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Havanese Club of Great Britain
MISSION STATEMENT
The Havanese Club of Great Britain is proud to be the original, Royal Kennel Club recognised breed club dedicated to the Havanese in the UK.
Established by the pioneering breeders and enthusiasts who first introduced the breed to this country, the Club has remained at the heart of its development—providing continuity, experience, and careful stewardship.
We place the highest importance on health, welfare, temperament, soundness and breed type. Whilst working in close support of the Royal Kennel Club, we maintain a proactive commitment to advancing breed health.
Today, the Club serves as a trusted source of information and a welcoming community for owners, exhibitors, breeders, and anyone wishing to learn more about this wonderful breed.
Function
The Havanese is a loyal companion dog. Very versatile, they make wonderful walking buddies, agility aces, sofa snuggle buddies and medical alert and therapy dogs.
Temperament
The Havanese has a lively and friendly temperament, and can make a wonderful family dog. They can be very good with children, provided all family members treat them with kindness and respect, and not as a toy.
Characteristics
The Havanese is small and sturdy, slightly longer than tall, with a full, long coat and a springy, lively gait.
Havanese is a low shedding breed (although some can shed).
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National Dog of Cuba
The Havanese, a companion breed, is a member of the Bichon family, and originated from Cuba.
Health and the Havanese
Havanese Health
Overall, Havanese as a breed are healthy, but as in all living things, health problems do occur. The most common conditions include eye problems (cataracts, cherry eye), and patella luxation (this is common in many small breeds).Â
Click below to find out more about health in Havanese.
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Health testing recommendations
The Havanese Club of GB issues health testing recommendations based on internationally available data, but also on the results of UK based surveys and owner reports, so that the tests we recommend are relevant to our local population. Click below to find out more about recommended tests.
Let us know about the health of your Havanese!
Has your dog been affected by health problems? Let us know! It may be important to future generations of Havanese. Any condition, however 'small', can be relevant (anal glands, dental disease, allergies and more).Â
You are not reporting your dog's breeder, just whatever is affecting your Havanese. Your information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
The UK’s original Royal Kennel Club Recognised Havanese Breed Club
Founded in 1994, the Havanese Club of Great Britain is proud to be the original, Royal Kennel Club recognised breed club dedicated to the Havanese in the UK. Established by the pioneering breeders and enthusiasts who first introduced the breed to this country, the Club has remained at the heart of its development—providing continuity, experience, and careful stewardship.
We place the highest importance on health and welfare, temperament, soundness and breed type, to preserve the Havanese breed in all its joyfulness.
Today the Club serves as a trusted and welcoming community for owners, breeders, and anyone wishing to learn more about this wonderful breed.