Havanese

The history of the Havanese, also known as the ‘Havana Silk Dog’, is both fascinating and somewhat obscure. The rare Havanese breed is named after Cuba’s capital, Havana, where its final development took place. It is believed that the ancestors of the Havanese were dogs brought to Cuba by Spanish colonists in the 16th-17th centuries. These were likely dogs from the “Bichon” group, possibly ancestors of the modern Maltese or the Tenerife Bichons (a breed now extinct, but considered the ancestor of the Bichon Frise).

Isolated on the island, these dogs interbred, and possibly also mixed with other small breeds brought to the island. There is a theory about an admixture of small Poodle blood. This led to the emergence of a unique breed – the ‘Blanquito de la Habana’, or ‘little white dog from Havana’. These dogs were extremely popular among the Cuban aristocracy and wealthy planters. They were exclusively companion dogs, entertaining their owners and their guests.

Later, in the 19th century, European settlers brought other popular breeds of the time to Cuba, which may have influenced the ‘Blanquito’. As a result of further development and likely crossbreeding with other Bichons, the dog we know today as the Havanese emerged, with its characteristic silky coat of various colours (unlike the pure white ‘Blanquito’).

The Cuban Revolution of 1959 was a turning point in the breed’s history. Many aristocrats fleeing the country left their pets behind. The breed was on the brink of extinction. Only a handful of enthusiasts managed to get a few dogs to the USA. From literally 11 dogs that made it to America, the breed’s revival outside of Cuba began. Thanks to the efforts of American breeders, the breed was not just saved but gained a new wave of popularity. Today, the Havanese is recognised by most kennel clubs worldwide and is a beloved pet in many countries.

The Havanese is a small but sturdy dog, slightly longer than it is tall. It has a characteristic springy, ‘dancing’ gait, which reflects its cheerful nature.

• Head: Medium length, skull broad, slightly rounded. Stop (transition from forehead to muzzle) is moderately defined.
• Muzzle: Gradually tapers to the nose, but is not pointed. Nose is black or dark brown.
• Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, very dark brown. The expression is lively, intelligent, and mischievous. Eye rims are black or dark brown.
• Ears: Set relatively high, dropping along the cheeks to form a slight fold. They are covered in long, beautiful fur.
• Body: Topline is straight, rising slightly towards the rump. Loins are short, chest is quite deep.
• Tail: Set high, carried over the back or to the side in a ‘plume’. It is covered in very long, silky fur.
• Limbs: Forelegs are straight, parallel, with strong bone. Hindquarters are well-angulated and muscular. Paws are small and compact.

Coat and Colour: The Breed’s Pride

The main adornment of the Havanese is its unique coat. It is very long (12-18 cm in an adult dog), soft, silky, and light. It can be slightly wavy or form light curls at the ends, but should never be curly like a Poodle’s or harsh. An undercoat is either absent or very sparse. This means the dog sheds very little, but the coat requires constant grooming to avoid matting.

Unlike many other Bichon breeds, such as the Bolognese or the Maltese, which are predominantly white, Havanese have the widest palette of colours:

• Rare pure white.
• Fawn (from light cream to a champagne shade).
• Tobacco, reddish-brown, Havana (brown).
• Black (can fade in the sun to a ‘choclate’ colour).
• Spotted and mixed colours: Two and three-colour combinations are very common (e.g., black & white, fawn & white, black & tan, tricolour).

The height of these four-legged Cubans, as is jokingly said, can be compared to the length of a large Havana cigar. This is an exaggeration, of course, but they are genuinely compact, making them ideal for living in a flat.

The Havanese is a bundle of joy, a ‘ray of sunshine’ in your home. Its character is one of the main reasons for the breed’s popularity. They were bred for centuries exclusively for companionship, and this is deeply embedded in their psychology.

Cheerful and playful, the Havanese adores being the centre of attention. It will happily participate in all family activities, whether it’s watching television or playing children’s games. They are very affectionate and form a strong bond with their human ‘pack’. This trait has a downside: Havanese struggle with loneliness. They are not suited for people who spend all day at work, leaving the pet alone. Prolonged isolation can lead to anxiety and destructive behaviour.

They get along wonderfully with children, provided the children are taught to handle a small dog gently. Their playful spirit and tireless energy make them excellent playmates. They are also very friendly towards other animals, including cats and other dogs, especially if raised together.

