This long-coated, spitz-tailed, high-spirited little dog was once the pampered favorite of rich Cuban families, especially those living in the capital, Havana. The Havanese is an alert, intelligent, responsive, affectionate and absolutely non-aggressive dog. It is wary of strangers and makes an excellent watchdog.
Havanese dogs are an active, lovable breed. This is an ancient breed that was developed primarily by the Spanish and Italians.
These dogs are recognized by their flowing silky coats. The Havanese is very intelligent and very trainable. They are known to perform very well in obedience training. These are also extremely desirable family pets. They behave wonderfully around children. Many people with allergies can live sneeze-free with this bichon frisé relative, also called the Havana Silk because that's how its profuse straight, wavy or curly coat feels.
Owners claim Havanese are intuitive and able to tell what their people are thinking. They're quick studies, whether it's advanced obedience or discerning which of the kids is the softest touch for treats. The Havanese can be noisy and destructive when being left alone for long hours. These dogs require lots of human attention and suffer from separation anxiety.
Havanese Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Western Mediterranean basin, Development - Cuba |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 9 - Companion and toy dogs; Bichons and related breeds (without working trial) |
| Utilization: | Companion and toy dog |
| AKC Classification: | Toy Group |
| Personality: | Exceptionally lively and talented, he is easy to train as alarm dog. Affectionate, of a happy nature, he is attractive, a charmer, playful and even a bit of a clown. He loves children and plays endlessly with them. |
| Size Category: | Small |
| Height: | 8-11 inches at shoulders |
| Colors: | There are two varieties of color:
1) Rarely completely pure white, fawn in its different shades of light fawn to havana-brown (tobacco color, reddish brown); markings in those colors of coat; slight blackened overlay admitted.
2) Black, admitted colors (white, light fawn to havana-brown) with black markings. |
| Other Names: | Bichon Havanais, Cuban Shock Dog, Havana Silk Dog, the Havana Spaniel, the Havana Bichon, the Havana |
| Average Litter Size: | 6 |
| Life Span: | 12-15 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
These dogs need daily combing, regular bathing with conditioning, and trimming of the hair around the feet. |
| Shedding: | None |
| Social skills: | Excellent with other pets. |
| Suitability for Children: | Havanese are very good with children. |
| Exercise Needs: | They do not require a great deal of physical activity and are great in the house, making them a suitable city or country dog. |
| Train Ability: | Havanese are very responsive to training and do great in obedience competitions, but they can be difficult to house break. |
| Health & Behavior Issues: | PRA (blindness), cataracts, skin allergies. |