Havachon

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

Origin
Western Mediterranean basin <> France / Belgium -> U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Havachon

A charming mix of the good-natured Bichon Frise and the sociable Bichon Havanais, the Havachon is a wonderful companion for children and adults alike. They learn quickly and their curiosity means they're always keen to take part in any training session. Alert at all times, she is an excellent watchdog and barks at all times. Small but sturdy, Havachons have a well-muscled body and a wavy, medium-length coat that can be composed of several colors. Their coat is low-maintenance, and a few brushing strokes a week should keep it in good condition.

History of the Havachon

Coat styles aside, the Havanese and the Bichon à poil frisé aren't all that different in their overall appearance. Experts don't know when these pedigrees were first brought together, but it was probably in the last few decades. Since the 1970s, it has become very fashionable to breed two purebred dogs and create a new, specific crossbreed. Although the Havachon is a new creation with only a short history, we know a lot about each of its parent breeds.
        

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 Bichon frise

The Bichon Frise has been around since at least the Middle Ages, occupying the Mediterranean region. Most agree that they were imported from the island of Tenerife to mainland Spain, where they were a popular pet among the nobility. Interest in the breed waned in the 19th century, and many Bichon Frises lived on the streets and earned their living performing as circus dogs. Of course, it wouldn't be long before their nature and charm appealed to the public and they were once again considered desirable pets in the 1930s. Most agree that the first Bichon Frise was introduced to America in the 1950s, and that the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in its non-sporting group in 1973.
Standard of the Bichon frise

Appearance of the Havachon

The Havachon is a small but sturdy dog with dark-brown, intelligent eyes and a kind face. They have a round skull and hairy ears that hang from the head. They have a small black nose that is usually quite shiny. Their bodies are rectangular and their limbs are fairly short. The Havachon's tail curves elegantly over its back and is densely furred. The average adult Havachon measures between 23 and 36 cm and weighs between 4 and 7 kg. The Havachon's coat varies from dog to dog, and may feature the characteristic curls of its parent Bichon à poil frisé, or may more closely resemble the long, wavy coat of the Bichon havanais. While the Bichon à poil frisé will never be anything but white, the Havachon takes after their Havana parent in coat color and can have many coat colors, including black, gray, cream and white. It's not uncommon for a dog to have more than one color.

Temperament of the Havachon

One of the Havachons' greatest assets is their docile, playful personality. This characteristic has led to their ever-growing popularity, especially with families with young children. They'll grab almost anyone's attention, and are happiest when cuddled. They seem to rely on human companionship for their happiness and make incredibly loyal pets. Of course, this can sometimes be a problem, as these dogs really hate to be left alone. Separation anxiety is not uncommon, and it wouldn't be wise to choose a Havachon unless you're able to spend a lot of time with him every day. Curious and always ready to play, the Havachon is a fun addition to the family and will keep everyone entertained. Naive but intelligent, they'll keep owners on their toes and love to gaff. The Havachon is too good-natured to represent a serious danger as a guard dog, but it certainly has the ability to make a good watchdog and barks as soon as a new person arrives home. Highly adaptable, one of the advantages of owning a Havachon is that they don't need much space. Adapted to city life, this breed can be at home even in a small apartment.

Needs and activities of the Havachon

A Havachon needs a lot of exercise for a small dog. Daily walks in a park or on the beach are a good idea. Ball games in a fenced-in yard will keep him happy. These are good dogs for those living in a house or apartment, as they are adaptable but need daily exercise to prevent the formation of bad habits. A Havachon hates being alone, so it needs an owner willing to spend a lot of time with it. They're intelligent dogs who'll love learning tricks and practicing sports like agility, flyball and obedience training.

Maintenance of the Havachon

A Havachon is a hypoallergenic breed, suitable for allergy sufferers. They don't shed much, but they will need brushing two to three times a week to get rid of mats. Your Havachon will probably need grooming every six weeks or so to stay healthy, and may need a professional groomer. Bathing is recommended only when necessary and with a good dog shampoo to prevent skin irritation. Try to brush his teeth every day to avoid dental problems, and check the nails regularly to see if they need trimming. Ears should also be checked weekly for dirt or burrs and can be wiped with a damp absorbent cotton pad.

No comments