HISTORY OF THE HAVANESE
There are several theories about the Havanese breed as the exact origin is still not known, however there are several well known facts.
The Havanese is the only existing pure-bred dog of Cuba and is a member of the ancient family of Bichons. Originally the French word Bichon means “fleecy dog”, and is thought be a contradiction of the word “Barbichon” or “bearded”. The French work “Barbet” is suspected to be related and refers to an ancient breed of water spaniel similar to the Poodle, from which all Bichons of the world are descendents.
Either from Spanish trading or gifts to other countries the European Bichon adapted to the island’s diet and climate. Conditions gave birth to a different dog. Smaller than its predecessors with a completely white coat of a silkier texture and living in luxurious conditions, this new dog was the Blanquite de la Habana.
When the French revolution occurred, thousands of French settlers immigrated to Cuba bringing with them their wealth, culture, lifestyle which included their dogs. Then in the 19th century the Cubans were introduced to the Poodle from Germany via France or directly from Spain. The Cuban’s bred their native Blanquite de la Habana to the introduced Poodle increasing the size and varying coat color. Gradually a new breed was born, the Havanese.
Then in 1959 the Cuban revolution sent a mass migration of many wealthy Cubans to southern United States, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. Many of them took along their dogs, while most left their dogs in the care of their servants and the Havanese was close to disappearing when Americans became interested in them.
US Breeder named Dorothy Goodale learned of the existence of the Havanese and began to seek more information on this unheard of breed. Placing advertisements, she found 2 or 3 families who had brought their Havanese from Cuba to the United States. Acquiring 6 Havanese with pedigrees, then later 5 males from a Cuban moving from Costa Rica to Texas, Dorothy began breeding in 1974 to the standard published by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) of which the Cuban Kennel Club which belongs to still today.
In 1991 the United Kennel Club in the US announced its recognition of the Havanese and accepted any dogs registered by the Goodales. The Havanese Club of America was then granted recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1996. The Havanese breed was fully recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club and accepted into the Toy Group in January of 2000.
There truly are 3 very different types of Havanese today: the original Cuban; the American type; and a Havana Silk type. Each type is slightly different from the other, but they all range from 7 to 12lbs and average 10” at the shoulder.
I prefer the Havana Silk type as they not only have the
healthier lines, but I love their more elegant appearance
and soft, silk coat.
The breed is adored by owners worldwide for their happy demeanor, elegant appearance, great intelligence, adaptability and low-shed, low care, silk coat. They are a non-allergic breed excellent for families or seniors and can enjoy their lives in agility, therapy, obedience, show dogs but most importantly,
Havanese are your best friend. |
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HEALTH IN HAVANESE
Dogs are no different than people or other animals in the fact the every species carry a genetic code. That code determines appearance, personality traits as well as health. Certain breeds of dogs seem to be more genetically pre-disposed to certain health concerns and the Havanese is no different.
Several breeders will inform potential owners of the more common health concerns of the Havanese being Juvenile Cataracts, Patella Luxation, Liver Shunts, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Hip Dysplasia, and/or Congenital Deafness. Very few breeders will tell you that most, if not all, of the above potential problems are most often linked to a more serious genetic health concern. That genetic disease is Chondrodysplasia or also known as CD.
In 2005 an HCA study showed that 1 out of 3 Havanese may have CD. I personally found it disheartening when I ask breeders about the disease, most are unfamiliar with CD or choose not to change their breeding program, after all, they’re only selling to ‘pet’ homes and not ‘show’ homes or the cost of replacing breeding quality dogs is too great. So, many continue to breed this disease, and the statistics grow.
CD is characterized by the premature and/or uneven closure of the growth plates, causing a front leg or both legs to grow crooked or bowed. The bowed leg is hidden by long hair and unfortunately is not a disqualification in breed standards.
(photo submitted from another breeder - photos of our dogs can
be found below)
Chondrodysplasia or 'CD' is seen in many breeds of dogs, and interestingly those same breeds share eye problems, liver problems and heart problems similar to the Havanese. Ask yourself why most breeders give you a two year health guarantee while breeders of Havana Silk type will give you LIFETIME health guarantee.
As a potential buyer, what can you do? Breeders of the Havana Silk type will show you ‘soaped’ pictures of their breeding animals as well as any offspring.
An excellent indicator of the absence of the gene is nice and straight legs
with a square chest. Samples of one of our females
and an offspring are below. Also the standard health testing done by those same breeders include:
Annual Eye Examinations registered with Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF)
Hip Evaluation
Elbow Dysplasia Evaluation
Cardiac Evaluation
BAER (Brain Audio Evoked Response) for hearing evaluation
I encourage you to Google ‘CD in Havanese’ and do more research. Please remember Chondrodysplasia is a genetic health problem and it will reduce the quality of a dog’s life and longevity. It’s not a death sentence.
I chose to own a Havana Silk because I didn’t want to see my
canine friend go through unnecessary surgeries, pain or need to be put down because I couldn’t afford the treatment. I will show you all
their health certificates and soaped pictures. We love our dogs and want
to provide others with the same wonderful companion that we
are blessed with.
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