The Dog Site

The Havanese is one of the Bichon type breeds, that includes Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Coton de Tulear, Lowchen and Maltese They are a good-humoured small dog, toy dog that were bred to be good companions, so are good with children. They like to have attention and will do tricks to catch peoples attention. This need for attention means they are not the choice for a working couple. They love following owners around the apartment, however they are not possessive of their “ family”, so are good with other animals and dogs. This seeking for attention often shows when eating, as they like someone present, so if you leave the room, they will often follow, eating as they go, which can be messy. They are a “real dog”, playing games such as tug of war with gusto. Like many toy dogs, they do not require long walks, but they do love attention. Professional Dog Walkers such as London Dog Walking, if doing grouped walks will pair them with similar dogs, rather than big energetic dogs.

For dog care they are relatively simple. They do not shed much, so whilst not strictly non-allegenic, they may be suitable for a family with an allergic member.

The Havanese has a slight wavy double coat, which is soft and light, with a heavier undercoat.

The Havanese should be groomed every day, as the fur has a tendency to mat. If not a show dog, you can trim the coat. Whilst they have fur, it is a coat to keep the hot sun off the body, not warmth inside, so in some areas you may need to buy sweaters for them.

When you bath them, dry with a towel and allow them to dry off naturally inside, as they are susceptible to skin problems if dried with a hair drier. It is a breed that the kennel clubs, prefer and dictate a natural look, avoiding the bows and preferring the hair over the eyes, that protected their eyes from the Cuban sun.

They now come in many different colours and patterns, but were originally white.
Whilst the Havanese is a toy dog, it is solid and sturdy. They have a weight range of around five Kgs ( about 12 lbs). Its height measured at the withers is normally 250mm( about ten). It is an unusual dog in that the rump is higher than the withers.

They have a sprightly agile movement. The Havanese are good swimmers, but many of them do not like swimming, but careful close to waterparticularly if there are animals for them to chase.

The Havanese have almond eyes, with medium sized ears that are well covered and hang down. The Havanese are disposed to ear infections, so regularly check their ears and clean them. Sometimes they may require their inner hairs to be plucked by tweezers or hand. The tail sweeps over the back and is also well covered. They have very sensitive noses and are trained in some countries for search. They are easily trainable so are often used in circus shows, tracking, hearing assistance dogs, mould, termite and drug search.

The Havanese normally live fourteen to sixteen years. They being breed from a limited gene pool suffer from some genetic diseases. These include liver disease, heart disease, cataracts and retinal dysplasia ( streaks and dots on the retina). It is recommended only to buy Havanese from parent dogs who have clear eye certificates. Havanese may develop brown tear stains, this is more obvious on the lighter coloured dogs.

The dog originated from the now extent Bichon Tenerife and was taken to Havana by original settlers and traders. Being popular in Havana in Cuba. Internationally the Havanese is a new breed, rapidly growing in the seventies from only ten animals in the USA. Though they were common prior to the Cuban Revolution, they, like many trappings of aristocracy were culled. Rapid growth in popularity now makes it difficult to find a puppy.

A superb family dog that should be considered.

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