Havanese Dog Breed… Everything You Need to Know at a Glance!

OK, now there are many reasons a person will choose to adopt a dog.

For some, it could be because they’re looking for a good watchdog, while others are simply looking for a companion animal that will be there to greet them at the end of a long day. Now, whatever your reason for choosing to adopt a dog, we can tell you that if you adopt a Havanese, it better be because you’re looking to have a dog that loves to make you happy. Because that is exactly what these little guys were bred to do!

But that doesn’t…

Adopting a Havanese dog will be the “right” choice for you. This is why we wanted to shed some light on what it might be like to own one of these little bundles of fur in this article. So that if you’re ever allowed to get your hands on one, you’ll know for sure if it’s a good idea or not.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Havanese Dog Breed Fast Facts

Country of Origin: Cuba

Original Purpose:  Companion animal

 Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches at the shoulder

 Weight: 7 to 13 pounds

Life Span: 14 to 15 years

Dog Breed Classification:  Toy Group

Havanese Breed Origin

It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to learn that a dog named after the capital of Cuba is from Cuba, but what might surprise you is that these little guys have roots reaching back to the Mediterranean Sea. The Havanese dog breed is believed to be just one more “variation” of the super cute Bichon breed found throughout the Mediterranean area.

In fact…

These little guys were believed to be brought to Cuba by Spanish merchants and traders who settled in Cuba during the 18^th century. Then, after a while spent in Cuba, the Havanese developed his distinct style and appearance and soon became one of the most popular breeds in Cuba and became known as the “Habeneros.” He was the pride of Cuba, but then came the Cuban Revolution of 1959, and unfortunately, the poor Havanese was seen as a bourgeoisie pet by the Communist regime and fell out of favor.

Fortunately…

These guys proved too cute to be completely wiped out and ultimately began to make a comeback, primarily facilitated by their immigration to the United States. Here in the Land of the Free, these guys flourished, first with the formation of the Havanese Club of America in 1979 and then later with their “official” recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1999.

Physical Characteristics

The Havanese is a tiny dog that rises to only 8.5 to 11.5 inches and never weighs more than 13 pounds. Which makes him light enough and portable enough to be carried around anywhere you go. And as we all know, this is an essential characteristic if you’re going to become super “trendy” in today’s culture.

But don’t be fooled…

He may be small but is quite muscular and sturdy. He is covered by long facial hair that protects him from the sun and harsh weather conditions. They also have expressive eyes and look cute when he wags his little tail at you. And we’ll warn you that if you’re just…

“On the fence”

About adopting a new dog, under no circumstance should you put yourself in the same room as a Havanese puppy because if you do, there will be no way you won’t be the proud new owner in 2 minutes flat!

And who could…

Blame you, with their long furry coat that comes in any number of color patterns and is fluffy, wavy, and silky There are so many different colors to choose from, such as:

• black,
• mahogany,
• white,
• fawn,
• Havana brown,
• and tobacco,

How could you resist?

Comparisons Dog Breeds

The Havanese Dog Breed may be compared to other dogs such as the Bichon, Shih Tzu, Flat-Coated Retriever, Havana Silk Dog, Bichon Havanese, Entlebucher Mountain Dog, Coton De Tulear, Blanquito De La Habana Dog, and the Coton De Tulear

Personality and Temperament

The Havanese is a member of the Bichon family of dogs, including the:

• Bichon Havanais,
• Bichon Frise,
• Maltese,
• Bichon Habanero,
• Havana Silk Dog,
• Bolognese
• and the Coton de Tulear.

And like those other Bichon breeds, the Havanese is generally a happy-go-lucky dog, amiable by nature, and a real people pleaser. He goes out of his way to make you smile. He is a perfect playmate for children. He loves kids and enjoys running around them. He is one of those dogs that want to be adored, snuggled, and petted constantly.

He is also a…

He is a very peaceful, gentle, and friendly dog but slightly shy around strangers. Don’t expect him to be a guard dog or watchdog; he is just a funny family pet. Just make sure to start his socialization and training as early as possible.

Are there any health concerns with the Havanese Breed?

Yes, being so small, the Havanese breed is susceptible to many health issues. Regardless, he has a high life expectancy of 14 to 15 years, which is very high for a dog.

If you bring a Havanese home, you should watch out for the following health problems…

• Patellar luxation
• Hip dysplasia

The good news is that even though these risks are minor, the Havanese dog breed is generally considered healthy. The problem is that if this little guy gets sick or injured, most Havanese owners will spare no expense and ensure they get all the care they need, which can sometimes become expensive!

This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.

No,w will a pet insurance policy besuitablet for everyone?

No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?

For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.