Havanese - Top 10 Interesting Facts

The Havanese dog breed has won many admirers with his long, silky hair, expressive eyes, and cuddly size.
There are TOP 10 interesting facts about Havanese.

1) Origin

In the 18th century, the Bichons landed on the Caribbean island of Cuba with the Spanish settlers. There the Havanese formed his own distinctive Cuban style, with a silky, insulating coat and a tolerance for heat, along with a combination of colors, rather than the standard white of other Bichon breeds. He is the only breed of dog considered native to Cuba.

2) Family Pet

Bred as a companion dog for the wealthy families of Cuba, he’s definitely a house dog and he’s said to have a velcro personality. The Havanese shares his affection with everyone, including strangers, children, other dogs, and even cats. But his family will get the lion’s share of his love. The potential downside to all this devotion is that, when left alone, the Havanese is not a happy dog. He’s definitely not a backyard dog.

3) Training

The Havanese does have an independent streak, being at least mildly stubborn, but they are not a dominant breed. They respond well to training that includes food rewards and they especially love learning tricks. Many individuals excel in competitive obedience and agility. The most problematic training issue is housebreaking — The Havanese is slow to housetrain.

4) Excercise

Although they are small, they do require some exercise. This should include a daily walk of 30 minutes or so and several outdoor play time activities during the week. Many enjoy running free, although this should be only allowed in a fenced in secure area with supervision.

5) Appearance

Havanese are small dogs weighing seven to 13 pounds. The height ranges from 8 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches at the shoulder. The body is longer than tall; they have drop ears and a tail that curls over the back. Havanese generally mature at 1 year of age, although they reach their full size around 6 to 8 months.

6) Personality

Havanese are affectionate and happy dogs. They do not make good kennel dogs and prefer being with their owners. They are active dogs and enjoy learning tricks and playing games with their owners. Havanese are intelligent and trainable. They need socialization to prevent them from becoming timid with strangers.

7) Celebrity Dog

It’s only natural for a dog bred to be with the elite would find himself with the elite. Famous pet parents of Havanese pooches include Barbara Walters, Venus Williams, Joan Rivers, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemingway.

8) Watchdogs

Havanese need a large amount of interaction with people. They are generally good with other pets if properly socialized, and they enjoy outside activities. The Havanese can be a good watchdog but poor guard dog because of the small size. Occasionally, one may bark excessively if not properly trained.

9) Grooming

His coat is beautiful, but without frequent brushing and combing, the Havanese becomes a matted mess. If you can’t commit to all this brushing, commit to frequent clipping to keep his coat short, neat, and healthy, called a puppy cut. I mean, who doesn’t want a permanent puppy?

10) Health

Most Havanese are long-lived. But they are very prone to allergies that can disrupt their quality of life. Havanese can be allergic to fleas, grass, pollen, and so on. Allergies cause a dog to scratch and chew himself into horrendous skin conditions.

Source:
http://www.animalfacts.us/10-cool-facts-about-havanese-dogs-101-information-havanese/
http://www.hillspet.com/en/us/dog-breeds/havanese