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Havanese Club of Great Britain
Appearance
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Havanese are small, sturdy dogs, slightly longer in body than they are tall.
They have a double coat — an outer coat of long, silky hair which is generally wavy to straight, with a soft undercoat. The coat should be abundant, though light in texture.
The coat comes in many colours, ranging from white, cream, all shades of gold, sables, tobacco brown, and silver, to black. Combinations of these colours result parti-colours and tricolours.
For dog shows, the coat is untrimmed, except for the hair on the feet which should be neatened.Â
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Havanese have almond-shaped eyes and a gentle, intelligent expression. Their legs are proportionate in length to the body, and they should not be short legged nor overly leggy.
They move in a jaunty fashion with a unique, springy step, and carry their plumed tails over their backs when on the move.
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Character
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Happy, with a zest for life, Havanese are companion dogs who adore their family, bonding closely with them.
This is the main reason why Havanese are not suitable as kennel dogs. Their greatest desire is to live at home as part of the family.
They will become sad and introverted if left alone regularly or repeatedly for the greater part of the day, and so are not suited to households where they would be left alone for long periods.
They are playful, curious, and people-oriented — often described as a "velcro dog" because they love to be wherever their family is. Despite their small size, they are not fragile, and enjoy outdoor activities, walks, and play just as much as curling up on the sofa.
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Coat Care and Grooming
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The long, airy double coat requires regular grooming to keep it free of tangles and mats.
A matted coat can be very uncomfortable or even painful for the dog, as the deep seated dense mats pull on their skin.
Daily brushing and combing is required in a systematic manner, to ensure all coat sections are free of mats. This can be particularly challenging during coat change, and many owners therefore choose to keep their Havanese in a shorter "puppy trim" or 'teddybear cut' for easier maintenance.
It is equally important to get them used to having their teeth brushed and their nails trimmed regularly.
Regular brushing, bathing, and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks will keep your Havanese looking and feeling their best.
Exercise
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Although small, Havanese are lively and enjoy regular exercise. Daily walks and play sessions will keep them happy and healthy.
They can be quite athletic, but it is important to build up condition gradually, and age appropriately. Puppies should not be over exercised as that can result in joint issues.
But with care and a regular routine, mature Havanese can become agility aces, trail walking buddies, do heelwork to music and so on.
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They are adaptable to different living situations, including apartments, provided they receive adequate exercise and human company.
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