Havanese

The Havanese is Cuba's national breed. Its ancestors, small Mediterranean bichons, are thought to have arrived on Spanish ships and were then kept by well-off families in Havana.

Nearly lost after the Cuban revolution, it was preserved thanks to dogs taken to the United States.

Cheerful, affectionate and very sociable, the Havanese loves everyone, children and animals included. It is playful and lives to be with its family.

Intelligent, it learns quickly with positive training but copes poorly with being alone.

This is a fairly healthy breed. Kneecap luxation, some eye diseases and a growth abnormality of the front legs should be monitored.

Regular veterinary follow-up is recommended.

Small-breed food in measured portions suits it.

Avoid excess weight.

Daily walks and play are enough. It enjoys learning tricks.

It adapts to its family's pace.

Coming from a hot country, the Havanese copes reasonably with heat, especially with a shorter summer clip; walk it during the cool hours. It is perfectly suited to apartments and suits households that want little dog hair.

Its long, silky coat sheds very little but tangles: brush several times a week, or choose a regular short clip.

Clean around the eyes.