About the Havanese Breed

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Havanese are believed to be one of the breeds of dogs descended from the Tenerife Dog more than 5 centuries ago. These dogs lived on Tenerife Island which is part of the Canary Islands. They formed a group of small white dogs with long curled tails and a wavy or curly coat. These dogs comprised the “Bichon” family. It is thought that the Bichon type dogs, bred to Maltese and Poodle, created the “Havanese.” These inter-breedings, going back as far as the 1600’s, were a result of the dogs traveling together on-board sailing ships throughout the Mediterranean and eventually to the far-off shores of Cuba.

It is interesting to note that the “Bichon” family was exclusively white in color until the introduction of the Poodle to their lines. The Poodle, a breed of many colors, is the answer to why we see Havanese in a variety of colors and color patterns today.  During the 1500’s many ships’ logs noted the Tenerife dogs were brought to Cuba. This migration continued through the centuries. Captains of the ships often gave these dogs as presents to the wealthy Cubans to encourage good will in trade contracts. Cubans bred these dogs which found their way back to Europe. They accompanied their owners from Cuba as they vacationed in Europe.

After Britain’s Queen Anne, in the late 1600s, saw the Havanese in a circus performance, she acquired two for herself. She is the earliest recognizable owner of Havanese on record in England or Europe. European aristocrats flocked to Havana for vacation because Havana became the cultural center for the New World – Spain’s crown jewel.

In France, Havanese were clipped like Poodles and at least one was found in Louis XVI’s court in the late 1700’s. The English allowed the Havanese coat to be more natural and called them “the white Cubans.” They were bred to be special gifts and were considered to be a status symbol as they were affectionate lap dogs with non-shedding silky coats and sunny dispositions.

In England, during the Victorian period of the late 1800’s, Havanese enjoyed great popularity.  Havanese were shown in England as far back as 1863. Charles Dickens, in the mid-1800’s, owned a Havanese named Tim. More recently, another famous author, Ernest Hemingway, also owned one or two Havanese.

For many centuries the Havanese have been a beloved family dog in Cuba.  In 1959, Fidel Castro came into power and violently decimated Cuba. Many Cubans fled for their lives. Hundreds of thousands left Cuba from 1960 to 1979 and many Havanese were left behind with friends and relatives. Too often, their pedigrees and paperwork were lost. The families thought they would be able to come back for them but that was not meant to be. It was very difficult and dangerous to smuggle anything out of Cuba, however, a couple of families were known to have escaped Cuba with their dogs. They were the Perez and Fantasio families. They became the first breeders of Havanese in the United States and they worked together to preserve the breed. Another individual, by the name of Ezekiel Barba, was able to escape to Costa Rica with his dogs.

In the United States, Dorothy and Bert Goodale, in the 1970’s, saw a picture of two small white dogs on the cover of a Spanish magazine at their dentist’s office. The Goodales were experienced dog breeders and when they saw the pictures of the Havanese they fell in love with them. They managed to acquire six Havanese and then five more from Ezekiel Barba. With these dogs, Dorothy established a selective breeding program from four distinct bloodlines. Thus, they began the remarkable journey of recovering the Havanese breed and preventing its extinction.

In the mid 1970’s Dorothy developed the first official breed standard for Havanese in this country. It closely followed the 1963 European standard. In 1979 she founded the Havanese Club of America and began the breed registry. In 1996, the AKC allowed Havanese to be shown in the Miscellaneous class and they were officially accepted into the Toy Group in 1999.

Dorothy Goodale died in 2008; Bert preceded her in death. Dorothy was the author of Havanese A Complete and Reliable Handbook. It is an interesting and historical read.

In Cuba the Havanese continued to be bred, to some degree. In fact, a Havanese appeared in 1992 on Cuban postage stamps. 

