For even more information on the Havanese breed visit : http://www.havanese.org/Education/hcabuyersEd.htm

Effective September 28, 2011

General Appearance

The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog of immense charm. The native dog of Cuba, he is beloved as a friendly, intelligent and
playful companion. He is slightly longer than tall, with a long, untrimmed, double coat. The Havanese has a short upper arm
with moderate shoulder layback and a straight topline that rises slightly from the withers to the croup. The plumed tail is
carried arched forward up over the back. The unique springy gait is a result of the breed’s structure and playful, spirited
personality. These characteristics of temperament, coat, structure and gait are essential to type.

Size, Proportion, and Substance

The ideal height is between 9 and 10 1/2 inches, with an acceptable height range from 8 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches. Height at withers
under 8 1/2 inches or over 11 1/2 inches is a disqualification, except that the minimum height shall not apply to dogs or
bitches under twelve months of age. The height is slightly less than the length from the point of shoulder to point of buttocks,
creating a rectangular outline. The Havanese is moderately boned and should never appear coarse or fragile.

Head

The expression is soft, intelligent and mischievous. Eyes are large, dark brown and almond-shaped. Chocolate dogs may have
somewhat lighter brown eyes. Eye rims are solid black for all colors except for chocolate dogs which have solid brown eye
rims. Incomplete or total lack of pigmentation of the eye rims is a disqualification. Ears are broad at the base, dropped, and
have a distinct fold. They are set high on the skull, slightly above the endpoint of the zygomatic arch. When alert, the ears lift
at the base but always remain folded. Ear leather, when extended, reaches halfway to the nose. The skull is broad and slightly
rounded. The stop is moderate and the planes of the head are level. The cheeks are flat. Length of muzzle is slightly less than
length of skull measured from stop to point of occiput. The muzzle is full and rectangular with a broad nose. The nose and lips
are solid black for all colors except for chocolate dogs which have solid brown pigment. Incomplete or total lack of
pigmentation of the nose or lips is a disqualification. Any color pigmentation other than black or brown on the eye rims, nose
or lips is a disqualification. Small depigmented areas on lips due to rubbing against canine teeth will not disqualify. A scissors
bite is ideal and a full complement of incisors is preferred.

Neck, Topline and Body

The neck is slightly arched, of moderate length, blends smoothly into the shoulders and is in balance with the height and length
of the dog. The prosternum is evident but not prominent. The chest is deep, well developed, and reaches the elbow. The straight
topline rises slightly from the withers to the croup. Measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks, the body is slightly
longer than the height at the withers. This length comes from the ribcage. Ribs are well sprung. The loin is short and well
muscled. There is a moderate tuck-up. The tail is high-set and arches forward up over the back. It is plumed with long, silky
hair. The tail plume may fall straight forward or to either side of the body. While standing, a dropped tail is permissible. The
tail may not be docked.

Forequarters

The tops of the shoulder blades lie in at the withers, allowing the neck to blend smoothly into the back.
Moderate shoulder layback is sufficient to carry the head and neck high. The upper arm is short. Elbows are tight to the body
and forelegs are straight when viewed from any angle. The length from the foot to the elbow is equal to the length from elbow
to withers. Pasterns are short, strong and flexible, very slightly sloping. Dewclaws may be removed. The feet have arched toes
and point straight ahead. Pads and nails may be any color.

Hindquarters

The hind legs are muscular with moderate angulation. Hocks are well let down; pasterns are parallel from hock to foot. The
croup is slightly higher than the withers. Dewclaws may be removed. The feet have arched toes and point straight ahead. Pads
and nails may be any color.

Coat

Silky to the touch, the coat is soft and light in texture in both outer and undercoat, although the outer coat carries slightly more
weight. The coat is long, abundant and wavy. It stands off the body slightly, but flows with movement. An ideal coat will
permit the natural lines of the dog to be seen. Puppy coat may be shorter and have a softer texture than adult coat. A single,
flat, frizzy or curly coat should be faulted. A coarse, wiry coat is a disqualification. A short, smooth coat with or without
furnishings is a disqualification. The coat may be corded. Corded coats will naturally separate into wavy sections in young
dogs and will in time develop into cords. Adult corded dogs will be completely covered with a full coat of tassle-like cords.

Color

All colors and marking patterns are permissible and are of equal merit. The skin may be any color.

Gait

The Havanese gait is springy. The characteristic spring is the result of the short upper arm combined with the rear drive. Front
legs reach forward freely matching the moderate extension in the rear. On the move, the pads may be visible coming or going.
The head is carried high and the slight rise in the topline holds under movement.

Temperament

The Havanese is friendly, playful, alert and intelligent with a sweet, non-quarrelsome disposition. Aggression or shyness
should be faulted.

Presentation

Havanese should be shown as naturally as is consistent with good grooming. They may be shown either brushed or corded. The coat should be clean and well conditioned. In mature dogs, the length of the coat may cause it to fall to either side down the back but it should not be deliberately parted. Head furnishings are long and untrimmed, and may fall forward over the eyes or to both sides of the head; they may also be held in two small braids secured with plain elastic bands. The braids start above the inside corner of each eye and extend at least to the outside corner, forming the appearance of eyebrows. No other hair
accessories are permitted. Minimal trimming of the anal and genital area is permissible but should not be noticeable on
presentation. Hair on the feet and between the pads should be neatly trimmed. No other trimming or sculpting of the coat is
permitted and is to be so severely penalized as to preclude placement. Havanese should be presented at a natural speed on a
loose lead to properly assess the characteristic springy gait.

Faults

The foregoing description is that of the ideal Havanese. Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to the
extent of the deviation.

Disqualifications

· Height at withers under 8 ½ or over 11 1/2 inches except that the minimum height shall not apply to dogs or bitches under
twelve months of age.
· Incomplete or total lack of pigmentation of the eye rims.
· Incomplete or total lack of pigmentation of the nose or lips.
· Any color pigmentation other than black or brown on the eye rims, nose or lips.
· A coarse, wiry coat.
· A short, smooth coat with or without furnishings.

Approved: August 9, 2011
Effective: September 28, 2011

Contact Me - Connie Banitt

Through My Website
or
          cbanitt@aol.com