The Havanese bichon dog breed originated in Havana, Cuba. It is not known who, perhaps an Italian or perhaps a Spaniard, imported the ancestors of the bichon to Cuba. These ancestors may have been of different breeds: from the Bolognese to the dwarf bum, or even crosses between Maltese and small Antilles dogs. These dogs however gave rise to the bichon as we see it today, as crosses made in a very different environment from the original one underwent significant changes and became more rustic, robust and stocky.
It is called a Havanese bichon because it was created in Cuban territory. These dogs are not well known in the United States, where they were illegally imported, and are almost unknown in the rest of the world, although they are currently enjoying some success in Italy.
It is the classic companion and walking dog, small, friendly, playful and very lively. It is also called the Havana Silk Dog. It belongs to the bichon family.
Due to its affable and cheerful character as well as its tirelessness, it is widely used in pet therapy and also participates in agility dogs due to its propensity to play but also to be trained.
Character of the Havanese Bichon dog breed
As already mentioned, it is the perfect companion dog, because it is always cheerful, always lively, always happy and carefree, so much so that even when we are down, it reminds us that life, whether of humans or dogs, is beautiful.
The Havanese dog has a great facility in making friends with everyone, even with strangers who are cheerful and jovial towards him. It is therefore very suitable for families with children, as it is tireless in its games. He loves to be in contact with his owner and his family as much as possible, in fact he is not a dog that can be left alone for several hours, he suffers a lot from loneliness. Above all, be careful about leaving him alone in the garden, as he is very easy to pick up and take away, given his appearance, size and his joviality with strangers.
Suitable for families with children as well as the elderly, as he does not need much exercise, although he likes walks, but also long sleeps on the sofa at home.
Educating him will be easy, as he is an intelligent dog that learns commands quickly and likes to please his owner. It is therefore also suitable for first-time dog owners.
It is very sociable with other dogs and also with cats, especially if it grows up with them, but good socialisation will avoid any problems.
Appearance of the Havanese Bichon dog breed
Its appearance is immediately striking due to the innate friendliness it inspires as soon as you see it. This is also due to the typical expression of this little dog, lively and affectionate, expressing cheerfulness.
It is a small dog, the male reaches a maximum of 28 centimetres at the withers and weighs no more than 6 kilograms. The female usually weighs a little less. Its construction is petite, solid and stable. Its bones are in the right ratio to the trunk. Its body is longer than high, the legs are short, the feet small, the tail is carried on the back and becomes one with the rest of the body.
The head and muzzle are sharp, the cheeks are very flat and the skull is flat and broad. The truffle is always black in colour. The ears are triangular and pointed, they are carried low and fall down to form a slight fold when raised. The eyes are large and very dark, preferably black and very expressive, with a rather rounded shape.
But its particularity is the coat. Very long, it can be up to 18 centimetres in length and covers the entire dog, so much so that you cannot even see its legs. Its body, head, ears and tail are entirely covered in a thick coat of fur. The coat is made up of a straight, flat-lying coat that is pleasing to the eye and is characterised by locks that tend to curl at the end. Only the tail is sympathetically covered with ruffled hair. As far as the coat of the muzzle is concerned, this is slightly shorter than the rest of the body and is best left as it is.
As far as colours are concerned, many are accepted, from pure white, to brown, black or multicolour, silver, fawn cream and tiger shades, recently the specification has also admitted the chocolate-coloured Havanese Bichon, rarely is it possible to find a dog of this breed that is completely white.
Care and health of the Havanese Bichon dog breed
The health of this dog is generally good, it does not have any genetic problems. It is a dog that does not like the cold and therefore in particularly cold areas it may be advisable to cover it when taking it outside. The average lifespan is rather long, it can reach 16 years, but despite this it is particularly prone to some illnesses, especially to the eyes, but not serious ones.
As far as the care of the coat is concerned, brushing must be frequent, if not daily to keep it silky. It loses very little hair and does not undergo seasonal changes.
As far as feeding is concerned, it is a dog that tends to eat what it needs, it does not tend to put on weight, therefore a balanced and controlled diet is sufficient, depending on its weight and daily exercise.
