Havanese
 

Does anyone have or know someone who does have a Havanese dog? Or do you know first hand about them?

NO, I am not getting one, but my brother and I were looking them up on the web and and are curious about them. The chocolate ones are SO adorable.:)

I don't have one or know anyone who does, but I just LOVE them!!!

Do you know much about them? Like their coat, health problems, etc...?

here a site about them

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/havanese.htm

Thank you. :) They remind me a lot of the Maltese.

A lady my dh works with breeds them.

They are related to the Bichons, but they look like small bearded collies to me .... they are adorable ... my former groomer had one ....

Aww, they are so cute! One of my favorite professors has one that he brings to work with him everyday. His name is Winston and he is such a sweetheart! I was going to suggest dogbreedinfo, but since someone already suggested that, try checking the AKC website and look at the standard.

Before I chose the Yorkie, I was deciding between the Havanese and the Yorkie. :) I didn't do a whole lot of research on them, because the the yorkie quickly grabbed me :D

I just saw this thread. I just got my havanese 2 months ago. I did extensive research and went to lots of local shows before deciding on a breeder. I went through the pregnancy and delivery and got my girl at 10 weeks of age. The breeders and show people I met were warm and welcoming - very helpful. I will begin showing my girl later this winter under the guidance of my breeder/mentor/friend.

They are indeed members of the bichon family and have been recognized by the AKC since the late 90s. They have health problems just like many of the other purebred breeds but the Havanese Club of America is very proactive about dealing with the problems. Any HCA breeder will have the potential parents CERFed for cataracts, BAER tested for hearing. In addition, they will have their hips and patellas rated as well. You can go to the CHIC or OFA websites to verify the health info.

They are enchanting little dogs with sweet, exuberant personalities. They are double coated and require lots of brushing and grooming to prevent matting. They are hypo allergenic.They are smart as whips and just wonderful. They aren't big barkers. Obviously, I am in love with my havanese! The HCA website has lots of great info as well. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate asking.

Carol

Awww I think they are so beautiful:)

Aside from being wonderful little dogs, that is the next best thing about Havanese, the wonderful parent club that is determined not to let this special little dog be ruined by inexperienced and careless breeders. The HCA is the self proclaimed caretaker and protector of the breed.

http://www.havanese.org/

Another nice thing about Havanese is their slightly larger size. They were bred to be children's playmates and are a great choice for a family with younger children.

I love Havanese!! They are beautiful dogs :)
As far as health goes, I do know a few Havanese that have liver shunt/MVD.

I have a 3 year old Havanese Bailey. He is a certified and trained Service dog and therapy dog. There are pictures of him on my website.

havanese
 

Sorry to hear about the hav with liver shunt. As I said, the parent club , the HCA is very proactive about health issues and breeding away from them. Because all of the havanese in America pretty much came from 11 original dogs who were brought here in the 60s, it's far more doable - simply because of the size of the gene pool.

Have a great day!