Information on the Bichon Havanese

Bichon Havanese is a breed of dog that is native to Cuba. It is a member of the Bichon family of dogs and is considered a toy breed. It is a small, yet sturdy breed of dog with a big personality. It is an excellent family dog and does well with children and other pets. The Bichon Havanese is an easy to care for and relatively healthy breed of dog.

  1. History

    • The Bichon Havanese breed originated in Cuba in the 19th century. They were developed from the Bichon lapdogs that came to Cuba from areas of Europe. These dogs were not suited to the tropical weather of Cuba. As they adapted, they became known as Blanquito de la Habana. In the 19th century, this breed was mixed with the Poodles and became know as the Bichon Havanese.

    Features

    • Bichon Havanese is a toy breed of dog that is slightly longer than it is tall. Havaneses range in height from 8 ½ to 11 ½ inches. They weigh between 7 to 13 pounds. Although they are small, they have a rugged, sturdy body and muscular legs. The muzzle is short and square. They have a double coat, which protects them from the heat. The coat is smooth, curly, or wavy. Wavy is the preferred coat texture. The color of the coat varies but includes white, cream, black, silver, chocolate or a combination of colors. Bichon Havaneses have a distinct springy gait when the walk.

    Temperament

    • Bichon Havaneses are playful and energetic. They seek attention and are easy to train because they are eager to please their owner. They are a very intelligent breed. They are highly sociable and play well with children and other animals. Despite being a toy breed, Bichon Havaneses are not fearful or timid and enjoy meeting new people.

    Care

    • The Bichon Havanese breed requires regular brushing unless the coat is trimmed. This will prevent matting and tangles. Bathing should be kept to a minimum because this can cause the coat to become dry and brittle. They are a high energy breed so they require a moderate amount of exercise.

    Considerations

    • The Bichon Havanese breed is a relatively healthy and long-lived dog breed. The average life expectancy of this breed is 14 to 15 years. They are prone to a number of diseases including cataracts, patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive retinal atrohy is an inherited, genetic disease that can be serious.