You just have to love the Havanese! These little spirited dogs have their humans wrapped around their fingers in no time at all. They are cute, smart and extremely friendly towards people.
The origin of the Havanese
Maybe their name made you think that these dogs originate in Cuba. But in fact, the beginnings of the Havanese breed are found by the Mediterranean coast of Italy and Spain. There, their ancestors probably lived as semi-wild harbour dogs. They spread to Cuba via ship. In the Cuban capital, the type of Havanese we know today developed. In Cuba it has been almost completely extinct since the 1950s. However, some enthusiasts had long since introduced these small bundles of joy to the USA. Fortunately their survival could be provided there and some time later professional breeding was established. In the 1980s the first Havanese came back to Europe and quickly found many enthusiastic friends here in Germany.
The breed characteristics of the Havanese
These little dogs are simply fun! Beside their very sunny character, their coat is another outstanding breed characteristic of this dog. Close to floor-length, soft and silky it shimmers in many colours. Some types have wavy fur spiraling towards the ground.
Seeing a Havanese playing around freely, you can often only recognise their wild hair blowing around. When their long hair is not tied back, their alert little button eyes sometimes completely disappear underneath their dense coat. Another trademark is the dark and small pointed nose of these happy fellows.
- small dog
- FCI Standard No. 250, Group 9 "Society and companion dogs".
- Section 1 "Bichons and related breeds".