After many years of work in the public and private education system I decided to raise the most perfect family dog. Owning boarding kennels, I frequently heard what people liked and did not like about their dogs; dogs with health problems were a concern as well as dogs that out grew their families. And then there are many adults and children that develop allergies to their dogs. I heard about the family dog that was loved but snapped and growled at family members or friends. I have always thought that a pet should be a joyful addition to the family, not a problem. After years of research and going to dog shows I decided the Havanese was perfect, not too big or too small. No shedding, very playful, not a barker, sturdy, plays well with others, (human and dog a like). The downfalls were the availability and the price. After much thought, I decided to venture out into the world of raising these little Havanese darlings.

The puppies are raised in our home, with parents, a bull dog, pug and a bichon. We have one maybe two litters a year. The puppies are sold to pet homes under an alteration contract with a few going to show homes.

The Havanese is a small sturdy dog of immense charm. He is slightly longer than tall, and covered with a profuse mantle of untrimmed long, silky, wavy hair. His plumed tail is carried loosely curled over his rump. A native of Cuba, he has evolved over the centuries from the pampered lapdog of the aristocracy into what he is today - the quintessential family pet of a people living on a small tropical island. His duties traditionally have been those of companion, watchdog, child's playmate and herder of the family poultry flock. His presentation in the show ring should reflect his function - always in excellent condition but never so elaborately coifed as to preclude an impromptu romp in the leaves, as his character is essentially playful rather than decorative.

While historically always a toy dog and therefore never overly large or coarse, he does not appear so fragile as to make him unsuitable as a child's pet. His unique coat reflects centuries in the tropics, and protects against the heat. It is remarkably soft and light in texture, profuse without being harsh or woolly. Likewise, the furnishings of the head are believed to protect the eyes from the harsh tropical sun, and have traditionally never been gathered in a topknot for this reason.

In both structure and gait, the Havanese is not easily mistaken for any other breed. His characteristic topline, rising slightly from withers to rump is a result of moderate angulation both fore and aft combined with a typically short upper arm. The resulting springy gait is flashy rather than far-reaching and unique to the breed. The overall impression of the dog on the move is one of agility rather than excessive ability to cover ground. These characteristics of temperament, structure and gait contribute in large part to the character of the breed, and are essential to type.

* content from the breeding standard of the American Kennel Club