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Havanese Mobile

Havanese

The Havanese is a lively, affectionate and friendly toy breed. With a sturdy structure and slightly longer than tall, they have a long, soft, silky coat, waved or slightly curled. Their plumed tail carried over the back is part of the signature look for this fun-loving and loyal dog.

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Basic training required
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Enjoys walking half an hour a day
  • Little toy dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming daily
  • Hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • Great with other pets
  • Great family dog

Key Facts

Lifespan: 13-15 years
Weight:  3-6kg
Height:  23-28cm tall
Colours:  Any colour or combination of colours is accepted, except merles
Size:  Small
UK Kennel Club Groups: Toy

Ratings

Family-friendly: 5/5
Exercise needs: 3/5
Easy to train: 5/5
Tolerates being alone: 1/5
Likes other pets: 5/5
Energy level: 3/5
Grooming needs: 2/5
Shedding: 2/5

Personality

The Havanese is an affectionate, intelligent little dog, ideally suited to the role of family companion. They are described as friendly and outgoing, with a cheerful nature and attractive appearance.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Cuba

The Havanese is a member of the Bichon family, which includes the Bichon FriseBologneseCoton De TulearLowchen and Maltese

Their ancestors from the Mediterranean area accompanied traders across the globe and were sold and gifted to those who valued small, luxuriously coated, companion dogs as a symbol of wealth and status. Such was true of the Havanese who was very popular in Cuba with high-status families, right up until Castro’s Communist regime in 1959 when such trappings of wealth of any kind fell out of favour. 

Saved by the efforts of Cuban refugees living in the US, American breeders founded the Havanese Club of America to protect the future of the breed.

Did You Know?

  • Havanese have long been popular with the rich and famous, from Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens, to Venus Williams, Susan Sarandon, Jane Fonda and Jennifer Love Hewitt. The popularity of this still relatively rare breed cannot be called a modern trend!

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