Havanese Informationuse keyboard arrows for additional information about this breed |  |
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General Description
(Bichon Havanais) (Havana Silk Dog) The Havanese is an elegant breed with distinctive fur. Round and covered in soft fur is their small happy faces. Bright almond shaped eyes appear perky and a black nose ends their square muzzle. This is very important to the breed as it reflects a lot of character and soul in their expression. Their long ears are never seen because of long flowing hair. A wide neck leads to their broad shoulders and square body. Short chubby legs lead to long round feet. Covering their body is long flowing fur which is particularly abundant on top of their head which is usually held up with a bow or ribbon. The beautiful fur comes in many colors; the most common is white.
A Havanese coat can be straight, wavy or curly.
Character
The Havanese has a happy and extremely friendly attitude. Getting along wonderfully with all people familiar or not, this breed loves attention and knows how to get it! This breed loves playing with other dogs no matter how big they are and does great with cats and even small animals. This breed could definitely be called a “social butterfly.” Training this breed is easy because they are eager to please and love being the center of attention so many fun tricks and games can easily be taught to any Havanese. Shy, nervous, or aggressive behavior should not appear in a Havanese.
This breed loves children and can take a bit of rough housing.
Size
8-11 inches
Weight
7-15 pounds
This breed can vary in weight but but should be around 7-15 pounds. Some dogs may weigh more. Havanese that weigh less than 7 pounds may have increased health risk. Also note, the AKC has not set forth a weigh standard for this breed. commonly weigh more but anything smaller carries many health risks.
General Health
The Havanese commonly has cataracts, poodle eye (which is discharge from the eye and staining), PRA (causes blindness in both eyes), dry skin, or luxating patellas (knee problem sometimes leading to lameness) but these disorders mostly appear when this breed ages. An average life expectancy for the long living Havanese is 14-15 years.
Recently, Havanese breeders have been working to eliminate cataracts in the breed. It is recommended to buy from a breeder who screens for this genetic defect.
History
The Havenese was developed in Cuba and was extremely popular with the wealthy members of the country before the Cuban Revolution. After the revolution, the breed almost became extinct. However, an American breeder intervened and began working to save the breed from that fate. Today, the breed is becoming increasingly popular in the U. S. and other countries.
Maintenance
The Havanese needs plenty of grooming which is expected because of their long flowing coat. However, to prevent immense grooming the fur can be clipped short. Left long, their fur needs to be brushed two times a week plus extra fur should be trimmed away from the pads of their feet. Of course a show dog will need more grooming but for a pet this is all that needs to be done. Exercise, such as walks or play sessions, will keep this breed happy and healthy.
This breed is considered to be hypoallergenic and non-shedding. Havanese have hair instead of fur making them optimal for owners that suffer from allergies.
Ideal Environment
Almost all families can add this fun and friendly breed into their homes and hearts. Great with people and all types of animals this breed can live with anyone. Playful and fun, they love walks and time to play, but they also enjoy learning cute and fun tricks so they become the center of attention. Apartment life and being a companion for the elderly are both possible living environments for this easy going breed.
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Havanese Q&AAsk a Question
I have a curly coat havanese, how do you cord the coat?I have a curly coat havanese, how do you cord the coat?
Asked by Anonymous - 0 answers
Can you train a Havanese to use a litter box in the winter and go outside during the other ...Can you train a Havanese to use a litter box in the winter and go outside during the other seasons or is it too confusing for them?
Asked by Anonymous - 1 answers
I'm trying to decide between a havanese/toy poodle mix and a cavalier mini poodle mix, with ...I'm trying to decide between a havanese/toy poodle mix and a cavalier mini poodle mix, with regard to the housebreaking and vocal tendencies of the havanese and the major health issues of the cavalier in general is my dilemma. ???
Asked by Anonymous - 3 answers
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