AKC Standard for the Havanese
JAS Havanese
Havanese Breed Standard
Toy Group
General Appearance
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 lap-dog 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
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.
Size, Proportion and Substance
The height range is from 8½ to 11½ inches, with the ideal being between 9 and 10½ inches, measured at the
withers, and is slightly less than the length from point of shoulder to point of buttocks, creating a rectangular
outline rather than a square one. The Havanese is a sturdy little dog, and should never appear fragile. A coarse
dog with excessive bone is likewise contrary to type and therefore equally undesirable. The minimum height
ranges set forth in the description above shall not apply to dogs and bitches under twelve months of age.
Disqualification: Height at withers under 8½ inches or over 11½ inches, except that the minimum height ranges
set forth in the description above shall not apply to dogs or bitches under twelve months of age.
Head
The expression is soft and intelligent, mischievous rather than cute. The eyes are dark brown, large,
almond-shaped, and set rather widely apart. Dark eyes are preferred irrespective of coat color, although the
chocolate colored dog may have somewhat lighter eyes. The pigment on the eyerims is complete, solid black for
all colors except for the chocolate dog which has complete solid, dark chocolate pigment. No other dilution of
pigment is acceptable. Ears are of medium length; the leather, when extended, reaches halfway to the nose. They
are set high on the skull, slightly above the endpoint of the zygomatic arch, and are broad at the base, showing a
distinct fold. When the dog is alert, the ears lift at the base, producing an unbroken shallow arc from the outer
edge of each ear across the backskull. The backskull is broad and slightly rounded. The stop is moderate. Length
of muzzle is slightly less than length of back skull measured from stop to point of occiput and the planes are
level. The nose is broad and squarish, fitting a full and rectangular muzzle, with no indication of snipiness. The
pigment on the nose and lips is complete, solid black for all colors except for the chocolate dog which has
complete solid, dark chocolate brown pigment. No other dilution of pigment is acceptable. A scissors bite is
ideal. Full complement of incisors preferred. Disqualifications: Complete absence of black (or chocolate in the
chocolate dog) pigmentation on the eyerims, nose or lips.
Neck, Topline, and Body
The neck is of moderate length, in balance with the height and length of the dog. It carries a slight arch and
blends smoothly into the shoulders. The topline is straight but not level, rising slightly from withers to rump.
There is no indication of a roach back. The body, measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks, is
slightly longer than the height at the withers. This length comes from the ribcage and not from the short,
well-muscled loin. The chest is deep, rather broad in front, and reaches the elbow. The ribs are well sprung.
There is a moderate tuck-up. The tail is high-set and plumed with long, silky hair. It arcs forward over the back,
but neither lies flat on the back nor is tightly curled. On the move the tail is carried loosely curled over the
rump. The long plume of the hair may fall straight forward or to either side of the body. The tail may not be
docked.
Forequarters
Shoulder layback is moderate, lying not more than 40 degrees off vertical. Extreme shoulder layback will
negatively affect proper gait, and should be faulted. The tops of the shoulder blades lie in at the withers,
allowing the neck to merge smoothly into the back. The upper arm is relatively short, but there is sufficient
angle between the shoulder and upper arm to set the legs well under the body with a pronounced forechest. The
elbows turn neither in nor out, and are tight to the body. Forelegs are well-boned and straight when viewed from
any angle. The distance from the foot to the elbow is equal to the distance from elbow to withers. The pasterns
are short, strong and flexible, very slightly sloping. Dewclaws may be removed. The feet are round, with well
arched toes, and turn neither in nor out. Pads and nails may be black, white, pink, or a combination of these
colors. Chocolate dogs may also have brown pads and nails.
Hindquarters
The hind legs are well-boned and muscular through the thigh, with moderate angulation. The hocks are short and
turn neither in nor out. In normal stance, the hind legs are parallel to each other from hock to heel and all the
joints are in line when viewed from the rear. The rear assembly, in which the rump is slightly higher than the
withers, contributes to the breed's unique, springy gait. Dewclaws should be removed. The hind feet fall slightly
behind a perpendicular line from point of buttock when viewed from the side. Hind feet have well arched toes
and turn neither in nor out. Pads and nails may be black, white, pink or a combination of these colors. Chocolate
dogs may also have brown pads and nails.
