Havanese

The Havanese is Cuba's only native breed — a small companion dog with a long silky coat and a springy, distinctive gait.

History

It descends from small bichon-type dogs brought to Cuba by Spanish settlers, which developed on the island into a distinct type kept by Havana's well-to-do families. The breed nearly disappeared after the Cuban revolution and was rebuilt in the United States from a handful of dogs taken out by emigrating families.

Temperament

The breed is known for being sociable, playful and strongly attached to people — a companion dog in the fullest sense, unhappy alone and generally excellent with children and other animals.

Care and training

Exercise needs are modest and met with walks and play. The long silky coat needs brushing several times a week, and many owners keep it clipped shorter. It is quick to learn and responds well to reward-based training.

Health

Known tendencies include patellar luxation, inherited eye conditions and hip problems including Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.