Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Havanese, also known as the Havana Bichon, is the national dog of Cuba, originating from small Mediterranean Bichons brought by Spanish settlers in the 16th–17th centuries. Due to the island’s mild climate and careful selection by local breeders, the breed developed a light, silky coat and a lively, cheerful temperament. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the Havanese became a favorite among Cuban nobility and European aristocrats. After political upheavals in the 20th century, the breed nearly disappeared but was restored by enthusiasts in the United States. Today, the Havanese is known worldwide as a joyful, intelligent, and devoted companion with distinctive Cuban charm.
General Appearance
The Havanese is a small, sturdy yet elegant dog with an elongated body and light, springy movement. The head is well-proportioned, with soft expression and dark, shiny eyes. Ears are medium-length, hanging gracefully along the cheeks. The tail is set high and carried in a soft curve over the back. The coat is long, wavy or slightly curly, silky to the touch, creating a fluffy, airy silhouette. The topline rises slightly toward the loin, giving the dog a buoyant appearance. Overall, the breed combines compactness, refinement, and vitality, radiating friendliness, confidence, and natural charm.
Important Proportions
The Havanese is harmoniously built, slightly longer than tall. The length of the body from shoulder to tail base exceeds the height at the withers by a small margin, giving a rectangular outline. The head is about one-third of the dog’s height, with a muzzle shorter than the skull but not pointed. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, with well-sprung ribs. Limbs are straight, of moderate bone, ensuring free, effortless movement. The tail is carried high and curled. Overall proportions reflect balance, strength, and elegance combined with the breed’s lighthearted, joyful appearance.
Temperament and Character
The Havanese is a friendly, even-tempered, and highly sociable dog, characterized by a cheerful and affectionate disposition. It adapts easily to various environments and craves human interaction. Intelligent, trainable, and emotionally sensitive, the breed makes an excellent family companion. The Havanese gets along well with children and other pets, showing neither aggression nor timidity. Lively yet obedient, the breed combines gentleness and alertness with a warm and loving personality, making it a loyal and delightful companion.
Head
The head is medium-sized, proportionate to the body, with soft, rounded contours. The skull is slightly arched and broad, with a well-defined but gentle stop. The muzzle is straight, moderately long, tapering slightly toward a large black nose with open nostrils. Lips are thin, tight, and well-pigmented. The jaws are strong, with a scissor bite. Eyes are large, dark, and expressive, giving a kind and intelligent look. Ears are medium in length, hanging close to the cheeks and covered with wavy hair. The overall expression is gentle, bright, and friendly.
Facial Region
The face is well-balanced and softly contoured. The muzzle is straight and of medium length, broad at the base and gently tapering. The nose is always black with wide nostrils. Lips are tight and thin, fully pigmented. The chin is neat and moderately developed. The cheeks are smooth and not prominent. The facial expression should reflect the breed’s warmth, intelligence, and kindness.
Eyes
The eyes are large, almond-shaped, and slightly oblique but neither deep-set nor protruding. The color is dark brown to almost black, with a soft, warm, and expressive look. Eyelids fit tightly and are fully pigmented. The expression conveys alertness, affection, and intelligence. Pale eyes or lack of pigmentation are faults. The eyes are one of the breed’s most distinctive and endearing features, giving the Havanese its signature friendly expression.
Ears
The ears are medium-sized, set slightly above eye level, and hang close to the cheeks, forming a gentle frame around the face. They are covered with long, wavy, or slightly curly hair, adding softness to the dog’s appearance. The tips are rounded and flexible; when attentive, the base may lift slightly. Ears should not be too short or heavy. Pricked, semi-pricked, or excessively long ears are faults.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, gracefully arched, and blends smoothly into the shoulders and back. It is well set and contributes to the dog’s proud but gentle carriage. The muscles are firm but not coarse, and the skin is tight without dewlap. The correct neck gives balance, elegance, and freedom of movement.
Body
The body is compact, slightly longer than tall, with strong musculature and solid bone. The back is straight and firm, the loin short and resilient. The chest is deep and oval, reaching the elbows. The ribs are well sprung, and the abdomen is moderately tucked up. The croup is broad and slightly sloping. The topline rises gently toward the loin, giving a springy silhouette. The overall build expresses balance, agility, and natural elegance.
Tail
The tail is set high, medium in length, and covered with long, silky hair. It forms a loose or half ring and rests gracefully over the back. In repose, it may hang naturally. The tail continues the topline harmoniously and must not be too short or tight. Its movement reflects the breed’s lively, cheerful spirit.
Forequarters
The forelegs are straight and parallel, with moderate bone and strong structure. Shoulders are long, well laid back, and close-fitting. Elbows point straight back. Pasterns are short and nearly vertical. Feet are small, oval, with well-arched toes and thick pads. Nails are dark and strong. The forequarters support smooth, free, and balanced movement.
Hindquarters
The hind legs are strong, well-muscled, and balanced, with well-defined angles. Thighs are broad and firm, the stifles well bent, and the hocks low and straight. Feet are compact, oval, and firm. The hindquarters provide powerful yet elastic propulsion.
Gait and Movement
The Havanese moves freely, lightly, and gracefully, with a springy, buoyant step. Movement is smooth and balanced, with good front reach and strong rear drive. The topline remains steady while the dog exudes vitality and confidence. The gait should appear natural, effortless, and joyful.
Coat
The coat is long, abundant, soft, and silky, either wavy or slightly curly, with a natural sheen. It falls freely, forming light waves without heaviness or stiffness. Undercoat is sparse or absent, giving the coat its characteristic airiness. Hair length is evenly distributed, creating feathering on ears, legs, and tail. The coat should retain its natural texture—trimming or artificial shaping is discouraged.
Colors
All colors and combinations are permitted: white, cream, gold, apricot, fawn, silver, chocolate, and black, either solid or parti-colored. Small markings and lighter shadings are acceptable. Pigmentation of the nose, lips, and eyelids must be dark, preferably black, regardless of coat color.
Size
Height at the withers: 23–27 cm (ideal about 25 cm).
Weight: 4–6 kg.
The body is slightly longer than tall, with balanced proportions. The Havanese should appear sturdy but not heavy, light and lively without fragility.
Faults
Any departure from the standard that affects balance or type: weak or coarse build, overly short or long body, flat ribs, pale eyes, low ear set, poor pigmentation, short or harsh coat, uneven coloring, timidity, or excessive excitability.
Disqualifying Faults
Aggression or extreme shyness; incorrect bite (over- or undershot); missing teeth; blue, light, or mismatched eyes; lack of pigmentation on nose, lips, or eyelids; docked tail or ears; height below 21 cm or above 29 cm; short, curly, or harsh coat; heavy undercoat; or any evidence of crossbreeding.
Important Notes
The Havanese must retain its natural, untrimmed appearance. Minor variations in color or coat texture are permissible if the breed’s balance and expression are preserved. Cropping or docking is strictly prohibited. The ideal Havanese is cheerful, friendly, and confident, radiating balance and elegance.
Conclusion
The Havanese embodies joy, intelligence, and elegance in a small, graceful frame. Its lively character, affectionate nature, and soft, wavy coat make it a beloved companion worldwide. Adaptable to any lifestyle, it thrives on human connection and brings warmth, charm, and happiness to every home.