Coat
The coat is double, but without the harsh standoff guard hair and woolly undercoat usually associated with
double coats. Rather, it is soft and light in texture throughout, though the outer coat carries slightly more
weight. The long hair is abundant and, ideally, wavy. An ideal coat will not be so profuse nor overly long as to
obscure the natural lines of the dog. Puppies may have a shorter coat. A single, flat coat or an excessively curly
coat are equally contrary to type and should be faulted. Disqualifications: A coarse, wiry coat. An atypical
short coat on an adult dog (atypical would be smooth, flat coat with, or without furnishings.)
Color
All colors are acceptable, singly or in any combination. No preference is given to one color over another. The
skin may be freckled or parti-colored.
Gait
The Havanese gait is lively, elegant, resilient, and unique, contributing greatly to the breed's overall essential
typiness. The characteristic "spring" is caused by the strong rear drive combined with a "flashy" front action
effected by the short upper arm. While a truly typey dog is incapable of exaggerated reach and drive, the action
does not appear stilted or hackneyed. The slightly higher rear may cause a correctly built specimen to show a
flash of pad coming and going. The front legs reach forwardfreely. There is good extension in the rear and no
tendency toward sickle hocks. The topline holds under movement, neither flattening nor roaching. Head carriage
is typically high, even on the move.
Temperament
Playful and alert. The Havanese is both trainable and intelligent with a sweet, non-quarrelsome disposition.
Presentation
The dog should be shown as naturally as is consistent with good grooming. He may be shown either brushed or
corded. His coat should be clean and well conditioned. In mature specimens, the length of the coat may cause it
to fall to either side down the back but it should not appear to be artificially parted. The long, untrimmed head
furnishings may fall forward over the eyes, naturally and gracefully to either side of the skull, or be held in two
small braids beginning above the outer corner of the eyes, secured with plain elastic bands. (No ribbons or bows
are permitted.) 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. In either coat,
minimal trimming of the hair at the inside corner of the eye is allowed for hygienic purposes only, not an
attempt to resculpt the planes of the head. Minimal trimming around the anal and genital areas, for hygienic
purposes only, is permissible but should not be noticeable on presentation. The hair on the feet and between
the pads should be neatly trimmed for the express purpose of a tidy presentation. Any other trimming or
sculpting of the coat is to be severely penalized as to preclude placement. Because correct gait is essential to
breed type, the Havanese is presented at natural speed on a loose lead.
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 keeping in mind the importance of the contribution of the various
features toward the "original purpose of the breed."
Disqualification
Height at withers under 8½ or over 11½ inches except that the minimum height range shall not apply to dogs or
bitches under twelve months of age.
Complete absence of black ( or chocolate in the chocolate dog) pigmentation on the eyerims, nose or lips.
Coarse, wiry coat.
An atypical short coat on an adult. (Atypical refers to a smooth, flat coat with, or without furnishings.)
Approved: May 7, 2001
Effective: June 27, 2001 http://www.akc.org/breeds/havanese/index.cfm
Toy Group
General Appearance
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 lap-dog 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
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.
Size, Proportion and Substance
The height range is from 8½ to 11½ inches, with the ideal being between 9 and 10½ inches, measured at the
withers, and is slightly less than the length from point of shoulder to point of buttocks, creating a rectangular
outline rather than a square one. The Havanese is a sturdy little dog, and should never appear fragile. A coarse
dog with excessive bone is likewise contrary to type and therefore equally undesirable. The minimum height
ranges set forth in the description above shall not apply to dogs and bitches under twelve months of age.
Disqualification: Height at withers under 8½ inches or over 11½ inches, except that the minimum height ranges
set forth in the description above shall not apply to dogs or bitches under twelve months of age.
Head
The expression is soft and intelligent, mischievous rather than cute. The eyes are dark brown, large,
almond-shaped, and set rather widely apart. Dark eyes are preferred irrespective of coat color, although the
chocolate colored dog may have somewhat lighter eyes. The pigment on the eyerims is complete, solid black for
all colors except for the chocolate dog which has complete solid, dark chocolate pigment. No other dilution of
pigment is acceptable. Ears are of medium length; the leather, when extended, reaches halfway to the nose. They
are set high on the skull, slightly above the endpoint of the zygomatic arch, and are broad at the base, showing a
distinct fold. When the dog is alert, the ears lift at the base, producing an unbroken shallow arc from the outer
edge of each ear across the backskull. The backskull is broad and slightly rounded. The stop is moderate. Length
of muzzle is slightly less than length of back skull measured from stop to point of occiput and the planes are
level. The nose is broad and squarish, fitting a full and rectangular muzzle, with no indication of snipiness. The
pigment on the nose and lips is complete, solid black for all colors except for the chocolate dog which has
complete solid, dark chocolate brown pigment. No other dilution of pigment is acceptable. A scissors bite is
ideal. Full complement of incisors preferred. Disqualifications: Complete absence of black (or chocolate in the
chocolate dog) pigmentation on the eyerims, nose or lips.
