Facts & “Factoids”

• History of the Breed
• Silk Dog Controversy
• AKC Classification & Standards
• Health Issues

HISTORY OF THE BREED

• When one attempts to delve into the origin of the Havanese, there appears to be some historical mystery as well as fascinating legends. The Havanese dog breed as we know it today in the United States came via Cuba. A starting fact is that the original Havanese in the U.S. came from a gene pool of only eleven dogs. Some authorities believe the dogs were brought to Cuba by Italian sea captains.  Most agree that at one time the breed was near extinction. It is also believed the classic Havanese were historically lap dogs of the aristocracy. Beyond those points there seems to be different opinions and beliefs concerning the historical facts that surround these dogs. Different authors have different theories on some of the historical evidence. Many believe the dog is related to the Bichon group, but there is debate on which part of that group. The AKC cites the Bichon theory. Others believe the breed ancestry includes the Toy Poodle and/or Maltese. In fact, many writers seem to think the breed originated in Malta. There is some agreement on the fact it has been historically at times called the silk dog because of their fine silk-like hair. And, many seem to agree that the dogs were brought to Cuba by sea captains and presented to wealthy Cuban families, perhaps as favors to the Senoras. Today a few breeders are bringing Havanese dogs to the U.S. from other parts of the world for breeding purposes, but there is serious debate regarding the lineage of these Havanese dogs. There does appear to be differences in their traits and this is reflected in the fact that Havanese standards in other parts of the world vary from the current AKC standards. But regardless of the true history of the current Havanese in the United States, the Havanese Club of American established the current U.S. standards. These standards were adopted by the American Kennel Club within the toy class in 1999.The Havanese has now become a very popular and sought after pet primarily because of their playful and loving (and sometimes clownish) personality. Among their other attractive traits are their non-shedding coats, which are hypoallergenic and thus these dogs lacks the typical “doggie-odor” common in most dog breeds. Such popularity also requires potential Havanese owners to be diligent when selecting a breeder.

SILK DOG CONTROVERSY

• Silk Dog controversy: The Havanese have often been referred to as “The Silk Dog”, “The Havana Silk Dog” and the “Havanese Silk Dog” at various points in their history. Recently a political fight within the Havanese Club of America led to a split of some individuals claiming that their dogs were the “Silk Dog” and implied they were “superior” Havanese. They have set up their own club. Such fights in the dog world are not uncommon and there have been other attempts within breeds to try and claim their dogs are superior, better or unique. Needless to say the AKC has refused to recognize this attempt nor do the rest of the quality Havanese breeders. Thus they have become both judge and jury and register their dogs in their own association.  I believe Shakespeare said it best, “a rose by any other name is still a rose”.

If you are interested an objective view of the Havanese lines and history including the terminology can you can find such in   Havanese a Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog by Zoila Portuondo Guerra published by Kennel Club Books, ISBN number 978-159378217-7. Zola Guerra has spent considerable time studying the breed and its history and clarifies the facts surrounding the names used to refer to the Havanese. She sites Dorothy Goodale who in 1974 began to develop the Havanese lines in America. In short she provides the background that has led to the confusion surrounding the definition of the Havanese, but ends her discussion noting that the official standards in the United States are those that are recognized and sanctioned by the Havanese Club of America and the American Kennel Club.

AKC STANDARDS

• AKC classification: Toy breed. The height 8 ½ - 11 ½.. There are variations in the size of the dogs in this breed that meet the standard. Some are smaller and have smaller bones. Some are larger and have a heavier bone structure. That does allow people looking for a Havanese to find one that more fits their needs. The larger dogs tend to work better with children. Other owners sometimes prefer a smaller dog, thus you can generally find the size dog you prefer within the AKC defined standard..

• Colors: Wide spectrum of colors and markings; Coat is long, generally flat and soft, described as silky and non-shedding, with a soft undercoat and thus hypoallergenic. The coats do vary among lines. There is even the corded or curly coated Havanese which is rare but accepted by the AKC   

             Color and coat info: http://www.mts.net/~mckay55/colours.html

• Temperament: Much is beginning to be written these days about this “newly discovered dog”. Here are some common descriptors of well bred Havanese dogs in this breed. The list includes some of the AKC descriptors:

• cheerful and happy
• natural companion dogs
• festive and fun
• will play tirelessly with children
• high level of intelligence and thus trainable
• charming and open-hearted
• affectionate and loving becoming very attached to the human family of which they are a part
• friendly & responsive
• excellent watch-dog, but quickly will accept strangers once you approve
• generally happy to lie in your lap…. when invited
• playful
• alert
• non-quarrelsome
• “small sturdy dog of intense charm” AKC Havanese descriptor
• easily trained, wants to please, but does not like to be left alone for extended periods on a regular basis

• Movement: Lively, elegant, resilient, and unique.

• Activity level: Medium to high.

HEALTH ISSUES

Health issues: Actually the Havanese Breed is doing well with containing health issues within the lines. This is especially true with quality breeders. These breeders are doing the required and recommended testing of the Havanese Club of America. There is a discussion of the health issues on the Ideal Puppy page on this website on the Ideal Puppy page