Esenavah Havanese      

The Havanese is a happy, loving, intelligent and energetic dog. They thrive on human companionship and do not like to be left alone for long periods. They love children and other dogs. They are generally not a yappy dog, however they will bark to alert you if anything seems to be out of the ordinary. They will follow you from room to room always wanting to be at your side. They are bouncy, springy, and are fast, for a small dog it is surprising how fast they can run. They love to climb on the furniture and lay across the back of the sofa. If you don’t like your dogs on your furniture, then don’t get a Havanese.

Do not take the Havanese lightly, they can be very devoted campanions, if you make the commitment to make him part of your life. They thrive on your positive enery, affection and live for your every word and gesture.

I have often heard them described as little clowns, I couldn’t agree with this more. It is the perfect way to describe our Jaeda.

The Havanese History:

There are many opinions as to the history of the Havanese. However most agree that they originated from the Mediterranean area. Cuban's believe that the Havanese were brought to Cuba during the days of the Spanish Empire. Italian Sea Captains carried them on board their ships for entertainment and for personal trade. The Captains would offer one of these little white dogs as gifts to wealthy senoras in hopes to receive an invite to dine with the wealthy family. This would give the Captians the opportunity to display and sell the rich contraband he had picked up in the exotic ports on his journey. These little dogs were quickly becoming a status symbol, they were only seen in the finest homes and estates of the wealthy Cubans.

The first Havanese recorded in the US were smuggled out of Cuba by families fleeing their homeland at the time of the Cuban revolution. These 11 immigrants are believed to have the foundation for the Havanese in the US and Canada.

The Havanese belong to the Bichon family of dogs. Bichon is the French word meaning "Fleecy Dog".

The Havanese Standard:

The Havanese is a sturdy, well balanced,rectangular in outline, slightly longer than tall, with long abundant hair, soft & wavey hair in a variety of colors & patterns. His movement is lively and elastic, plumed tail carried over the back.

Temperment is exceptionally bright & attentive, easily trained, affectionate, happy natured, amiable, a charmer, playful and even a bit of a clown. An eager, lively, devoted family companion, typically good with children.

The height at wither ranges from 8.3 to 11.4 inches, the ideal being 9.0 to 10.6 inches.

Weight proportionate to height & bone, maintaining a balance, moderate build without exaggeration towards either fragility or coarseness.

The coat is abundant, silken double coat is fine, soft and lightweight. Hair ideally wavy, any degree of wave permissible. Single, perfectly straight or tightly curled coats undesirable, wolly, harsh or wiry textures incorrect. Coat color is: Wide color diversity, all colors, markings & paterns equally acceptable.

Nose: Fully pigmented, color undiluted. Black, Liver/Brown on chocolate dogs.

Eyes: Bright, gentle, intellignet & expressive. Quite big, wide set, almond shaped. Dark brown, lighter brown on chocolate dogs.

The gait is light-footed & springy. Movement is lively & springy, with the tail loosely curled over the back. 

The Havanese was added to the CKC list of recognized breeds in 1999. For a complete offical CKC Standard visit the CKC web site at www.ckc.ca.