Any heart can melt a small but strong dog with the unusual name of Havana Bichon. Long wavy hair is its main distinguishing feature. The homeland of these fascinating creatures belonging to the family of lapdogs is Cuba, where the Havana Bichons were especially revered by the local aristocracy.
Breed description
A dog no higher than 28 cm tall at the withers and weighing no more than 6 kg has a slightly elongated trunk with short but strong legs. The muzzle is narrow with large expressive eyes that hide behind long hair that protects from the sun. High-set hanging ears of medium length are located far from each other. The tail is fervently bent up towards the back. The coat is long, silky, very pleasant to the touch. It perfectly saves from heat, but due to the lack of undercoat in the cold season, the dog will need a warm coat for walking.
Color can be different - golden, brown, gray. But Havana's Bichons with white wool are most valued, which is very rare. Spots and marks are allowed.
History
The birthplace of these dogs is considered to be Cuba, where by crossing Maltese lapdogs and Bichons in the late nineteenth century a new breed called Havana Bichon appeared. She was very popular for many years. But then for some time the breed was forgotten, until the organization for the protection of animals took up it, engaged in its restoration. Pretty quickly, these dogs regained popularity and spread throughout the world. They are especially revered in their homeland, where they simply idolize, considering them to be the property of Cuba. Havana Bichons appeared in Europe quite recently - at the end of the last century. And immediately gained a lot of fans. But the largest number of nurseries involved in breeding this breed is in the United States.
Character
A huge world is hiding in the small heart of the Havana Bichon. The meaning of this dog’s life is man. Only then does she feel happy when a loving host is next to her. Despite its small size, this animal is highly active, filling the entire space in the house.
She loves fun games, doesn’t sit still for a minute. Incredulity to strangers allows the pet to be an excellent watchman. This little dog is capable of decisive and fearless actions in case of danger. In Cuba, Havana Bichon was often used to protect livestock.
Maintenance and care
Dogs of this breed are very energetic and mobile. Therefore, active walks in the open air are mandatory for them. However, sometimes there are too domestic dogs, which are difficult to make to go out.
Wool requires special and thorough care. It must be combed regularly with special brushes, avoiding tangling of lumps. In order for the coat to be silky and beautifully shiny, it is often necessary to bathe the dog using appropriate shampoos intended for long-haired dogs.
Like many small dogs, Havana Bichons are susceptible to various diseases of the oral cavity. To avoid this, after each feeding, wipe the face with a soft cloth and brush your teeth several times a week.
Ears should be checked regularly, and if sulfur accumulates, clean them. Havanese's claws are trimmed monthly.
The health, good mood and appearance of the dog depend primarily on nutrition. With a diet consisting of natural products, meat is preferred. You can use dry food intended for dogs of small breeds. But in any case, you should not give the dog sweets, sausages and food from your table.
Training
Havana Bichon is a very easily trained dog. It can often be found in the circus arena, performing the most intricate stunts. She is happy to learn it, but only if she is affectionate and praised. If you shout or show violence, the dog may be offended and close forever. Havanese are quite wayward in nature, require that they be reckoned with, so they are difficult to manage. But along with an outstanding appearance, it only adds personality to such amazing animals.
Havana Bichon puppies need socialization from an early age. Animals of this breed are characterized by distrust and wariness. Their self-defense is usually expressed in a loud bark. In order to avoid further complaints from neighbors about such behavior, it is necessary to accustom the puppy to the correct reaction to strangers. You have to make efforts to wean the dog from unnecessary barking.
It is imperative to achieve the execution of prohibiting commands, regardless of the size of the dog. Havana Bichon lends itself well to training and training. Photos and recordings of various circus performances with the participation of these dogs, confirming this, can be found in large numbers on the Internet.
These dogs have many talents, so if you make such a friend in the house, it is possible that he will reveal some unusual abilities.