Photo: David Dalton
Bichon Havanais (Havanese)
The Top-Winning Havanese in Finland
1998 * 1999 * 2000 * 2001 * 2002 * 2003 * 2004The Havanese is a relative newcomer to Europe although its ancestors originated from the Mediterranean region. They were small dogs, brought by Spanish and Italian sailors to Cuba where they soon became the favored pets of upper class ladies.
Gradually, these small dogs became mixed with local dogs, laying the foundation for the Havanese as we know it today. The breed was named after the most common color in the breed, a tobacco or Havana color. After the Cuban revolution, the old blood lines of the Havanese in Cuba disappeared, but the descendants of the few dogs smuggled out of the country survived in the U.S.
The Havanese (or Bichon havanais, as it is officially known in the FCI) is an elegant little dog. Its size, measured at withers, can vary from 21 cms to 29 cms (8.5 to 11.5 inches). There is no weight limit in the breed standard, but the generally accepted weight is around six kilos (13 lbs). An adult Havanese has a fairly long, soft, flat or wavy top coat. Its tail has feathering of long silky hair. Undercoat is often absent. The coat requires regular grooming. No clipping except for tidying up the hair on the feet, on the forehead and on the muzzle.
The Havanese coat color can be fawn in its different shades ranging from light fawn to havana-brown or tobacco color or patches of these colors on white. A slight blackened overlay is allowed. Until 1996, a solid black coat or black patches on the coat were a disqualification, but these colors have since been allowed.
By temperament, the Havanese is a lively, affectionate and playful dog, and it is easy to train. It loves to exercise outdoors, and it is especially affectionate with children.
The first Havanese were introduced into Finland in 1989. The breed quickly gained in popularity, and, currently, annual registrations are approaching 400 dogs.
The breed has its own club affiliated with the Finnish Toy Dog Association. For more information on the club and the breed in Finland, please visit the clubs website.
