Havachin -- Havanese Bichon X Japanese Spaniel

		Havachin
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Western Mediterranean basin <> China -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Havachin

The Havachin is a hybrid dog, a charming blend of the Bichon havanais and the Japanese Spaniel. They are small to medium-sized dogs, characterized by their calm, affectionate nature and long, flowing coat. But while they have a good taste for kindness, they can be anxious and stressed when left to their own devices. The Havachin's small size makes them less robust than other hybrids, and they can have difficulty coping with young children. The Havachin doesn't require much exercise, but time saved on walks will be spent caring for the coat. Because of the long hair, it's important to comb it daily to avoid knots forming They'll also need regular visits to the salon to keep the cut coat in pleasing shape.

History of the Havachin

The Havachin is a hybrid breed, which means that their history only dates back some twenty years. However, both parent breeds have long and interesting histories.

	A little of the Havanese Bichon
	As its name suggests, the Havana Bichon originated in the Cuban city of Havana and is known as the Little White Dog of Havana. This original breed originated from dogs brought to Havana by the first settlers, but unfortunately no longer exists. From this lineage came many of the most popular dog breeds, such as the Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Maltese and Coton de Tulear. Spanish settlers in Cuba took a liking to these affectionate little dogs and quickly exported them to Europe. The breed became an endangered species in the 1950s, but subsequently became Cuba's national dog and now enjoys healthy popularity both in their native Cuba and abroad.

	Standard of the Havanese Bichon
	A little of the Japanese Spaniel
	The Japanese Spaniel is thought to have developed as a security dog for the Japanese nobility. They were also known as Japanese Pugs, and although popular in their native country, they were little known worldwide until the mid-19th century. It wasn't until the 1850s that the little dog realized the opening up of international trade, and since then it has become very popular.

	Standard of the Japanese Spaniel

Appearance of the Havachin

Hybrid dogs can take after one parent or another, or be a mixture of the two. So, in a litter of Havachins, some puppies will resemble a Japanese Spaniel, others a Havanese, while others will be a gentle blend of the two. For puppies that are a true mix, they will be small to medium-sized with a long coat. Their bodies are relatively long and sturdy, with short to medium legs. Common coat colors include traditional black and white, black and bronze, gray, black and sable. The flat face of the Japanese Spaniel is slightly elongated by the more normal muzzle of the Havanese, which often gives the Havachin a pretty upturned nose. They have folded ears adorned with a luxurious amount of fur. While the other end of the dog is adorned with a curly tail, carried over the back and wrapped in long feathers.

Temperament of the Havachin

The Havachin is a happy dog that enjoys human company. When socialized as puppies, they are stable with strangers, even if they may be shy at first. Their love of company means they can be unhappy when left alone, especially for long periods. This, along with their sensitive nature, can mean they display distressed behavior when left, such as barking, chewing or destructive effects.

Needs and activities of the Havachin

The Havachin won't need much exercise to stay happy and healthy, but this will depend on the parent breed it takes after. Both parent breeds are lively dogs, but they don't need much exercise to be happy and fit. Both like to walk and play every day, but are equally happy to do so indoors or outdoors. The Havachin is good for owners who are not up to strenuous activities and are often home for company. It will adapt well to apartment living, but will need to be taken out daily for exercise. Always dress your Havachin properly when walking it in the cold, and make sure there's plenty of water and shade outside in warm weather.

Maintenance of the Havachin

The Havanese is hypoallergenic, but the Japanese Spaniel is not. It depends on which parent the Havachin takes most, whether they are or not. A Japanese Spaniel is a low-maintenance breed, brushing once a week should be enough and he doesn't need to be clipped, they're also clean dogs because of their habit of cleaning themselves like a cat, so it's not necessary to bathe him very often. If your Havachin takes more after the Havanese, it will take a little more work for the coat to require daily brushing and trimming. Try to brush your Havachin's teeth every day to avoid any dental problems, and check the ears for dirt. If necessary, clean them gently with damp absorbent cotton. Nails should also be checked to see if they need trimming; if a break occurs, it can be very painful, so it's best not to neglect this area of pet care.