Havanese

Havanese is Cuba's national dog and takes its name from the country's capital – Havana. It descends from bichons brought to Cuba by Spanish colonisers in the 16th and 17th centuries, where it developed in isolation adapting to the Caribbean climate.

It was the favourite dog of the Cuban aristocracy until the 1959 Revolution. The AKC recognised it as a breed in 1996 and today it enjoys great popularity worldwide.

Havanese is a small, compact dog with a solid build for its size. Its long, silky and slightly wavy coat falls elegantly, and its character is extraordinarily sociable, playful and affectionate.

It adapts perfectly to apartment living and is one of the easiest dogs to train thanks to its eagerness to please. It does not tolerate prolonged solitude well.

Havanese needs moderate daily exercise and plenty of mental stimulation and interaction with people. The coat requires daily brushing and regular visits to the groomer. Early socialisation is straightforward thanks to its open character. Veterinary visits should include joint, heart and eye checks.

Havanese may be predisposed to some hereditary conditions:

• Patellar luxation: displacement of the kneecap, common in small breeds, can cause lameness.
• Cataracts: clouding of the lens that can affect vision with age.
• Mitral valve disease: degeneration of the heart's mitral valve, common in small breeds.
• Hip dysplasia: joint malformation that can cause pain.

A balanced, high-quality diet is the foundation of your dog's health. Discover our selection of dog food.