AKA: Bichon Havanais, Havanese Silk Dog, Havanese Cuban Bichon, Bichon Havanes, Havaneser, Havanezer, Bichon Havanero

Description: The Havanese is a small dog with long hair that gives it a rugged impression if not groomed and clipped. It has long silky hair that is either wavy or curly. Some have short hair and are nicknamed Shavanese.

The eye rims, nose, and lips are all solid black on all colors of the Havanese except the true chocolate dog. The Chocolate Havanese has green or amber eyes. Its ears hang down and are covered with long hair.

The Havanese has a lively gait that accentuates its cheerful character, with its tail carried over its back.

Dynamics: The Havanese is a very affectionate and playful breed. It has a gentle temperament and becomes very attached to its family. It is very sociable, getting along well with people and animals. It is excellent with children and has no problem getting along with other dogs.

It is intelligent and observant, and very easy to train. It can be taught not to bark too much. It is also voice sensitive so harsh and loud words will upset it. It makes a good watch dog, alerting you of any stranger coming near.

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)

Height: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)

Color: the Havanese can come in any color and color combination. Colors include white, cream, gold, silver, blue, and black, Parti and tricolors are also common for the Havanese.

Country of Origin: The Havanese originated in Cuba, where at present it is a rare breed and is being protected by passionate dog breeders.

Activities: The Havanese has an average amount of energy. It should be taken outdoors from time to time to exercise and play.

Grooming: The coat of the Havanese can be clipped short for easier care. Nevertheless, it needs to be thoroughly brushed and combed at lest twice a week. Excess hair on between the pads of the feet should be clipped. The eyes and ears also need to be checked regularly to avoid infections.

Other Info: The Havanese has a life expectancy of 14-15 years. It is generally healthy, but is prone to PRA, cataracts, luxating patellas, poodle eye, and dry skin. The Havanese is also considered to be hypo-allergenic. The Shavanese, however, is not hypo-allergenic and not a good choice for allergy sufferers. The Havanese is fine living in an apartment. It is active wherever it is, indoors or outdoors. However, it should still be taken out for an exercise form time to time.

AKA: Havanese, Havana Silk Dog, Havanese Cuban Bichon, Bichon Havanes, Havaneser, Havanezer, Bichon Habanero

Description: The Bichon Havanais, or more popularly known as the Havanese, looks rugged without any trims, clips, or alterations. Its coat varies from wavy to curly, with soft hair on both the outer and undercoat. The coat can reach up to 6 to 8 inches. It even covers the eyes and long tail of the dog.

There are some Havanese dogs that do have short hair, though, and are nicknamed Shavanese. Short hair on the Havanese is considered a fault in the show arena.

The Havanese has solid black eye rims, nose, and lips, except on the true chocolate dog. A chocolate Havanese, described so because of its patch of chocolate hair that is at least an inch long, has green or amber eyes and has only been recognized in recent years.

The Havanese has a unique lively gait that exudes its cheerful character, especially with its tail carried up over the back. It is physically solid and sound. While it is small, it gives an impression of being a sturdy and strong dog.

Dynamics: The Havanese is a natural as a companion dog. It is very affectionate and playful that it gets along well with children. It has a tendency to become very attached to its family. It is a very sociable dog that it can also get along with people, other pets, and other dogs. It is very easy to train and little effort is needed in socialization because the dog is already naturally sociable to others.

This is a very intelligent breed. It likes to observe and is very sensitive to a person’s tone of voice. A harsh tone would upset them. It can also be taught not to bark a lot. It is also quick to learn when a stranger is a friend or not by the way it sees its owner treat the stranger. The Havanese enjoys doing things for people and is very eager to please.

Breed Group: Toy, Companion

Weight: 7-13 lbs (3-6 kg)

Height: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)

Color: The Havanese comes in any color, most common of which are cream, gold, white, silver, blue, and black. Parti and tricolored are also common. Black chocolate colored Havanese are preferred by most breeders.

Grooming: To make caring for the coat easier, it can be clipped short. Grooming long hair, meanwhile, will need thorough brushing and combing at least twice a week. Excess hair from between the pads of the feet should be clipped. The feet can also be clipped to look round. Dead hair should be removed. The eyes and ears should also be checked, and the teeth brushed weekly.

Country of Origin: The Havanese originates in Cuba, where it is now actually rare. It went almost extinct after the Cuban and Russian revolutions, but is now presently being preserved. It was bred from the now extinct Blanquito de la Habana (Havanese Silk Dog) and the French and German Poodles.

Activities: This playful dog has a normal amount of energy for a dog. Daily walks and play sessions are enough to keep it happy and content.

Other Info: The Havanese has a life expectancy of 14-15 years. It is a generally healthy breed, but it is prone to PRA, cataracts, luxating patellas, poodle eye, and dry skin. The breed is fine living in an apartment. It is active indoors and will be okay in a small area, although it should be taken outdoors from time to time. This breed is also good for allergy sufferers.