Show Havanese Dogs 101: History, Health, and Traits

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

Their ancestors were likely brought to the island by Spanish traders and settlers.

This charming breed was highly prized by the Cuban aristocracy for its gentle and affectionate nature.

The Havanese was a popular companion dog, often given as gifts to royalty and nobility.

Their intelligence, playfulness, and love of human interaction made them a beloved friend to many.

In terms of health, Havanese dogs are generally a relatively healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain issues.

Hip dysplasia and eye problems are two potential health concerns that may affect some Havanese dogs.

Regular veterinary care and a balanced diet can go a long way in preventing or managing these issues.

Havanese dogs are known for their distinctive appearance, with a silky, double coat and a sweet expression.

Their size is usually small to medium, ranging from 7 to 13 inches in height and weighing between 7 and 13 pounds.

Their friendly, outgoing personalities make them a popular choice as family pets and show dogs.

For your interest: Havanese Dogs Short Hair

The Havanese breed is a small Cuban cutie, becoming more and more popular in the US, known for its great charm and character.

They have a long, silky coat and a rounded face with floppy ears, making them one of the cutest dogs out there.

A full-grown Havanese will only stand about nine inches off the ground.

They're unlikely to be aware of this, and will fight their corner proudly and loudly when they feel they have to.

The Havanese breed has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. The breed originated in Cuba, where it was brought by Spanish colonists in the 16th century.

The Havanese is a member of the Bichon family of dogs, which includes breeds such as the Bichon Frise and the Maltese. These small breeds are descended from the same bloodlines that produced the Barbet, or water spaniel.

In Cuba, the Havanese lived exclusively in the mansions of the highest social class of people and were given as precious gifts to friends or those who had performed a valuable service. They were not seen in the streets or public areas.

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The Havanese was known in England as the "White Cuban" and was popular among the nobility. Queen Anne is said to have admired a troupe of performing dogs that danced to music in almost human fashion.

The breed's popularity waned over time, but it experienced a huge comeback in the 1970s when American breeders became interested in the rare and charming dog. The US gene pool was only 11 dogs at the time.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Havanese breed in 1996, and with dedicated breeding and the acquisition of new dogs internationally, the breed has become one of the fastest growing breeds in the AKC.

A fresh viewpoint: Havanese Breed Standard

The Havanese breed is known for its stunning coat colors, which can vary greatly. From white to gold to black, the colors of a Havanese are truly unique.

A Havanese's coat color can change over time, lightening or darkening with age or whelping. This is a common occurrence in this breed.

All Havanese colors require complete and dark pigment on the eye rims, nose, and lips. This is a must-have for this breed.

The only exception to this rule is true chocolate-coated Havanese, which have dark brown/liver colored pigment instead. This is a special case in the world of Havanese colors.

A Havanese can have any combination of colors, and it's not uncommon to see a mix of colors on one dog. The key is that all colors develop a matte appearance over time.

Take a look at this: Havanese Colors

The Havanese breed is a lapdog of great charm and character, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their beautiful coat.

To avoid painful matting and tangling, brush your Havanese at least twice a week. This will also help prevent shedding, as the breed sheds very little hair.

A few times a week is generally sound advice for brushing your Havanese's teeth, just like you would for your own teeth.

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The Havanese breed requires regular brushing to avoid matting and tangling of their beautiful, curly coat.

Brushing should be done at least twice a week to prevent these issues.

You may want to employ a professional groomer some of the time, especially if you're planning to show your dog.

A Havanese's hair is extremely important, and regular grooming is crucial for its health and appearance.

Brushing a few times a week is generally not enough, and you should aim to brush your Havanese at least twice a week.

Regular brushing also helps to prevent painful matting and tangling of their dense and curly hair.

In addition to regular brushing, you should also brush your Havanese's teeth a few times a week to maintain their oral health.

This will help to prevent any potential health issues related to poor oral hygiene.

A Havanese sheds very little hair, making them a great choice for people with allergies.