Despite its cute appearance, the Havanese can be a good ‘doorbell’. It is wary of strangers and will certainly alert owners with a loud bark to a guest’s arrival or a suspicious noise outside. It will meet potential danger with bravery and determination to warn its family. However, they are not aggressive and quickly become friendly once they realise there is no threat. This is not a guard dog in the classic sense, like a German Pinscher, but rather an alert breed. A balanced temperament, friendliness, high intelligence, and characteristic devotion to its owners make the Havanese an excellent family dog.

Like any breed, the Havanese has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to assess them objectively before deciding on a new family member.

Havanese are generally quite a healthy breed with a good lifespan (14-16 years). However, like all breeds, they have a predisposition to certain genetic and small-dog-specific diseases. Responsible breeders test their dogs for many of these issues, but it’s important to know what to look out for.

1. Dental and Gum Problems:
All small toy breeds are prone to tartar build-up, periodontal disease, and early tooth loss. This is because their teeth are often too large for their small jaws, leading to overcrowding. Food gets easily trapped between teeth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, you must get your pet used to daily tooth brushing with special dog toothpaste from a young age. An adult dog is unlikely to enjoy this procedure if not accustomed to it from puppyhood. Regular check-ups with a veterinary dentist are also essential.

2. Eye Problems:
Eyes can also be a weak spot for this breed. The most common issues are:

• Cataracts: A clouding of the lens that can appear at any age and lead to blindness.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A degenerative disease also leading to blindness.
• Tear Staining: Often the fur under the eyes becomes stained reddish-brown. This can be caused by allergies, blocked tear ducts, or simply the eye structure. Regular hygiene is needed.

3. Orthopaedic Problems:

• Patellar Luxation: A very common problem in small breeds. The kneecap ‘pops’ out of place, causing pain and lameness.
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. This disease affects the hip joint and requires surgery.

4. Ear Problems:
Because the Havanese’s ears are dropped and covered with thick fur, air circulation in the ear canal is poor. This creates a warm, moist environment, ideal for the growth of bacterial and fungal infections (otitis). It is necessary to inspect the ears regularly, clean them as recommended by your vet, and keep them dry, especially after swimming (Havanese often love to swim, by the way).

5. Other Potential Issues:

• Deafness: Can be congenital (present from birth) and linked to genes.
• Heart Murmurs: It’s important to have regular cardiac check-ups.
• Allergies: Can be food or environmental, often manifesting as itching and skin problems.

Below is a table with the main diseases and prevention methods.

Grooming the luxurious Havanese coat is perhaps the most demanding and responsible aspect of owning this breed. Its long, soft, silky hair without an undercoat is very prone to matting. If you want your pet to look like a show dog, be prepared for daily routines.

1. Daily Brushing:
This is no exaggeration. A Havanese must be brushed every single day. Use a good quality brush (a pin brush or natural bristle brush) and a metal comb with varying teeth spacing. Pay special attention to ‘problem’ areas: behind the ears, under the ‘armpits’, on the belly, and on the ‘trousers’. You must brush from the roots to the tips, gently teasing out any knots with your fingers before using the comb. You can use special conditioning sprays to make brushing easier.

2. Bathing:
Bathe your Havanese as needed, but typically no more than 1-2 times a month (if the coat is in show condition). Use only high-quality shampoos and conditioners for long-haired dogs. After bathing, the coat should not be rubbed with a towel; it should be gently patted dry. It’s best to blow-dry the coat on a cool setting, brushing it simultaneously so it lies flat and doesn’t tangle.

3. Grooming and Clipping:
Many owners who don’t participate in shows prefer to clip their Havanese to make grooming easier. The ‘puppy cut’, where the coat all over the body is uniformly shortened to a few centimetres, is popular. This significantly simplifies life for both the dog and the owner. However, even a short coat requires regular brushing.

4. Other Procedures:
Besides the coat, don’t forget standard procedures:

• Eyes: Wipe the corners daily with a damp cloth to remove teary discharge and prevent staining.
• Claws: Trim claws every 2-4 weeks. If the dog walks a lot on tarmac, they may wear down naturally, but still need checking.
• Ears: Inspect weekly, clean as needed.
• Teeth: Brush daily.

Havanese adapt easily to any living conditions, but as mentioned, their basic need is to be constantly near a person. Therefore, a family whose members spend all day at work should not get this rare dog. Such a pet won’t demand long walks, but nor will it protest against a longer outing with its owner.

Representatives of this rare breed are blessed with high intelligence and a natural desire to please their owner. This, combined with their characteristic obedience, provides an excellent foundation for successful training. Havanese learn quickly and perform commands with pleasure.

