| Description: The Havanese is a small, toy dog with a | | | | Temperament: The Havanese is exclusively a |
| height at the shoulder of just 8 to 11 inces. This dog will | | | | companion dog and excels in having an gentle and |
| weigh between 7 and 13 pounds when fully grown. It is | | | | affectionate nature. They are very good with children, |
| a sturdy little dog with a compact body and short legs. | | | | and become attached to all family members. The |
| The coat of the Havanese is long and silky, and this | | | | Havanese is sociable and likes to take part in family |
| dog does not shed, so it good for people with allergies. | | | | activities. It loves to be the center of attention and is |
| The coat can be found in a variety of colors such as | | | | sensitive the emotions of others. The Havanese has |
| white, silver, blue, black, cream, chocolate, and tricolor. | | | | no problem getting along with cats, dogs, and other |
| The tail is carried at a jaunty angle above the back. | | | | family pets. This dog is friendly with strangers. |
| The Havanese can easily live to be 14 or 15 years old. | | | | Health Issues: For a dog with such a limited gene pool |
| It is also called the Havana Silk Dog and the Bichon | | | | to begin with, the Havanese is a fairly healthy breed. It |
| Havanese. | | | | can be subject to hip dysplasia and cataracts. The |
| History: The Havanese is a member of the Bichon | | | | dog can suffer from liver problems, especially as it |
| family of dogs. The Bichon was taken to Cuba during | | | | ages. It can also develop retinal dysplasia and heart |
| the heyday of the Spanish Empire and given to | | | | disease. |
| women in wealthy households by sea captains. This | | | | Grooming: The long, silky coat of the Havanese needs |
| served the purpose of introducing the captains to rich | | | | to be brushed every day to prevent tangles and |
| families that could help in trade relations. The limited | | | | matting. Some people trim the coat shorter to cut |
| breeding carried on by these wealthy families | | | | down on the time needed for grooming. A lotion is |
| eventually produced the Havanese. This charming little | | | | often applied to the coat to keep the hairs from |
| dog almost became extinct after the Cuban | | | | splitting while being brushed. The coat is sometimes |
| Revolution when it was seen as a decadent symbol | | | | corded. The long, floppy ears of the Havanese must |
| of the upper classes. Fortunately, a few of these dogs, | | | | be kept clean and dry to prevent ear infections. It is |
| 11 only, were taken to Florida and the breed eventually | | | | also a good idea to practice dental hygiene at home |
| made a comeback thanks to dedicated American | | | | with these dogs. |
| breeders. | | | | |