Dogs of this small breed are curious and full of energy. They love being at the centre of attention, so they like to show off. They are loyal and sensitive companions which do not handle separation well.
It’s not clear how this breed emerged. It is assumed that it happened by crossbreeding Bolognese dogs and poodles. It has been known since the 17th century and its origin can be traced back to the Mediterranean. These dogs came to Cuba with Spanish settlers. They were further bred there, and the local nobles liked them a lot for a long time. A lot changed in the 1950s at the time of the revolution in Cuba when these dogs started to be exterminated by the new regime. The breed survived only thanks to a couple of individuals some nobles took with them when they emigrated to the USA. The dogs became popular there and their popularity hasn’t dropped since then. They are also popular in the Czech Republic.
And it’s no surprise. Havanese dogs are very joyful, playful and teachable. They are agile, nimble and flexible on the move. They are good at dog sports such as agility, flyball or dog dancing. They can also excel at obedience training. They are emotionally closely attached to their master and handle separation badly. They often suffer from separation anxiety if their master is often away and they also don’t handle changing their owners very well. However, they are great companions for the elderly. They are also good with kids which they like if the children get to know some limits when playing.
In terms of appearance, they are small dogs with a sturdy figure weighing between 3 and 6 kg. Their thick, clingy fur is long and it should be slightly wavy. It can have all the colours and their combinations. It resembles hair and needs a lot of care. It should be combed every day and bathing is also often necessary, using conditioner for easier combing is the best. These dogs often have hairpins or ties on their foreheads. They should prevent eye irritation and excessive tearing.
Besides taking care of the fur and providing the dog with enough exercise, this breed is not very demanding. In general, they are healthy and resilient dogs. Therefore, if you don’t spend a lot of time away and look for a loyal companion you will never feel alone with, a Havanese dog may be a perfect match for you.
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