Havanese
Breed Profile
Havanese (a Bichon type dog) is the national dog of Cuba, given life from the now extinct Blanquito de la Habana (“little white dog of Havana”). The Blanquito descended from the now extinct Bichon Tenerife. It is believed that the Blanquito was eventually cross-bred with other Bichon types, including the Poodle, to develop what is now known as the Havanese.
Temperament
The Havanese expresses satisfaction whenever his owner does. They are very friendly dogs, and do not typically bark at strangers. The Havanese has an outstanding personality and temperament, and loves to play outside and be around people.
Color & Coat
Coat: The Havanese comes in three coat types, the curly, smooth, and wavy. The coat is long, soft, lightweight, and silky. The Havanese coat is slightly wavy, profuse, and undulating. Unlike other double-coated breeds, the Havanese outer coat is neither coarse nor overly dense, but rather soft and light.
Color: Modern Havanese are acceptable in all coat colors and patterns.
Health
Havanese are generally healthy and sturdy with few serious health issues. Havanese suffer primarily from luxating patella, liver disease, heart disease, cataracts and retinal dysplasia. Havanese sometimes may develop brown tear stains, especially noticeable on white or light coats.