Havanese Hairstyles

Havanese dogs were first bred in Cuba. Members of this toy breed were often kept as lap dogs by wealthy women. Well known for their long, silky coats, these dogs need daily brushing as they don't naturally shed and will otherwise become matted. A short hairstyle for your pup will cut down on grooming time, but other hairstyles are more suitable if you want to show your dog.

  1. Natural

    • If you love your Havanese's coat too much to clip it, you might want to go for the natural look. A natural coat is one of only two hairstyles allowed in American Kennel Club shows. If you plan to enter the show ring, no trimming of your dog's coat will be allowed, other than between her pads to prevent matting. However, feel free to trim off an inch or two if your dog is a pet only. Her natural coat should be soft, silky, light and slightly wavy.

    Corded

    • A corded coat is the other AKC permitted hairstyle for a Havanese. Cords are essentially like dreadlocks for dogs. They take a lot of work to fully develop, a process that can take up to twp years. Be sure you want to commit to this look, because the only way to remove them is to completely shave your dog. If you don't have any experience cording a dog's coat, you should visit a professional groomer who does.

    Puppy Cut

    • A puppy cut is a great pet cut for anyone who wants their Havanese to have a more manageable coat. With this hairstyle, the hair on your dog's body will be trimmed to between 1 1/2 and 2 inches -- depending on your preference -- but her legs, face and tail hair can be left slightly longer. This clip resembles the natural coat of a young Havanese.

    Summer Cut

    • A summer cut for your Havanese is ideal if you're having hot weather and want to keep your dog cool, or if you want an extremely low-maintenance hairstyle. The fur on the body of your dog is cut short, usually between 1/2 and 3/4 inch. According to your preference, you can leave the coat on her face, tail and legs a little longer, but they tend to be kept at no more than an inch in length.