See what others are reading: Do Havanese Have Hair or Fur

Heath testing is a crucial part of our breeding program, and it's essential for ensuring the health and well-being of our puppies.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) provides health test standards for the AKC Havanese breed, and we require our breeding dogs to pass OFA tests in four areas before being recognized as safe and appropriate for breeding.

These four required OFA tests are: BAER, Patellar Luxation, CERF, and Hip Dysplasia.

Here are the four required OFA tests in more detail:

In addition to these four required tests, we also perform the following OFA tests on our potential breeding dogs: Congenital Cardiac Disease, Elbow Dysplasia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.

A Havanese dog's temperament is a wonderful thing, making them a brilliant addition to your family. They're playful, intelligent, and get on well with children and other pets.

The Havanese can be a bit stubborn at times, but they're also easy to train, which is why they're often used as assistance and therapy dogs. This trait also makes them suitable for jobs like tracking.

These dogs have an excellent sense of humor and love being the center of attention, often being considered among the funniest dogs.

The Havanese temperament is a wonderful thing, making them a brilliant addition to your family. They're playful, intelligent, and get along well with children and other pets.

One thing you'll notice about Havanese dogs is that they're not all that interested in catching prey, which is a relief if you don't like dealing with unwanted presents on your doormat.

Havanese dogs can be a bit stubborn at times, but they're also highly trainable, making them a popular choice for assistance and therapy dogs, as well as jobs like tracking.

Their excellent sense of humor is just one of the reasons they're considered among the funniest dogs - they love being a clown and the center of attention, and they'll keep you laughing for as long as they're in your family.

Dogs like cuddling, and some breeds appreciate it more than others.

The Havanese dog breed, for instance, is known to love cuddling and may even crave it.

These canines have silky hair that's a joy to run your fingers through, making cuddle sessions even more enjoyable.

Their expressive eyes will often let you know when they need a cuddle with just one look.

The Havanese is a small, playful dog breed that originated in Cuba and is known for its silky, hypoallergenic coat.

They typically weigh between 7-13 pounds and stand between 8.5-11.5 inches tall at the shoulder.

Havanese dogs are friendly and outgoing, making them great companions for families with children.

They are highly intelligent and easy to train, but can be stubborn at times.

Havanese dogs are generally healthy, but can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.

They have a long lifespan, typically living between 12-15 years.

Havanese dogs are adaptable to living in small spaces, such as apartments, but still need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Havanese dogs are known for their quiet and gentle disposition, which makes them a great companion for many families.

They are highly affectionate and love to be around their owners, often preferring to be at their side or in the same room. This close bond is a key characteristic of the breed.

Havanese dogs are also intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners or experienced handlers alike.

Their large dark eyes and endearing habit of tilting their head when listening give them an alert and gentle expression that's hard to resist.

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The Havanese is a toy dog with a silky coat, standing between 8+1⁄2 to 11+1⁄2 inches tall at the withers.

They have a unique body shape, being slightly longer from front to rear than they are tall, giving them a rectangular appearance from the side.

Havanese are light-framed but sturdy dogs that convey a sense of refinement without appearing fragile. Males are slightly more muscular than females.

Their topline rises slightly from withers to the croup, creating a straight but not level line that doesn't change while moving at a natural gait.

The muzzle is full and tapers slightly at the nose, with a length equal to the length of the skull. The top of the skull is rather flat and the back skull is rounded.

Their eyes are solid black, except for chocolate-colored dogs which may have brown eyes, and their ears arc slightly upward at the base, hanging down on the sides of the head without touching the face.

The Havanese breed is known for its gentle disposition, which makes them a great companion for families and individuals alike. They enjoy playing, but can also be quiet and laid-back.

One thing to note is that Havanese dogs are highly affectionate and love to be around their owners. They'll often follow you around the house or snuggle up next to you on the couch.

Their intelligence and ease of training make them a popular choice for first-time dog owners. With proper training, they can learn to behave well and respond to commands.

Havanese dogs have a unique expression, characterized by large dark eyes and dropped ears. They also have a tendency to tilt their head when listening, which can be quite endearing.

Their alert nature means they'll often alert their owners to approaching strangers, which can be a great asset for those who value their safety.

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