The Havanese breed (also known as the Bichon Havaise, Havaneser, and Havana Silk Dog) is a fun-loving toy breed of dog. Havanese dogs are known as unusually friendly and yet hard-working. They are today put to work in a variety of settings helping humans, from therapy to service.
The Havanese's Behavior
Havanese puppies for sale, Havanese local dog breeders
Source: Wikipedia.
Recommended for: pet
The Havanese breed is a toy breed said to be known for "silliness," though that may be just because the Havanese dog breed tends to be less standoffish than some other toy breeds. The dogs are known as attention-seekers, following people around the house and even doing tricks to attract notice. Versatile, hard-working dogs, Havanese dogs have been used as therapy dogs, service dogs for the disabled, performing dogs, mold and termite detecting dogs, and tracking dogs. In competition, the Havanese breed tends to excel in obedience, agility, flyball, and musical freestyle.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.
The Havanese's Physical Characteristics
Havanese puppies for sale, Havanese local dog breeders
Here are some of the characteristics of the Havanese breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.
- Size: 8½ to 11½ inches
- Coat: soft, light-textured, with two layers, the outer layer being slightly heavier
- Color: any
- Eyes: dark brown, large, almond-shaped
- Ears: medium-long, high-set, broad-based,
- Skull: broad, slightly rounded backskull
- Muzzle: squared-looking
- Nose: broad and "squarish," solid black or dark brown for the "chocolate" dog
- Tail: high-set with long, plumed, silky hairs, arcing forward over the back, except when moving when carried over the behind
The Havanese’s Origins and History
Havanese puppies for sale, Havanese local dog breeders
Source: Wikipedia.
Country/Region of Origin: Cuba
Original purpose: toy dog
Name: from "Havana;" also known as the Bichon Havaise, Havaneser, and Havana Silk Dog.
Historical notes: the Havanese breed was developed from the now-extinct Mediterranean Bichon Tenerife. After the 1959 Cuban Revolution, many wealthy Cubans who fled the country abandoned their dogs and the breed nearly died out. In the US, the breed today is descended from only 11 dogs which were carefully bred in the 1970s along with a few others acquired over the years. As the breed of dog kept by Barbara Walters, the breed became enormously popular.