The Havanese is a small dog breed with some rather unique qualities. For one thing, these pups are highly intelligent and adaptable to a variety of situations. Looking for a companion to enjoy some peace and quiet with? Check. Want a buddy who'll gladly come on a stroll in a busy public area? Check. Seeking a new pet friend for your current pets? Take the right precautionary steps with introducing any new pet, and the Havanese is likely to do just fine!
Of course, there's a lot more to the Havanese dog breed than just versatility. Whether you're considering adopting one of these fascinating canines as part of your family or are simply a curious person looking to learn more about the breed, this guide has you covered. Read on for fun facts, Havanese breed history, health info, care tips, and more!
10 fun facts about the Havanese
- The Havanese is the only dog breed considered native to Cuba!In 2016, it was officially recognized as the country's national dog. The name "Havanese" is a nod to the capital city of Havana, Cuba.
- It was developed from the now-extinct Blanquito de la Habana or "little white dog of Havana," also known as the "Havana silk dog."
- These are small pups, generally weighing between 7 and 13 lbs. (3.18 and 5.89 kg) when fully-grown.
- A long-haired dog breed, Havanese hair can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long. That said, hair growth will naturally stop at closer to 6 inches (15 cm) on many of these dogs.
- Though all-white Havanese are considered the most recognizable of the breed, these dogs actually come in a huge variety ofdifferent colors and coat patterns.
- Havanese dogs have long lifespans for canines, typically reaching between 13 and 16 years. However, the Havanese Club of America's surveys have recorded dogs living as long as 19 years old!
- Though from Cuba, Havanese are believed to be descended from dogs from Tenerife, an island off North Africa. These dogs were brought to the New World by Spanish merchants.
- While the breed has been around for quite a while, it was only recognized by the AKC in 1996.
- The Havanese almost didn't make it! The breed was extremely rare in the later half of the 20th century, almost going extinct after the Cuban revolution in 1959.
- Charles Dickens had a Havanese dog named "Tim." Legend has it the dog inspired the famous character of Tiny Tim, but this has not been proven.
What does a Havanese look like?
The Havanese is toy dog breed known for its short stature and silky coat. These cute little dogs typically stand between 8.5 and 11.5 inches (22 to 29 cm) tall at the shoulders, with the ideal height (by kennel club standards) being around 9 to 10.5 inches (23 to 26.67 cm). Their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall, giving them a bit of a stretched-out look, though nowhere near as long as other "long" breeds like Dachshunds.
One of the unique features of the Havanese is its topline, which gently rises from the shoulders to the hindquarters. This topline is straight but not completely level. They're also famous for their lively, flashy gait. Thanks to their strong rear drive and slightly shorter upper arms, they have a springy motion rather than a long-reaching one. Even when they're moving naturally, the angle of their topline stays the same.
The muzzle of the Havanese is full and tapers a bit at the nose, without looking too short or pointy. The length from the stop (the indentation between the forehead and the muzzle) to the back of the head is equal to the length of the muzzle. Their skull is pretty flat on top, with the back of the skull being more rounded.
As for coat appearance, you’ll find Havanese in a range of different hues: from black to gray, silver, cream, red, and white, or any combination of these. In fact, there are more than 20 different known colors and coat patterns these pups can come in, and many have unique-looking markings that only add to their character.
Breed history
The Havanese breed was developed in Cuba and is the only known living dog breed that is native to the island. That said, these fun pups do have some more complexity (and a lot of mystery) in their genes. At least as far back as the 1500s, small companion dogs were favored by aristocrats and wealthy individuals around the world. Ship merchants routinely brought these lapdogs on their travels as a result, both as companions to themselves and for trading purposes. But as for the Havanese, it's uncertain where exactly the breed's ancestors came from. Legends indicate everywhere from the Mediterranean to areas around South America.
Ship logs from the 16th Century show Bichon-type dogs bound for Cuba alongside Spanish settlers, but it's unclear which exact Bichon-type they were or what their purposes were.Nevertheless, the most prevailing belief is that, at some point during this period, a predecessor to the Havanese is believed to have made its way to the New World either through or from Tenerife — an island off of North Africa believed to be the birthplace of the closely related Bichon Frise dog breed.
Originally called the Blanquito de la Habana or Havana Silk Dog, the dog quickly became popular with the wealthy families of Havana. Over time, the breed was slowly refined into what we know today as the Havanese. Most notably, these dogs are believed to have been crossed with German and French Poodles during the 1800s. It was this that helped further develop the Havanese into its own distinctive dog breed.
Decline
The Cuban revolution between 1958 and 1960 nearly resulted in the extinction of the breed. Fleeing the country, many wealthy families left without their beloved dogs, believing they would soon be able to return to their old lives. However, this didn't happen, and many of the dogs left behind were suddenly without caretakers and homes. Fending for themselves, many of these dogs sadly perished (and those that did not weren't exactly in the right conditions to reproduce).
Meanwhile, only three families that left Cuba had managed to take their Havanese dogs with them. Two of these families went to the United States while the third settled in Costa Rica. Between them all, only 11 pure bred Havanese from Cuba were known to be left in the years following. It is possible there were more of the dogs left in Cuba and elsewhere, but lack of records makes it impossible to be sure how many.
Resurgence
In the 1970s, American Dorothy Goodale took an interest in the all-but-decimated breed. She went on to find and purchase 11 dogs remaining from all three families who had left Cuba with their dogs and established a fledgling breeding program. By 1979, she formed the Havanese Club of America as well as an official registry for the dogs. Nevertheless, it would be another decade of extremely careful breeding for there to be enough dogs for the Havanese Club of America to petition kennel clubs for official breed recognition.
