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"HAVANESE DOGS ARE WONDERFUL AND MAKE GREAT FAMILY PETS THAT DON'T SHED."

Havanese dogs are in the toy group and a member of the Bichon family. Their friendly temperament makes them a natural companion dog.

HISTORY

They are the national dog of Cuba, the only true Cuban breed. It is thought that their ancestors traveled to Cuba when the Spanish were exploring the Caribbean's.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Havanese dogs have large, dark ,appealing eyes, coats that are long, soft, wispy with tufts or curls at the ends. Their tail is plumed over their back. Their ears are medium-long, muzzle is squarish looking, nose is broad and squarish which is solid black or dark brown.

They come in many colors from: white, shade of cream, champagne, gold, black, blue, silver, chocolate or any combination. There are three coat types: smooth, curly, and wavy. The wavy is the preferred coat and the most uniquely Havanese. Their hair is long, soft and abundant. The coat slight designed for a cooling agent for hot days. So on cold days they need protection.

They are a non-shedding dog and don't have that "doggie odor".

Weight: 7-13 pounds
Life Span: 14-15 years

Characteristics and Temperament:

Fun
Devoted
Very sociable
Intelligent
Loving
Entertaining
Obedient
Active
Gentle
Responsive
Good watch dog
Happy nature
Affectionate
Playful

They are cheerful and get along with everyone. They need a great deal of companionship and they don't like to be left alone for more than a few hours at a time. This breed is excellent with children and extremely playful. They are also good with other animals. They are polite with other people and animals.

A Havanese loves to sit up high on furniture and observe what is going on around him.

GROOMING

They need frequent grooming or they become matted. Regular bathing with conditioning and trimming. They need to have their ears cleaned to prevent ear infection.

This breed is not a yappy dog but alert you to approaching people. If they do bark a lot early training should take care of it.

They are difficult to housebreak because they have a smaller bladder than other small dog breeds. They need consistent crate training to housebreak them.

They are sensitive to the tone of your voice so beware that harsh words upset him when training him.

HAVANESES ARE HEALTHIER AND STURDIER THAN THEIR MALTESE COUSINS BUT ARE PRONE TO:

PRA
Cataracts
Luxating patellas
Poodle eye
Dry skin

A good apartment dog, very active indoors and just need average exercise.

Havanese puppies are in high demand because their breed is being "discovered". They are, however, an expensive dog that cost between $1800.00 to $2500.00 from breeders and it is possible to wait 6 months to 2 years to get one. Since they are in high demand you really need to be sure who you are buying from. Don't buy from a puppy mill or a low quality breeder. Ask the breeder questions related to this breed and get the proper certificates.

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