Key Training Principles:

• Positive reinforcement only: Havanese are very sensitive to their owner’s tone. They respond poorly to shouting and harsh methods. Motivation through treats, praise, and play works best.
• Early socialisation: This is critically important. From a very young age, introduce your puppy to different people, sounds, places, and other (fully vaccinated) dogs. This will help them grow into a confident, balanced, and non-fearful dog.
• Consistency and patience: Be consistent with your rules. If something is forbidden, it’s always forbidden. Havanese are smart and will quickly learn if you give in.
• House training: This can be a weak spot. Like many small breeds, they can be a bit stubborn in this area. A strict routine, frequent trips outside, and lots of praise for success are needed.

Havanese perform surprisingly well in various dog sports, such as agility (where their nimbleness and speed are impressive), obedience, and even freestyle (dancing with dogs). Their cleverness and artistry make them stars in such competitions. In the past, these short-legged little ones were even used as circus performers and ‘helpers’ to shepherds for herding poultry. This demonstrates their versatility. Although these affectionate family pets do not have high exercise needs, their motor activity should not be limited. By spending their natural energy on a walk, a Havanese will behave more calmly at home.

Proper nutrition is the foundation of your Havanese’s health and longevity. Due to their small size, it’s important not to overfeed them, as obesity puts a huge strain on their joints and heart.

Types of Feeding:

• High-quality dry food (super-premium or holistic): This is the most convenient option. Choose a food designed specifically for small breeds, high in protein (meat as the first ingredient) and without unnecessary fillers like corn or wheat.
• Natural feeding (e.g., raw or home-cooked): You can opt for a natural diet for adult Havanese. The basis of such a menu is protein (raw or cooked meat, offal, sea fish), supplemented with vegetables, a small amount of grains, and cultured dairy products. Such a diet is difficult to balance on your own, so it’s best to consult a veterinary nutritionist. Never give food from your table – it’s too fatty, salty, and seasoned for a dog.
• Mixed feeding: Some owners combine dry and natural/wet food. It’s important not to mix them in the same boll and to serve them at different times.

Feeding Schedule:

Feed an adult Havanese twice a day (morning and evening) on a clear schedule. Puppies are fed more often (3-4 times a day). Always follow the guidelines on the food packaging, adjusting for your dog’s weight and activity level. Always provide free access to fresh, clean water.

What to Avoid:

Avoid snacking between meals. If you really want to treat your little one, instead of a slice of salami or a piece of cheese (which can be harmful), offer a piece of apple, carrot, or special dog treats. Never give dogs: chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or xylitol (a sweetener).

• Cuba’s National Dog: The Havanese is the only breed originating from Cuba and recognised by the FCI. It is a source of national pride.
• ‘Velcro Dog’: Havanese are often called ‘velcro dogs’ because they want to be ‘stuck’ to their owner 24/7.
• Famous Owners: The breed was a favourite of many famous people, including Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, and Ernest Hemingway (who lived in Cuba).
• Chameleon Colour: Many Havanese change colour as they age. A dog born dark can lighten significantly, and bright patches can fade.
• Thermal Coat: Their long, light coat actually serves to protect them from the tropical sun in their homeland, acting as insulation. It doesn’t so much warm them as protect their skin.
• Other ‘Bichon’ Relatives: This group, besides the Havanese, includes the Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Maltese, Löwchen (Little Lion Dog), and the Coton de Tulear.

Do Havanese shed a lot?

No, this is one of the breed’s main advantages. They have hair, not fur with an undercoat, and shed minimally (like humans). Dead hairs usually stay in the coat rather than on furniture, which is why they must be brushed out to prevent mats. This makes them a good choice for many allergy sufferers.

Do they need long walks?

Havanese are quite energetic for their size, but they don’t need marathons. One or two daily walks (totalling 30-45 minutes) and active indoor play are perfectly sufficient. They will happily join you for a longer hike but won’t demand it.

Can a Havanese be left alone at home?

This is highly discouraged. Havanese are companion dogs that suffer from loneliness. If you work full-time out of the house, this breed is likely not for you. When left alone, they can develop anxiety, which manifests as barking, howling, or destructive behaviour.

Are Havanese noisy?

They can be vocal, as they have a natural ‘signal’ dog instinct. They will bark to alert you to guests, the postman, or a squirrel outside the window. This can (and should) be managed with training from a young age, teaching the dog a ‘Quiet!’ command.

Is their coat difficult to care for?

Yes, it requires discipline. If you want to maintain a long coat, be prepared for a daily 15-20 minute brushing session. If not, you will need to take the dog to a groomer regularly (every 6-8 weeks) for a clip, which is an additional commitment of time and money. This is not a ‘low-maintenance’ breed.