“Facts & Factoids”

• When one attempts to delve into the origin of the Havanese, there appears to be some historical mystery as well as fascinating legends. The Havanese dog breed as we know it today in the United States came via Cuba. A starting fact is that the classic Havanese in the U.S. came from a gene pool of only eleven dogs. Some authorities believe the dogs were brought to Cuba by Italian sea captains.  Most agree that at one time the breed was near extinction. It is also believed the classic Havanese were historically lap dogs of the aristocracy. Beyond those points there seems to be different opinions and beliefs concerning the historical facts that surround these dogs. Different authors have different theories on some of the historical evidence. Many believe the dog is related to the Bichon group, but there is debate on which part of that group. The AKC cites the Bichon theory. Others believe the breed ancestry includes the Toy Poodle and/or Maltese. In fact, many writers seem to think the breed originated in Malta. There is some agreement on the fact it has been historically called the silk dog because of their fine silk-like hair. And, many seem to agree that the dogs were brought to Cuba by sea captains and presented to wealthy Cuban families, perhaps as favors to the Senoras. Today a few breeders are bringing Havanese dogs to the U.S. from other parts of the world for breeding purposes, but there is serious debate regarding the lineage of these Havanese dogs. There does appear to be differences in their traits and this is reflected in the fact that Havanese standards in other parts of the world vary from the current AKC standards. But regardless of the true history of the current Havanese in the United States, the Havanese Club of American established the current U.S. standards. These standards were adopted by the American Kennel Club within the toy class in 1999.The Havanese has now become a very popular and sought after pet primarily because of their playful and loving (and sometimes clownish) personality. Among their other attractive traits are their non-shedding coats, which are hypoallergenic which also lacks the typical “doggie-odor” common in most dog breeds. Such popularity also requires potential Havanese owners to be diligent when selecting a breeder.

• AKC classification: Toy breed. The height 8 ½ - 11 ½.

• Colors: Wide spectrum of colors and markings; Coat is long, generally flat and soft, described as silky and non-shedding, with a soft undercoat and thus hypoallergenic.   

             Color and coat info: http://www.mts.net/~mckay55/colours.html

• Temperament: Much is beginning to be written these days about this “newly discovered dog”. Here are some common descriptors of well bred Havanese dogs in this breed. The list includes some of the AKC descriptors:

• cheerful and happy
• natural companion dogs
• festive and fun
• will play tirelessly with children
• high level of intelligence and thus trainable
• charming and open-hearted
• affectionate and loving becoming very attached to the human family of which they are a part
• friendly & responsive
• excellent watch-dog, but quickly will accept strangers once you approve
• generally happy to lie in your lap…. when invited
• playful
• alert
• non-quarrelsome
• “small sturdy dog of intense charm” AKC Havanese descriptor
• easily trained, wants to please, but does not like to be left alone for extended periods on a regular basis

• Movement: Lively, elegant, resilient, and unique.

• Activity level: Medium to high.

Health issues: Juvenile cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy has received the most discussion in recent years. Respected and conscientious Havanese breeders are carefully monitoring their breeding stock for eye problems. Such breeders (including T-Wags) participate voluntarily in the eye “CERF” program which requires the dogs be checked annually by a veterinary eye specialist for eye problems.  T-Wags breeding lines have been thoroughly and continually tested and to date have not shown any signs of juvenile cataracts. In addition all the Havanese Club of America recommended and required testing is done on all of the T-Wag’s breeding stock. You can read the background on HEART eye history and research at this site.
H.E.A.R.T http://www.havanese.org/heart/historyNew.htm
AKC Breed Standards: http://www.akc.org/breeds/havanese/index.cfm