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Hill’s Brand Horizon

Havanese

dog Breed Profile

Havanese are small dogs weighing seven to 13 pounds. The height ranges from 8 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches at the shoulder. The body is longer than tall they have drop ears and a tail that curls over the back. Havanese generally mature at 1 year of age, although they reach their full size around 6 to 8 months.

Attributes

Size

Weight

8-13 lbs.

7-12 lbs.

Height

10 in.

(at withers)

11 in.

Coat

Length

Medium

Color

All colors and combinations including white

Care

Exercise

20-40 minutes/day

Energy level

Very energetic

Longevity

10-15 yrs.

Needs

High

Traits

Barking

Moderate

Snoring

Low

Drooling

Low

Digging

Low

Grooming Needs

High

Social Needs

High

Club recognition

AKC Class.

Toy

UKC Class.

Companion Dog

Prevalence

Rare

The Havanese Dog Breed

Some Cubans, who fled to the U.S. during the revolution, brought their Havanese dogs, which became the foundation stock for the breed today.

About the Havanese

Havanese are small dogs weighing seven to 13 pounds. The height ranges from 8 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches at the shoulder. The body is longer than tall they have drop ears and a tail that curls over the back. Havanese generally mature at 1 year of age, although they reach their full size around 6 to 8 months.

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Havanese personality

Havanese are affectionate and happy dogs. They do not make good kennel dogs and prefer being with their owners. They are active dogs and enjoy learning tricks and playing games with their owners.

Havanese are intelligent and trainable. They need socialization to prevent them from becoming timid with strangers.

What to expect

Havanese need a large amount of interaction with people. They are generally good with other pets if properly socialized, and they enjoy outside activities.

The Havanese can be a good watchdog but poor guard dog because of the small size. Occasionally, one may bark excessively if not properly trained.

Havanese require brushing and combing three or more times a week to ensure a mat-free coat. They do not require trimming.

The Havanese breed is ideal for a person who wants a small, active dog who does not require a large yard and can be contented with frequent walks and games of fetch. These dogs do not do well left alone for long periods.

Havanese typically live from 10 to 15 years.

History of the Havanese

The Havanese is an old breed from the bichon family. Originally, Tenerife dogs came to Cuba with Spanish farmers and noblemen in the early 1500s. These dogs developed into the Havanese with little, if any, outside influences.

In Havana, the breed became a family pet. By the 18th century, Europeans vacationing in Havana discovered the Havanese. The little dog quickly became a hit among Spanish, French and British nobility.

With Castro's revolution, some Cubans who fled to the United States brought their Havanese with them. These 11 dogs became the foundation stock for the Havanese of today.

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