either brought to Cuba by Italian sea captains or by Spanish colonizers during their efforts to establish settlements in the New World in the 1600s.

Over the course of approximately 300 years during which the Havanese enjoyed a life of luxury in Cuba, the breed underwent refinement possibly through crossbreeding with Poodles. This evolution led to the development of the modern Havanese, which was once known as the Blanquito de la Habana or Havana Silk Dog. However, a significant turning point in the breed's history occurred in 1959 with the Communist revolution in Cuba led by Fidel Castro. Numerous affluent Cubans fleeing the country and the revolution chose to bring their beloved Havanese dogs with them to America. With the assistance of American dog enthusiasts, these refugees ensured the preservation and continuation of the Havanese breed. As a result, the breed has gained popularity worldwide and is now a preferred choice among discerning pet owners.

Interestingly, two renowned writers, Ernest Hemingway and Charles Dickens were among the notable individuals who owned Havanese dogs. Hemingway developed an affection for the breed during his two decades in Cuba, while Dickens had a tiny Havanese named Tim almost a century earlier.