Havanese have been bred now throughout the world as a result of refugees from Cuba emigrating to many countries. It is interesting to note that Havanese can be found on postage stamps internationally. They are seen on stamps in countries such as Poland, Guinea, Madagascar, Mongolia, Oman, Romania and Hungary.  The Standard for Havanese varies throughout the world. The AKC Standard appears elsewhere on this website. Today, the Havanese remains a family favorite world-wide. They are perky, silly, and loving little dogs with heart big enough for any family. Their numbers are increasing in conformation as well as in all companion and performance events. Havanese are smart, quick to learn, and happy friends more than willing to play and listen. They prefer to be close to their owners at all times. The fact that they are relatively non-shedding and considered to be hypoallergenic makes this breed even more sought after. 

Throughout their history, Havanese have survived moving to foreign lands, being pampered social status symbols, living the life of luxury, and working as trick dogs in itinerant circuses.  They have lived through wars and have been refugees under dire circumstances. Havanese have been left behind to the point of near extinction. These little dogs have proven to be survivors of the times via their loyal patrons.

Once you own a Havanese, it is easy to understand why people have loved these dogs for so many centuries and have tried so hard to protect this breed against all odds. It is a breed like no other. They are laughter, sunshine, solace and so much more.

They are Havanese!

- Havanese Club of America

In general, Havanese are a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years or more. The vast majority of Havanese go through life with no major health issues. This is due to diligent health testing by reputable breeders who take seriously their role as stewards and guardians of the breed. They take the time and go to the expense of testing their breeding dogs against known heritable health problems.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) serves as a data base for registering results of health testing for all breeds. If a breeder submits results for the testing recommended by their parent club, they will receive a CHIC number for that animal.

At this time The Havanese Club of America, the AKC parent club for the Havanese breed, recommends three health tests be done to get a CHIC number. These tests are:

1. An annual eye exam (CAER),
2. A hip x-ray, and
3. Patella (knee) certification.

Some breeders choose to do further testing for issues they feel are of benefit as well, such as cardiac, elbows, LCPD and thyroid. As more research and more testing becomes available the issue of recommended health testing will be revisited by the HCA.

The HCA is so committed to the health of our dogs, in order for a breeder to list puppies for sale on our “Breeder Referral” list they must have CHIC numbers for both parents.

In addition, if the animal passes those tests, the breeder can apply to HCA for a Health Award Certificate (see TOP PAW AWARD) for that animal.

The HCA and its members are totally committed to the health and welfare of our beloved breed.

-Havanese Club of America

The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog of immense charm. The native dog of Cuba, he is beloved as a friendly, intelligent and playful companion. He is slightly longer than tall, with a long, untrimmed, double coat. The Havanese has a short upper arm with moderate shoulder layback and a straight topline that rises slightly from the withers to the croup. The plumed tail is carried arched forward up over the back. The unique springy gait is a result of the breed’s structure and playful, spirited personality. These characteristics of temperament, coat, structure and gait are essential to type.

The ideal height is between 9 and 10 1/2 inches, with an acceptable height range from 8 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches. Height at withers under 8 1/2 inches or over 11 1/2 inches is a disqualification, except that the minimum height shall not apply to dogs or bitches under twelve months of age. The height is slightly less than the length from the point of shoulder to point of buttocks, creating a rectangular outline. The Havanese is moderately boned and should never appear coarse or fragile.

The expression is soft, intelligent and mischievous. Eyes are large, dark brown and almond-shaped. Chocolate dogs may have somewhat lighter brown eyes. Eye rims are solid black for all colors except for chocolate dogs which have solid brown eye rims. Incomplete or total lack of pigmentation of the eye rims is a disqualification. Ears are broad at the base, dropped, and have a distinct fold. They are set high on the skull, slightly above the endpoint of the zygomatic arch. When alert, the ears lift at the base but always remain folded. Ear leather, when extended, reaches halfway to the nose. The skull is broad and slightly rounded. The stop is moderate and the planes of the head are level. The cheeks are flat. Length of muzzle is slightly less than length of skull measured from stop to point of occiput. The muzzle is full and rectangular with a broad nose. The nose and lips are solid black for all colors except for chocolate dogs which have solid brown pigment. Incomplete or total lack of pigmentation of the nose or lips is a disqualification. Any color pigmentation other than black or brown on the eye rims, nose or lips is a disqualification. Small depigmented areas on lips due to rubbing against canine teeth will not disqualify. A scissors bite is ideal and a full complement of incisors is preferred.

