Learn about a dog breed > Dog breeds > Havanese Puppy Breed Information
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| Name: |
Havanese |
| Average Maximum Height: |
8-11in |
| Average Maximum Weight: |
7-13lb |
| Colors: |
Though there is some argument on whether the original Havanese were all white or of different colours, modern Havanese are acceptable in all coat colours and patterns, with allowances made in every breed standard for their unique colourful nature. The only restrictions is that every Havanese must have a black nose and eyerims, except in chocolate coloured dogs, where brown colouration is allowed. Popular colours include fawn, white, and black, and parti-coloured Havanese are as well regarded as solids. The colour of a Havanese puppy may change colour as an adult, this coat it usually labled as Sable. If you are concerned about the colour you may want to ask the breeder for the family history. |
| Coat: |
Havanese, like other Bichons and related dogs like Poodles, have a coat that doesn't readily shed. Rather, it catches hair and dander internally, and needs to be regularly brushed out. Many people consider the Havanese to be nonallergenic or hypoallergenic, but they do still release dander, which can aggravate allergies. It's best to be exposed to the Havanese before deciding to choose one as a dog for a house with allergies.
Havanese have three coat types, the smooth, which is similar to the Maltese, the curly, which is not unlike a Bichon Frise coat, and the wavy, which is the preferred coat type and the type most uniquely Havanese. The hair is long, soft, and abundant, and should have no coarseness. A short coat mutation shows up occasionally in otherwise normal litters, but these are not showable Havanese and go so far against standard that even novelty breeding of them is discouraged.
Because of the tropical nature of the Havanese, the thick coat is light and designed to act as a sunshade and cooling agent for the little dog on hot days. This means, though, that the fluffy Havanese needs protection against cold winter days, in spite of the warm wooly look of their fur.
The coat can be shown naturally brushed out, or corded, a technique which turns the long coat into 'cords' of fur, and which is hard to start but easy to care for when completed. |
| Grooming Required: |
Regular coat care, brushing |
| Good with Children: |
Yes |
| Good with Pets: |
Yes |
| Best Kept: |
Outdoors |
Activity Level
(1 low; 10 high): |
4 |
| Trainability: |
High |
| Originates From: |
Cuba |
| Origin Date: |
1800s |
| Original Use: |
companion |
| Current Use: |
companion, show |
| Other Names: |
Bichon Havanais |
| Life Expectancy: |
14-15 Years |
| AKC Recognition: |
Yes |
| Year Recognized: |
1995 |
| Class: |
Toy |
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Quick Links |
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Havanese puppies for sale
Havanese breeders
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Common Traits |
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Juvelie cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy. |
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History |
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The Havanese itself developed uniquely in Cuba, either as the result of said Spanish sailors, or as is often believed by native Cubans, as gifts from Italian traders to open the doors of wealthy houses to their goods. The "Little Dog from Havana" even traveled back to Europe where it found brief favour in the late 19th century as a circus and trick dog and a court companion.
As part of the Cuban Revolution, many trappings of aristocracy were culled, including the pretty but useless fluffy family dogs of the wealthy land owners of Cuba! Even though many upper class Cubans fled to the United States, few were able to bring their dogs, nor did they have the inclination to breed them. Indeed, when Americans became interested in this rare and charming dog in the 1970s, the gene pool available in the US was only 11 animals.
With dedicated breeding, as well as the acquisition of some new dogs of type internationally, the Havanese has made a huge comeback, with recognition by many major kennel clubs and one of the fastest growing registration of new dogs in the AKC (+42% in 2004). They have also suffered from a certain level of trendiness due to rarity, good temperament, and publicity by such famous owners as Barbara Walters. |
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Miscellaneous |
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The Havanese is an expensive and rare dog, and the cost of getting a dog from a breeder who takes the time to put them through the right health tests can drive the price to $2000 or more. Beware of anyone who is selling a Havanese through a pet store. There is a lot of time and money invested into a healthy puppy, and a responsible breeder should want to meet you, often a few times, before selling you a puppy.
Many people sadly use the Havanese's rarity to sell them for a fast profit. Increasingly, some people will attempt to pass off a crossbred 'poodog' as the more desirable Havanese. If you must look for an inexpensive dog, try a Havanese rescue group first.
Havanese have several specific considerations for their care that a prospective owner should keep in mind.
The Havanese has difficulty in housebreaking and can take a year or longer to consistently train. This is due to a smaller bladder than many other dog breeds. Crate training or litter box training are two options to help aid in this difficulty.
The Havanese has a profuse coat that requires daily grooming. If one does not intend to show their dog, it can be trimmed shorter so as to require less brushing.
The Havanese, with their drop ears, need to have their ears cleaned to help prevent ear infections.
Though they are not a dog that requires long walks, Havanese are active and require at least a large, well-enclosed yard to run around in a few times a day. They will also use up energy tearing around and getting underfoot.
The Havanese is not a naturally yappy dog, but may alert its owners to approaching people. Usually acknowledging that you have heard their alert is enough to make them cease. |
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Havanese Puppy Breed Information
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