Conoce a Perro Havanese: Historia, Características y Más

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Havanese Dog on a Walk
Credit: pexels.com, Havanese Dog on a Walk

The Havanese is a breed with a rich history that dates back to the 16th century in Cuba.

They originated as a companion dog for the aristocracy, known as the "Bichon Tenerife" or "Havanese Bichon".

This breed was highly valued for its gentle and affectionate nature, making it a beloved pet among the Cuban elite.

The Havanese was recognized as a distinct breed by the Cuban Kennel Club in 1937.

For your interest: Havanese Breed Standard

Appearance

The Havanese is a toy dog with a silky coat. Their height ranges from 8+1⁄2 to 11+1⁄2 in (22 to 29 cm) at the withers, with 9 to 10+1⁄2 in (23 to 27 cm) being the ideal height.

Their body is slightly longer than their height at the withers, giving them a slightly longer than tall appearance. The topline rises just slightly from withers to the croup, creating a straight but not level line.

Coat and Color

The Havanese coat is truly one of a kind, with a silky texture that's almost cool to the touch. It's long, soft, lightweight, and slightly wavy, with a profuse and undulating quality to it.

Havanese Dog Puppy Sitting in a Garden
Credit: pexels.com, Havanese Dog Puppy Sitting in a Garden

The outer coat is neither coarse nor overly dense, but rather soft and light, making it a joy to touch. The undercoat is sometimes completely absent, which is just one of the many unique characteristics of the Havanese coat.

The Havanese comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including solid black, chocolate, and more. All colored dogs should have a black nose and black pigment around the eyes, with the exception of chocolate dogs, which may have dark brown pigment on their nose instead.

A daily brushing is essential to prevent tangles and keep the coat in top condition. Using the right type of brush for the Havanese coat is crucial, as it will help to prevent matting and keep the coat looking its best.

The Havanese coat can be shown naturally brushed out or corded, which is a technique that turns the long coat into cords of hair, similar to dreadlocks in humans. This unique look is a result of the coat's natural texture and requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.

If this caught your attention, see: Black Havanese Poodle

Ojos

Close-Up Shot of a Cute Havanese Dog Lying on Green Grass
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of a Cute Havanese Dog Lying on Green Grass

When it comes to eye care for your Bichón Habanero, regular checks and cleanings are a must. The eyes should be inspected and cleaned daily to prevent infections and tear buildup.

Use a dog-specific eye cleaner or, as a substitute, physiological saline solution to gently wipe away dirt and debris.

On a similar theme: Havanese Eye Problems

History

The Havanese breed has a rich history that spans centuries. It's believed to have originated from the Tenerife dog, which was brought to Cuba by Spanish colonists.

The Havanese soon became devoted companions to the Spanish colonists in Cuba and were highly admired by the nobility. They were known as "blanquitos de la Habana" due to their exclusive white color.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Spanish sailors brought some of these bichones to Cuba, where they gained the preference of the Cuban aristocracy. These early Havanese dogs were indeed white.

The breed's popularity declined at the beginning of the 20th century, and all the original Cuban lines disappeared, leaving the Havanese breed nearly extinct. However, it was revived in the United States by Cuban breeders who had emigrated with some of their dogs.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) only officially recognized the Havanese breed in 1996, after dedicated breeding efforts and the acquisition of some new dogs internationally.

For more insights, see: Short Haired Havanese Dogs

Care and Activities

Credit: youtube.com, Havanese Puppy Training Tips

The Havanese is a friendly and outgoing breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can include short walks, playtime, and training sessions.

To keep their coats clean and healthy, Havanese dogs need to be brushed several times a week. This will help prevent matting and tangling, and keep their fur looking its best.

Havanese dogs are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training. With patience and consistency, they can learn a wide range of commands and behaviors.

Broaden your view: Havanese Training Secrets

Aseo

Taking care of your Habanero's grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling. The Habanero's coat is soft and silky to the touch.

