The exotically-named Havanese dogs are small and generally come under the umbrella heading of toy dogs. Originating in Cuba (specifically Havana), they are often mistaken for some sort of poodle, shihtzu or bichon frise, the latter of which is hardly surprising in view of the fact that the Havanese does belong to the Bichon family. The Havanese Club of Great Britain (functional since 1994) provides information about the breed, has a list of potential Havanese dog breeders and puts on annual shows.
Eminently cuddly
The Havanese is a playful little creature. Small, silky-haired and eminently cuddly, he’s the sort of dog for whom little old ladies knit sweaters to ward off winter chills.
Unique features of the Havanese dog are his almond-shaped eyes, droopy ears and a tail that curls up over his back. This pretty tail with its long plume must make him the envy of all his doggy friends.
A healthy breed
As for the elderly knitters, yes this dog does feel the cold in winter, so it is important not to over-groom him. All he needs is a bit of a trim around his eyes, his feet and his underparts.
The nice thing about small dogs like this is that their lifespan is usually much longer than that of their larger counterparts.
The Havanese dog is a healthy breeed and – barring illness or injury – would be expected to live for 14 – 16 years.
Little Dog of Havana
According to historical information on the website of the Havanese Club of America (www.havanese.org) in the days when Havana was a great colonial centre – during the 18th century – European aristocracy fell head over heels in love with the Little Dog of Havana and brought him back to Europe. The National Dog of Cuba has been a popular breed ever since.
Havanese dogs for sale?
If you are looking to buy one, first consider the fact that these delightful little dogs occasionally come into rescue centres, where they are described in numerous twee ways by those running the centres. Fluffy white packages, sweetie pies chock full of character and utterly cute bundles of love.
If they are so adorable why, one might ask, would anyone ever want to part with them?
Why give away your dog?
The answer is usually because the dog has hit a problem. Or the owners are in trouble.
Either the dog has developed some unexpected health issue for which the original owner cannot afford the veterinary fees. Or maybe the owners have had to move into sheltered accommodation where pets are not allowed. Or they have been taken to hospital and are not expected to return. Or they have died…
Questions to ask
Potential owners visiting rescue centres should be careful to establish at the outset that they are what they claim to be and not puppy farms.
They should not be shy about questioning the organisers on some very basic issues.
For example, how long has the centre been going? How careful are they in matching dog and would-be owner? Do they do home checks?
If they claim to be a charity, how do they use donations… solely for the animals’ food and welfare? Or do they use some of it to pay their helpers?
How healthy are the havanese dogs in their care? Have they been wormed, vaccinated and neutered? And finally, do they ask potential owners to sign a contract agreeing to return the animal to the rescue centre if the adoption process does not work out according to plan?
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