Havanese: Cheerful Toy Dogs From Cuba
The Havanese is a toy dog breed developed in Cuba and named after its capital city of, Havana. It is the national dog of Cuba, and the only dog breed developed solely on the island. It is a cheerful, friendly companion dog suited for city life but willing to fit anywhere.
The Havanese is part of the Bichon family of dogs. Other bichons include the Bichon Friese, Bolognese, Bolonka, Coton de Tulear, Löwchen, and Maltese.
Bichon-type dogs are likely descendants of the Barbet (from the French word barbe or beard), a medium-sized but rare French dog breed. Bichons were transported to the Canary Islands via Spanish ships during the 16th century and eventually from the Canaries to Cuba.
The Havanese were almost unknown in the United States until Cuban refugees fleeing the Cuban revolution immigrated to Florida. From only 11 dogs in the 1950s, the breed has become one of the more popular dog breeds in the US and, in 2019, ranked number 24 on the AKC popularity list. Nearly all of this breed in the United States are descendants of those 11 dogs.
The Havanese is a toy dog breed that ranges from 8.5 to 12.5 inches tall and weighs 7 to 13 pounds. They are companion dogs who bond closely with their family and may become firmly attached to an individual they will follow whenever possible. They are happy, cheerful, affectionate little souls and do not want to be left alone.
Do Havanese Shed?
These dogs have long, silky hair coats that they do not shed. Some owners prefer to keep their pet’s hair cut short to reduce the brushing required for a longer coat. Long hair will develop tangles without frequent brushing, which is very uncomfortable for the dog and makes subsequent brushing difficult.
They are a hypoallergenic dog breed, which people who suffer from dog allergies may tolerate. No dog, however, is completely hypoallergenic.
Are Havanese Good Family Dogs?
They are excellent family dogs. They are affectionate, friendly, and playful dogs and were bred only with companionship in mind. Toddlers and young children should be taught to treat a small dog with care since it is a real creature and not a toy to be mistreated.
This breed will bark at strangers or passersby, but they do not bark constantly. They are not as “yappy” as some smaller breeds tend to be. They make good little watchdogs.
This breed is ranked number 47 in Stanley Coren’s book, “The Intelligence of Dogs,” which puts them in the category of average intelligence for dogs. When most prospective dog owners know how smart a dog is, they ask if it is easily house-trained. Small or toy dogs are notoriously more difficult to housetrain than larger dogs. However, the Havanese is not as difficult to train as some other toy breeds may be.
How Much Do Havanese Dogs Cost?
The average cost of a Havanese puppy is somewhere between $1,000 to $1,500, which most people will find a bit expensive. You may be able to find one through a rescue organization such as Havanese Rescue Inc. However, rescue dogs are older and may need expensive medical care. I believe providing a home and caring for an older, needy dog is one of the kindest and most generous things you can do.
Are Havanese Healthy Dogs?
This dog is a sturdy and generally healthy breed with only a few genetic severe issues that may affect some. Common health concerns include eye, deafness, knee, liver, and heart disease. The Havanese Club of America, Inc. has a list of recommended tests that owners should consider, particularly breeders of Havanese. Dogs testing positive for genetic defects should not be bred.
Famous Owners Of Havanese
Havanese have been pets of many famous people, including Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Barbara Walters, and Ernest Hemingway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Havanese a good house dog?
Yes, the Havanese breed is a great house dog. They are a toy breed that does not require a lot of space, making them ideal for apartment living or small homes.
Additionally, Havanese are known for their adaptability to various homes, including spacious houses with large backyards. It is important to note that despite their small size, Havanese are highly energetic and require daily exercise. A Havanese could be a great choice if you are looking for a lively and adaptable house dog.
Do Havanese dogs bark a lot?
Whether or not Havanese bark excessively depends on their living environment and level of stimulation. If a Havanese is given enough attention and stimulation in their daily life, they are not typically known to be excessive barkers.
However, if they are over-stimulated outside or under-stimulated inside the home, they may develop a tendency to bark more often. Overall, the Havanese breed is known to be intelligent, affectionate, and attention-craving, and with proper care and attention, they should not be excessive barkers.
What is so special about a Havanese?
Havanese dogs are small but sturdy, which makes them well-suited for city living. They are also adaptable, meaning they can thrive in various living situations, including apartments or large homes with backyards.
In addition, Havanese dogs are known for their social skills, making them great companions for families with children or other pets. Their affectionate nature and love for attention also make them great therapy dogs. Finally, their cute and fluffy appearance and playful and friendly personalities have made them a popular choice for dog lovers worldwide.
Are Havanese dogs hard to potty train?
Havanese dogs can be more difficult to potty train than other breeds. Potty training generally takes longer for Havanese, requiring patience and consistency from the owner.
However, with consistent training and positive reinforcement, Havanese can be successfully potty trained. Using leashes during training can also help guide the dog to the appropriate potty area. Ultimately, the effort and patience put into potty training a Havanese will pay off, as they become comfortable in their home and learn where to do their business.
What celebrities have Havanese dogs?
Here is a list of some celebrities and their Havanese dogs’ names:
Ariana Grande – Toulouse
Miley Cyrus – Emu
Celine Dion – Charlie
Hillary Duff – Lola
Vanessa Hudgens – Darla
Lisa Vanderpump – Giggy
Lady Gaga – Asia
Anderson Cooper – Lily
Miranda Lambert – Cher
Barbra Streisand – Miss Fanny
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and many other celebrities may also own Havanese dogs.
