1. Their Original Population in the U.S. Was Only 11
This bichon family’s first dog was a resident of the Spanish island of Tenerife. Even though some historians doubt this, others assert that this is the origin of all bichon dogs. They sailed from Tenerife to Cuba and immediately spread throughout the entire island. After all, these amiable and devoted canines were beloved by Cubans. Few wealthy Cubans who fled to the United States during the Cuban Revolution were allowed to take their adorable pets with them. The number of Havanese dogs worldwide in the 1970s was barely 11. One of the most intriguing things to know about Havanese dogs is that, out of the almost 200 dog breeds mentioned, it is currently ranked as one of the top 25 most popular dog breeds in the country.
2. Havanese are Not Good Cold Climate Dogs
Contrary to their long hair, these dogs are not best suited for colder climates. Why, then, do these canines have such long, smooth hair? Since Cuba and Tenerife, where Havanese dogs originated, have tropical climates, their long hair essentially serves as a sunscreen and a cooling element when it gets too hot. Whatever you do, avoid shaving these dogs’ hair in the winter since it will make them very cold.
3. Havanese is The National Dog of Cuba
The fact that Havanese dogs are Cuba’s national breed shouldn’t come as a surprise. That’s primarily because it’s also the only canine breed that’s native to the nation. These dogs, like the Labradoodle, are also classified as breeds of dogs. It took some time, but in 1996 the American Kennel Club (AKC) finally recognized this breed of dog.
4. They Were Developed From an Extinct Dog Species
Another incredible Havanese fact is that they are a descendant of the now-extinct “Blanquito de la Habana” and the “Bichón Tenerife,” both of which were little, cute canines. The Havanese, commonly known as the “small white dog of Havana,” can be traced back to the original Blanquito de la Habana, the national dog of Cuba. Blanquito descended from the now-extinct Bichón Tenerife. The modern Havanese can be traced back to a hybrid of the Blanquito and the poodle. This means that the ancestry of these dogs includes both Tenerife and Cuba. The Havanese dog today is one of the most adorable and sociable toy breeds.
5. Havanese are Fairly Easy to Train
The ease with which Havanese dogs take to training is one of their many remarkable qualities. So, they can work as assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and even signaling dogs for deaf people. They are great performers and do very well in dog sports, including agility, flyball, melodic canine freestyle, and obedience training.
6. They Are Some of the Most Social Dogs in the World
Easily one of the most incredible facts about Havanese dogs is how loyal they are. In fact, make sure you don’t mind having a tail behind you all the time if you decide to have a Havanese dog as a pet! When you move around the house, this “velcro” dog experiences what is known as “separation anxiety,” which makes them immediately fear that they will be left behind. On the plus side, this implies that these dogs also rank among the world’s top companions. Because of their bond to their owner they are incredibly lovable and devoted.
7. Their Separation Anxiety Can Take Extreme Forms
A Havanese dog should not be left alone for an extended period. The fact that Havanese dogs are completely unsuited to spending numerous hours each day at home alone is one of the most crucial things to know about them. This means that if you are unable to spend nearly every hour of the day with them, you should probably avoid getting this breed of dog.
8. They Have a Particular Type of Walk
One of the most amazing things about Havanese dogs is that they can be immediately identified by their “springy” gait, which is brought on by the fact that they have strong rear legs and relatively short upper limbs. As a result, rather than just walking, Havanese dogs seem to be bouncing.
9. Havanese are Very Curious, Active Dogs
One of the most incredible Havanese facts is that they are some of the most active and inquisitive animals on the globe. They enjoy exploring and having fun while accompanying their owner, whom they follow everywhere they can.
10. They Are Often Called by Different Names
They do have a wide variety of other names, so all of these can refer to the Havanese dog: Havanese Cuban Bichon, Bichón Havanés, Havaneser, Havanezer, Bichon Habanero. These dogs are also sometimes referred to with the same alternative name as their predecessor, the Blanquito de la Habana, which was referred to as the “Havana Silk Dog.”
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