Havanese Skull Characteristics and Breed Standard

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Close up of a Necklace with a Dog Head
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The Havanese skull is a unique and distinctive feature of the breed. The skull is moderate in size, with a well-defined stop and a slight convex curve.

The Havanese skull has a moderate stop, which is the area where the muzzle meets the forehead. This stop is well-defined and not too pronounced.

The muzzle is approximately one-third to one-half the length of the skull, and is slightly rounded at the end. The muzzle is also relatively short compared to the overall length of the skull.

A well-proportioned Havanese skull is essential for the breed's overall appearance and health.

Physical Characteristics

The Havanese skull is a unique and beautiful feature of this breed.

Moderately pointed ears are a defining characteristic of the Havanese skull. They are set on just above eye level, giving them a slightly raised appearance.

Their ears are neither too far forward nor too far back, framing the cheeks perfectly.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Breeds of Dogs with Big Ears

Breed Standard

The Havanese breed standard is quite specific when it comes to the head and skull. The nose to stop and stop to occiput should be equal in length.

A Close-Up Shot of an Animal Skull
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The skull is described as broad and slightly rounded, with a moderate stop. The muzzle should not be snipey or blunt, and the cheeks are flat. The nose and lips are solid black, although in brown shades the pigment may be brown.

The eyes are dark, large, and almond-shaped, with a gentle expression. The eye rims are black, and in brown shades the eyes can be a slightly lighter color, with brown eye rims.

A strong jaw with a perfect regular scissor bite is essential. This means the upper teeth closely overlap the lower teeth and are set square to the jaws.

A different take: Black Mouth Cur Teeth

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tell if my dog is Havanese?

To identify a Havanese dog, look for a rounded face, floppy ears, and a high tail that arches over their back, combined with a small frame and a long, thick coat. If your dog matches these distinctive features, they may be a Havanese - but a closer look at their breed characteristics will confirm.

Shannon Stamm

Senior Copy Editor

Shannon Stamm is a meticulous and detail-oriented Copy Editor with a passion for refining written content. With a keen eye for grammar, punctuation, and syntax, she ensures that every article shines with clarity and precision. Shannon's experience spans a range of topics, including Dog Training and Behavior, where she has honed her skills in distilling complex information into accessible, engaging pieces.

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