Havanese — size comparison

The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog with a slightly elongated body and a soft, abundant coat. Hair is usually wavy, falls along the sides and forms a plume on the tail carried over the back. Many colours occur, from pale to dark and particolour. Long hair surrounds dark eyes and hanging ears, and movement is light and springy.

The breed developed in Cuba, although its ancestors are linked to small Mediterranean dogs brought by European travellers. They were companions rather than specialised hunting or herding dogs. Later political events reduced the old Cuban breeding lines; some dogs taken off the island helped preserve the breed abroad. Breeding elsewhere subsequently contributed to its wider spread.

Havanese generally make contact easily and clearly enjoy being the focus of attention. Affectionate, cheerful and playful, they are encouraged to learn by human interest. They may perform successive activities with visible enthusiasm, almost as if sustaining a shared performance. They also respond attentively to sounds and arriving visitors, although they usually soon return to their familiar people.

Measurement sources

• Wzorzec i wysokość — FCI
• Orientacyjna masa — tabela AKC
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia