Havanese

Havanese Dog Breed Information

The Havanese dog comes from Cuba and has made its mark in the United States. With their small sturdy body, these pups are perfect lap dogs. They have silky fur that’s soft to the touch. Two of the breed's most recognizable characteristics are its droopy ears and its tail that curls over its back.

The breed is known for its spirited personality. They love to play and spend time with their owners. Also, the dogs are very curious. Not only will they enjoy exploring your home, but enrichment activities are perfect for them. However, their most popular trait is their social skill. Havanese pups are social butterflies who love to be with their owners and meet new people. The more the merrier for this pup.

Havanese Dog: Introduction to the Breed

When you introduce any new pet into your home it’s important for you to reflect on what attitude you want the animal to have. Researching what the dog is like is a good start. First, take the time to consider what personality traits are make or break for your lifestyle and your family. Here are a few things you need to know about the Havanese dog.

Havanese dogs are generally:

One great thing about the Havanese dog is that they are very quiet. You never need to worry about them yapping at you for attention. Although they may bark a bit to let you know someone is at the door, they often stop once you acknowledge them.

These dogs are extremely loyal to their owners. Their nickname Velcro Dog comes from their tendency to follow their owners around the house from room to room. The Havanese makes a great companion who will stick by your side (literally) through thick and thin.

This attachment to their owners can sometimes lead the Havanese to have separation anxiety. Due to their love of people, the dogs don’t do well with extended periods of time on their own. It’s best to keep your Havanese pup with you as often as you can.

What are the Origins of the Havanese Dog?

While the Havanese dog breed technically comes from Cuba, it has a long and interesting history that began before its time in Havana. It’s clear that these pups descend from the Bichon family which comes from the Mediterranean.

The ancestors of the Havanese dogs came from Tenerife or Malta on ships and eventually landed in Cuba. The dogs were the companions of Spanish colonialists there and were highly honored by the nobility at the time.

Years later, during the Cuban Revolution in the 1950s, many upper-class Cuban citizens fled the country. They found themselves in the United States, however, most didn’t have the luxury of bringing their pets. Twenty years later, the Havanese breed gene pool in the U.S. was only 11 dogs. With American breeders taking an interest in the rare dog, they got to work successfully repopulating the breed.

The dogs are quite popular and have been owned by many famous people throughout history such as Queen Victoria and Ernest Hemingway.

What are the Risks for the Havanese Dog?

One great thing about the Havanese dog breed is their great health. They are known to have very few hereditary diseases. One of the main problems that these pups struggle with is a Luxating Patella. This is also known as a trick knee, and it happens when the dog’s kneecap moves out of

place. It can be very painful for the dog and makes it difficult for them to move. Thankfully there is a medication that can help as well as surgery.

Other Havanese dog health issues include:

Sources: