Havanese Wavy Coat Earns Top Points

One of the easiest dog breeds to train due to it playful nature, is the Havanese. With its start in Cuba, the Havanese is considered a cooperative student during training and will welcome instruction as it aims to please its owner. Although small in stature, it does not present itself as being fragile. Its sturdy frame and seemingly endless energy make the Havanese standard one of the most sought-after toy dogs for pets.

From its beginnings in aristocracy, it has worked as a faithful companion, a child’s playmate and watchdog. It is also a popular breed for showing around the world. It is usually not aggressive and will seldom bark unless playing, but will sound a vocal alarm is approached by a stranger. Usually a simple word from its owner, however will quiet the animal quickly. Its eyes and often-unkempt facial hair may make the animal appear to be mischievous. When being shown, there are certain Havanese standards that are uncompromising. All of the dogs will have a black pigment surrounding its eye rims, except the chocolate-colored dogs, which will have a similar chocolate coloring around the eyes. Any other pigmentation or variation of these colors will not meet the Havanese standards for competition.

The animal’s size is also strictly judged in the show ring, with the acceptable Havanese standard being 8-1/2-inches to 11-inches, measured at the withers. Points will be deducted for animals under 8-1/2-inches, except for puppies less that a year old. When measured from the withers to the rump, the animal should be slightly longer than it is tall and the back line should be straight, with any humps or depressions in the center.

There are three basic types of coats worn by the Havanese, smooth, curly and wavy. Although animals with short, tight curls are not considered up to the Havanese standards for show dogs. The coat can be cared for and brushed, but no trimming is allowed in competition to meet the standards. Some under trimming can be performed around the genitals and anal area for hygiene, but the trimming cannot show while in show ring stance.The intelligent expression on the Havanese dog’s face will draw focus to the eyes and the pigment in the eyes is solid black around the rims of the eyes, except in chocolate dogs, in which case the eye with be rimmed in chocolate colors. A Havanese without black eye rims, except the chocolate, will not meet the Havanese standards for judging. The leather of their medium length ears should reach half way to the nose and are set high on the head.

The ears, when the dog is on alert, will rise from their widest point on the skull to form a slight arch. Because the Havanese breed is playful and alert, they are extremely trainable with a cooperative disposition. Typically, they will present little feistiness during training and the Havanese standard shows them to be very docile, friendly animals.