Bichon Havanais | Shebries

Havanese

History

The Bichon Havanese is a breed that originally originated in the Mediterranean region and was brought to Cuba by sailors. There are two theories about how the breed got its name; one says that the name refers to Cuba's capital, Havana, while the other says that it is the color of the Havana cigar that gave the breed its name.

In the Mediterranean area the breed more or less died out, while it continued to develop in Cuba, where it was highly prized as a companion dog for the aristocracy. The Havanese could also, in older times, be found among travelling theatre companies and in circuses - and the talent for acting is still in its blood today. With its "softer" psyche it is easy to learn, good-natured and eager to please.

Area of application

The Bichon Havanese is a distinct companion dog without hunting or herding instincts, in other words - the ideal family and companion dog.

Health

It is a healthy breed that does not have any breed-related diseases.
Before breeding, patellas are checked, eyes are examined and the heart is checked.

Fur care

This breed requires a lot of grooming, but it does not shed. It should not be clipped or trimmed, but must be combed regularly and bathed every 7-14 days to keep its coat clean.

At around 1-1½ years of age, it changes to adult fur and requires daily combing. Otherwise, the dog can easily get large tangles that are both difficult to untangle and painful for the dog.

Other

Havanese are easy to train and therefore appreciate agility and obedience training. They are also good at tracking. There are even examples of individuals who have passed deer hunting tests. They have also been used as circus dogs.

The breed has become very popular as a companion dog in recent years. There are currently around 5,400 registered Havanese in Sweden.

Info taken from BBHC

More about the breed

Size and appearance

The Bichon Havanese should be a small and energetic dog. Robust, yet elegant. The height at the withers is 23–27 cm. The tail is carried in a bow over the back. The ears are drooping and the eyes are large, dark and almond-shaped. The coat should be long, wavy, silky and has little or no undercoat. The breed can have different colors, white, beige, sable in various shades, black, white or beige with large demarcated spots in the above-mentioned colors.

Care

A bichon havanese requires a lot of grooming. It should not be clipped or trimmed, but must be combed regularly and bathed every 14 days to keep its coat clean. One advantage is that the breed does not shed.

At around 1–1½ years of age, it changes to adult fur and requires daily combing. Otherwise, the dog can easily get large tangles that are both difficult to untangle and painful for the dog.

Characteristics, Mentality, Health

With a gentle, attentive temperament, the breed is easy to train, good-natured and eager to please. It is affectionate and by nature cheerful, friendly, charming and somewhat of a clown.

Patellar luxation (loose knee joints), back pain and herniated discs are common in the breed. The breed generally lives a long time.