Havanese Dog

The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba and the country’s only native breed. Their ancestors were small Bichon-type dogs (likely including the Blanquito de la Habana, now extinct) brought to Cuba by Spanish traders and settlers in the 16th and 17th centuries. These dogs became favored companions of the wealthy Cuban sugar barons and aristocratic families, living a life of pampered luxury. Isolated on the island for centuries, the Havanese evolved into the distinct breed we know today, perfectly adapted to the tropical climate with its unique, heat-insulating silky coat.

The Cuban Revolution in the 1950s led to the breed’s near extinction, as many wealthy Cubans fled the country, often unable to take their dogs. However, a small number of Havanese (reportedly just 11 dogs) were brought to the United States by Cuban refugees. These few dogs formed the foundation for the Havanese breed in North America and subsequently worldwide. Dedicated breeders worked diligently to preserve and re-establish this charming breed. The Havanese was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 and has since gained immense popularity for its delightful temperament and appealing appearance.

The Havanese is renowned for its exceptionally affectionate, playful, and cheerful temperament. They are true companion dogs who thrive on being with their human families and are known for their “Velcro dog” tendencies – they love to stick close to their people. Havanese are intelligent, curious, and often possess a comical, entertaining personality. They are generally very sociable and get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats, especially if socialized from a young age.

They are eager to please and respond well to positive training methods. While alert and will bark to announce visitors, they are not typically yappy or aggressive. Havanese are sensitive dogs and do not do well if left alone for extended periods, as they can suffer from separation anxiety. Their primary purpose in life is to be a loving and beloved member of the family, showering their owners with affection and charm. They are known for their springy gait and happy-go-lucky attitude.

The Havanese has a distinctive long, soft, silky double coat that can be straight, wavy, or even slightly corded. This beautiful coat, while surprisingly insulating against heat, requires regular and diligent grooming to prevent tangles and mats from forming, which can happen quickly if neglected.

Daily or at least every-other-day brushing and combing down to the skin are essential. A pin brush, slicker brush (used gently), and a good quality metal comb are necessary tools. Pay particular attention to areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears, under the legs, and the belly. Havanese are considered low-shedding, as shed hair tends to get caught in the existing coat rather than falling onto furniture. Many pet owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” or other pet trims for easier maintenance, which will still require regular brushing and professional grooming every 4-8 weeks. The hair on their head may be tied up in a topknot or trimmed to keep it out of their eyes. Regular baths, nail trims, ear cleaning, and diligent dental care are also crucial.

Havanese have moderate exercise needs. They are playful and enjoy activity but do not require extensive, strenuous workouts like some larger or more high-energy breeds. Daily walks, coupled with regular indoor or outdoor play sessions, are usually sufficient to keep them happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated. They are known for their bursts of playful energy.

Good exercise options include:

• One or two moderate daily walks on a leash. They enjoy exploring and sniffing.
• Indoor playtime with favorite toys. They love interactive games with their owners.
• Playtime in a securely fenced yard.
• Learning new tricks and participating in canine sports like agility (on a smaller scale), rally, or obedience.

They are adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, including apartments, as long as their daily exercise and companionship needs are met. They particularly enjoy activities that involve close interaction with their beloved humans.

Havanese are generally a healthy and long-lived breed, but like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain genetic health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these issues. Potential health concerns include:

• Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap, common in toy and small breeds.
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A hip joint disorder affecting small breeds, leading to degeneration of the head of the femur bone.
• Eye Conditions: Including cataracts (juvenile and adult-onset), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and cherry eye. Eye certification is crucial for breeding stock.
• Deafness: Congenital deafness can occur. BAER testing is recommended for breeding stock.
• Heart Murmurs/Conditions:** Such as mitral valve disease.
• Chondrodysplasia:** A form of dwarfism characterized by shorter limbs; it’s part of their breed type but can sometimes be associated with joint issues.
• Allergies:** Skin or food allergies can sometimes occur.
• Dental Issues:** Like many toy breeds, they can be prone to tartar buildup and gum disease if dental hygiene is neglected.