Read About Havanese Dog

Havanese Dog, a plumed tail gracefully arching over their back shows the distinction that this breed demands. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Havanese Dog - Dog Breed Facts

1. AKC Group:

   The American Kennel Club classifies the Havanese as a Toy dog.

2. Size & Weight:

   They stand 8 1/2 to 12 1/2 inches high and weigh 7 to 13 pounds.

3. Coat:

   Havanese dogs have long silky double coats that are wavy or curly.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   They have large, dark, appealing eyes. The skull is broad and slightly rounded. The muzzle is rectangular and the nose is broad and slightly square.

5. Body:

   Havanese dogs have strong, long legs. Their bodies are longer than they are tall. The tail is carried over the back. The pigmentation on the eye-rims is solid black except for the chocolate dog which has solid chocolate pigmentation.

6. Colors:

   Havanese dogs are a variety of colors including white, cream, champagne, gold, black, blue, silver, and chocolate.

7. Life Expectancy:

   They live for 14 to 15 years.

8. Popularity:

   They are rising in popularity.

9. Habitat:

   Havanese dogs are best suited for apartment living.

Havanese Dog - Dog Breed Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   They originated in the Mediterranean.

2. Lineage:

   These Cuban breed dogs are members of the Bichon family.

3. Date Admitted to AKC:

   They were admitted into the AKC in 1996.

4. Historical Information:

   The Bichon Lapdogs were brought to Cuba in the 17th century from Europe. In the 19th Century, the French and German Poodles were crossed by the Cuban's to create today's Bichon Havanese.

Havanese Dog - Dog Breed Defining Characteristics

1. Training Ease:

   Havanese dogs are obedient, but must be trained from an early age.

2. Temperament:

   They are affectionate, playful, intelligent, gentle, responsive, and get attached to the family easily.

3. Child Friendly:

   Havanese dogs are recommended for families with children.

4. Behavior:

   They are very playful dogs.

5. Habits:

   They like to sit up on chairs to watch what everyone is doing.

Havanese Dog - Dog Breed Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   Havanese dogs usually live long and are very healthy; but some are prone to PRA, cataracts, luxating patella's, poodle eye, and dry skin.

2. Feeding:

   They feed on fresh food including meats, raw vegetables, and fruits.

3. Exercise Needs:

   They need an average amount of exercise.

4. Grooming Needs:

   Havanese dogs can have short, clipped coats that need little brushing or long coats that need brushed at least twice a week. Also, their teeth should be brushed weekly.

5. Special Household Needs:

   They are happy indoors and do not need a special fenced yard.

6. Travel Needs:

   When traveling, a Havanese dog needs a leash, food bowl, and a dog seat.

7. Getting Along With Other Pets:

   They get along well with other pets.

Havanese Dog -- How to Choose your Dog Breed

1. What to look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   A breeder should be chosen who will test the health of the parents. You should check the pigmentation on the eye-rims, nose, and lips. Also, the coat should not be coarse.

2. What you will need for a New Puppy:

   A new puppy needs a leash, a food bowl, shampoo, nail clippers, a tooth brush, and dog food.

3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

   Havanese dogs are happy indoors but you should make sure there are no objects lying around that can hurt them or that they can destroy.

4. How to Make your New Puppy Feel at Home:

   A new Havanese puppy needs affection, training, and plenty of playtime.