The neck is slightly arched, of moderate length, blends smoothly into the shoulders and is in balance with the height and length of the dog. The prosternum is evident but not prominent. The chest is deep, well developed, and reaches the elbow. The straight topline rises slightly from the withers to the croup. Measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks, the body is slightly longer than the height at the withers. This length comes from the ribcage. Ribs are well sprung. The loin is short and well muscled. There is a moderate tuck-up. The tail is high-set and arches forward up over the back. It is plumed with long, silky hair. The tail plume may fall straight forward or to either side of the body. While standing, a dropped tail is permissible. The tail may not be docked.

The tops of the shoulder blades lie in at the withers, allowing the neck to blend smoothly into the back. Moderate shoulder layback is sufficient to carry the head and neck high. The upper arm is short. Elbows are tight to the body and forelegs are straight when viewed from any angle. The length from the foot to the elbow is equal to the length from elbow to withers. Pasterns are short, strong and flexible, very slightly sloping. Dewclaws may be removed. The feet have arched toes and point straight ahead. Pads and nails may be any color.

The hind legs are muscular with moderate angulation.  Hocks are well let down; pasterns are parallel from hock to foot. The croup is slightly higher than the withers. Dewclaws may be removed. The feet have arched toes and point straight ahead. Pads and nails may be any color.

Silky to the touch, the coat is soft and light in texture in both outer and undercoat, although the outer coat carries slightly more weight. The coat is long, abundant and wavy. It stands off the body slightly, but flows with movement. An ideal coat will permit the natural lines of the dog to be seen. Puppy coat may be shorter and have a softer texture than adult coat. A single, flat, frizzy or curly coat should be faulted. A coarse, wiry coat is a disqualification.  A short, smooth coat with or without furnishings is a disqualification. The coat may be corded. Corded coats will naturally separate into wavy sections in young dogs and will in time develop into cords. Adult corded dogs will be completely covered with a full coat of tassle-like cords.

All colors and marking patterns are permissible and are of equal merit. The skin may be any color.

The Havanese gait is springy. The characteristic spring is the result of the short upper arm combined with the rear drive. Front legs reach forward freely matching the moderate extension in the rear. On the move, the pads may be visible coming or going. The head is carried high and the slight rise in the topline holds under movement.

The Havanese is friendly, playful, alert and intelligent with a sweet, non-quarrelsome disposition. Aggression or shyness should be faulted.

Havanese should be shown as naturally as is consistent with good grooming. They may be shown either brushed or corded. The coat should be clean and well conditioned. In mature dogs, the length of the coat may cause it to fall to either side down the back but it should not be deliberately parted. Head furnishings are long and untrimmed, and may fall forward over the eyes or to both sides of the head; they may also be held in two small braids secured with plain elastic bands. The braids start above the inside corner of each eye and extend at least to the outside corner, forming the appearance of eyebrows. No other hair accessories are permitted.  Minimal trimming of the anal and genital area is permissible but should not be noticeable on presentation. Hair on the feet and between the pads should be neatly trimmed. No other trimming or sculpting of the coat is permitted and is to be so severely penalized as to preclude placement. Havanese should be presented at a natural speed on a loose lead to properly assess the characteristic springy gait.

The foregoing description is that of the ideal Havanese. Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation.

• Height at withers under 8 ½ or over 11 1/2 inches except that the minimum height shall not apply to dogs or bitches under twelve months of age.
• Incomplete or total lack of pigmentation of the eye rims.
• Incomplete or total lack of pigmentation of the nose or lips.
• Any color pigmentation other than black or brown on the eye rims, nose or lips.
• A coarse, wiry coat.
• A short, smooth coat with or without furnishings.