Its top coat is abundant and can be either wavy or slightly curly, and it has a secondary undercoat. A daily brushing is necessary to keep the coat free of knots.

Regular grooming will also help reduce shedding and prevent hairballs from forming.

On a similar theme: Grooming Styles for Havanese

Ejercicio

Close-Up Shot of a Cute Havanese Dog Running on Flower Field
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of a Cute Havanese Dog Running on Flower Field

The Bichón Habanero is a playful dog that requires daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

It needs at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity every day, which can include walks, playtime, and training exercises.

You can engage your Bichón Habanero in various activities like playing fetch or tug-of-war, apart from regular walks.

These games help burn off their excess energy and keep them entertained.

In addition to physical activities, mental stimulation is also essential for your Bichón Habanero.

Engage them in activities like food puzzles and obedience training to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

As a small breed, the Bichón Habanero only needs half an hour of exercise per day, but they still require regular physical activity to stay healthy.

Their favorite pastime is accompanying their owners on walks and outings.

Etapa Cachorro

The Etapa Cachorro stage is a crucial period in a Bichón Habanero's life. During this time, they experience rapid growth and need a diet that supports this development.

Credit: youtube.com, How Do You Take Care of a DOG 🐩💕 | Circle Time for Kids | Sago Mini Social & Emotional Learning

A high-quality puppy food specifically formulated for Bichón Habaneros is essential, as it contains the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to promote healthy growth.

The ideal feeding schedule for Bichón Habanero puppies is 3 to 4 small meals a day, which ensures proper digestion and a steady supply of energy.

There's a wide variety of puppy foods available, all designed to meet the nutritional needs of this stage without sacrificing quality or taste.

If you're looking for more information, consider checking out our article on the best puppy food for Bichón Habaneros.

Broaden your view: Havanese Feeding Chart

Desparasitación

Regular desparasitación is crucial to keep your Bichón Habanero healthy. Follow a recommended desparasitación calendar by your veterinarian.

You should use antiparasitarios for perros that keep your Bichón Habanero free of pulgas, garrapatas, and gusanos. This will help prevent infestaciones of parásitos internos and externos.

Nutrition and Health

A well-balanced diet is essential for a Havanese dog's overall health and well-being. A Havanese dog's nutritional needs are crucial to ensure their growth, maintain their energy, and promote a long and healthy life.

Credit: youtube.com, Havanese Health: Managing Weight and Nutrition for a Happy Dog

Their diet should include a mix of nutrients, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. A Havanese dog requires regular feeding to maintain their weight and prevent obesity.

A Havanese dog's digestive system is sensitive, so it's essential to feed them high-quality food that's easy to digest. Feeding them a balanced diet will help prevent digestive issues and keep them healthy.

Their food intake should be adjusted according to their age, size, and activity level. Puppies, for example, require more frequent feeding than adult dogs.

Intriguing read: Havanese Food

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Havanese so expensive?

Havanese prices vary depending on location and availability, with higher demand in densely populated areas and lower demand in areas with more breeders. The dog's pedigree can also significantly impact its price.

Is a Havanese a rare dog?

The Havanese breed was extremely rare in the latter half of the 20th century, but its population has since recovered. Although it was once on the brink of extinction, the breed is now relatively more common.

What two breeds make a Havanese?

The Havanese breed is believed to be a cross between the Blanquito and the poodle, with possible influence from other bichon types. This unique heritage makes the Havanese a distinct and charming companion dog.

Is a Havanese a good dog to have?

Considering their intelligence, trainability, and playful nature, Havanese dogs can make wonderful companions for active families. However, their suitability depends on individual needs and lifestyles

Dana Mitchell

Writer

Dana Mitchell is a passionate writer with a knack for storytelling. Her articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics that bring joy and knowledge to pet owners and enthusiasts alike. With a focus on mixed-breed dogs, Dana's writing aims to educate and inspire readers to appreciate the unique qualities of these lovable companions.

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