Havanese
Cuba's national dog, and the only breed native to the island. The coat is silk rather than wool, and the gait has a spring in it that nothing else has.
Overview
The Havanese is Cuba's national dog and its only native breed, descended from small companion dogs brought by Spanish settlers. It nearly disappeared after the Cuban revolution and was rebuilt in the United States from eleven dogs that left with emigrating families.
The coat is unusual: long, silky and double, and in Cuba it was traditionally left long as insulation against heat rather than cold, which is counterintuitive and correct.
Temperament
Cheerful, sociable and remarkably adaptable. Havanese are good with children, friendly with strangers and other dogs, and they are among the easiest toy breeds to live with.
They are clever and highly trainable, and they were circus dogs in Cuba for a reason. They are also intensely people oriented and prone to separation anxiety, which is the main caveat.
Care and grooming
The long double coat mats readily and needs thorough combing every day or two, plus professional grooming. Many owners keep it in a shorter puppy clip, which is a reasonable choice. It sheds very little.
Patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, cataracts and Legg Calve Perthes disease occur. Chondrodysplasia has been identified in some lines. Fourteen to sixteen years is normal.
Living and exercise
Thirty to forty five minutes a day plus play and training. They suit flats well.
They want company and they are a poor choice for a household out all day. Given company they are one of the most straightforward small dogs available.
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