Meanwhile, Havanese popularity grew in both the United States and Europe. They were finally recognized by the AKC in 1996 and have gone on to become one of the more popular dog breeds in the world.
Havanese temperament
The Havanese is quite the comical pup, with a big personality and sweet disposition. They’re considered a playful, curious, sturdy toy breed that loves to be with their people. Most often they are quite outgoing unless they missed out on early socialization as a puppy, which can make them more cautious around new people.
Though they can be rambunctious at times, Havanese are not known to be overly energetic or "yippy." They are also adaptable pets who will gladly snuggle up to their owners in times of peace and quiet. And as a bonus, they'll also tag along on excursions and are generally eager to learn new things. They were bred as companion dogs, after all!
Similar dog breeds to the Havanese include:
- Bichon Frise
- Lhasa Apso
- Maltese
- Coton de Tulear
- Shih Tzu
Does the Havanese play well with others?
Havanese are outgoing and gentle. Proper proactive exposure to new sights, sounds, people, dogs, and other animals as a young puppy is essential for their socialization and sets them up for a lifetime of fun adventures.
Havanese are known to do well with children due to their gentle nature. Even though they’re a smaller breed, they are quite sturdy. Make sure they have been properly introduced and socialized with children as puppies to help them acclimate. Young children and dogs should always be supervised, and it’s helpful for a dog to have their own “safe space” where they can go when they need some quiet time.
Havanese can enjoy the companionship of other animals in the home as long as they have been properly socialized and introduced.
Exercise and mental enrichment
They may be small, but don’t be fooled, the Havanese has a good amount of energy. Luckily, their daily exercise requirements are easily met with regular walks and short bouts of play.
Havanese are also quite intelligent. They enjoy having puzzles to solve and exploring the world through smell during their walks. Daily training for obedience and tricks is a great way to provide enrichment and keep a Havanese’s brain sharp while building the human-canine bond. Mental enrichment also provides an outlet for all that Havanese puppy energy.
Common behavioral issues
Since they love being with their humans so much, a Havanese might develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. If taught from puppyhood that some alone time is okay, separation anxiety can be avoided.
Havanese puppies sometimes have trouble with housebreaking and might take longer than other breeds to fully learn how to “hold it.” But with consistency and patience, they can get there.
Ideal doggy activities
Havanese enjoy activities that keep them close to their human and put their problem-solving skills to the test:
- Rally Obedience
- Trick Training
- Conformation (dog shows)
- Small Dog Agility
- Tracking
Havanese health concerns
Havanese, like all dog breeds, can be prone to certain health concerns. While the breed overall is concerned to be generally healthy with a decent amount of genetic diversity, it's important for pet owners to be aware of some common health issues. These include (but may not be limited to) to following:
- Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't fit into the hip socket properly, which can cause arthritis and pain.
- Patellar luxation: This is when the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal position, which can cause discomfort and lameness.
- Eye conditions:Havanese can be prone to various eye issues such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and cherry eye.
- Heart disease: Mitral valve disease is a common heart condition in smaller breeds, including Havanese. It involves the deterioration of the heart's mitral valve and can lead to heart failure if untreated.
- Deafness: Congenital deafness can occur in Havanese. It's important to check puppies for hearing ability.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This condition affects the hip joint, leading to degeneration of the femoral head, causing pain and limping.
- Allergies: Havanese can suffer from allergies, which may manifest as skin issues or digestive problems. These can be caused by food, environmental factors, or contact with certain substances.
- Hypothyroidism: This is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, proper grooming, and attention to any unusual symptoms can help in managing these health concerns and keeping a Havanese healthy and happy. If you're thinking about adopting a Havanese, it's also wise to choose a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs for common genetic conditions. Having a good pet health insurance policy will also help in ensuring your dog can get the veterinary treatment they need, when they need it.
Grooming and care
Havanese have a double coat that naturally grows long and wavy. The undercoat is soft, while the outer coat is a bit heavier, often described as an unrefined silky texture. Their coats may look nice and warm, but remember, they were developed for the hot environment of Cuba. Their long and lightweight coats actually help to keep them cool and protected them from sunburn.
The Havanese coat requires daily brushing to keep it free from tangles, especially if left to grow long. Many pet owners either have the coat trimmed short to make maintenance easier or allow the coat to be corded (twisted into dreadlocks) as it grows out. Bathing is needed on occasion when their coat gets dirty. But care should be taken to not over wash their delicate fur. Practicing basic grooming with your Havanese puppy will help them learn that it is a positive and relaxing experience.
Best brush for a Havanese: Pin comb, Slicker Brush, Pin brush
Havanese in pop culture
The Havanese has long been a sought-after pet among famous figures.
Famous Owners of the Havanese
- Venus Williams (Tennis Star)
- Barbara Walters (Journalist)
- Al Roker (Weatherman)
- Glenn Close (Actress)
- Charles Dickens (Author)
- Joan Rivers (Comedian)
- Ernest Hemingway (Author)
- Queen Victoria (Royalty)
- Daniel Tosh (Comedian)
- Marlee Matlin (Actress)
Famous Havanese
Pip Close, Glenn Close’s pup, who famously went as her date to the 2019 Spirit Awards. The dog even came up to the podium alongside her to accept her award.