Neck, Topline, and Body
The neck is of moderate length, in balance with the height and length of the dog. It carries a slight arch and
blends smoothly into the shoulders. The topline is straight but not level, rising slightly from withers to rump.
There is no indication of a roach back. The body, measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks, is
slightly longer than the height at the withers. This length comes from the ribcage and not from the short,
well-muscled loin. The chest is deep, rather broad in front, and reaches the elbow. The ribs are well sprung.
There is a moderate tuck-up. The tail is high-set and plumed with long, silky hair. It arcs forward over the back,
but neither lies flat on the back nor is tightly curled. On the move the tail is carried loosely curled over the
rump. The long plume of the hair may fall straight forward or to either side of the body. The tail may not be
docked.
Forequarters
Shoulder layback is moderate, lying not more than 40 degrees off vertical. Extreme shoulder layback will
negatively affect proper gait, and should be faulted. The tops of the shoulder blades lie in at the withers,
allowing the neck to merge smoothly into the back. The upper arm is relatively short, but there is sufficient
angle between the shoulder and upper arm to set the legs well under the body with a pronounced forechest. The
elbows turn neither in nor out, and are tight to the body. Forelegs are well-boned and straight when viewed from
any angle. The distance from the foot to the elbow is equal to the distance from elbow to withers. The pasterns
are short, strong and flexible, very slightly sloping. Dewclaws may be removed. The feet are round, with well
arched toes, and turn neither in nor out. Pads and nails may be black, white, pink, or a combination of these
colors. Chocolate dogs may also have brown pads and nails.
Hindquarters
The hind legs are well-boned and muscular through the thigh, with moderate angulation. The hocks are short and
turn neither in nor out. In normal stance, the hind legs are parallel to each other from hock to heel and all the
joints are in line when viewed from the rear. The rear assembly, in which the rump is slightly higher than the
withers, contributes to the breed's unique, springy gait. Dewclaws should be removed. The hind feet fall slightly
behind a perpendicular line from point of buttock when viewed from the side. Hind feet have well arched toes
and turn neither in nor out. Pads and nails may be black, white, pink or a combination of these colors. Chocolate
dogs may also have brown pads and nails.
Coat
The coat is double, but without the harsh standoff guard hair and woolly undercoat usually associated with
double coats. Rather, it is soft and light in texture throughout, though the outer coat carries slightly more
weight. The long hair is abundant and, ideally, wavy. An ideal coat will not be so profuse nor overly long as to
obscure the natural lines of the dog. Puppies may have a shorter coat. A single, flat coat or an excessively curly
coat are equally contrary to type and should be faulted. Disqualifications: A coarse, wiry coat. An atypical
short coat on an adult dog (atypical would be smooth, flat coat with, or without furnishings.)
Color
All colors are acceptable, singly or in any combination. No preference is given to one color over another. The
skin may be freckled or parti-colored.
Gait
The Havanese gait is lively, elegant, resilient, and unique, contributing greatly to the breed's overall essential
typiness. The characteristic "spring" is caused by the strong rear drive combined with a "flashy" front action
effected by the short upper arm. While a truly typey dog is incapable of exaggerated reach and drive, the action
does not appear stilted or hackneyed. The slightly higher rear may cause a correctly built specimen to show a
flash of pad coming and going. The front legs reach forwardfreely. There is good extension in the rear and no
tendency toward sickle hocks. The topline holds under movement, neither flattening nor roaching. Head carriage
is typically high, even on the move.
Temperament
Playful and alert. The Havanese is both trainable and intelligent with a sweet, non-quarrelsome disposition.
Presentation
The dog should be shown as naturally as is consistent with good grooming. He may be shown either brushed or
corded. His coat should be clean and well conditioned. In mature specimens, the length of the coat may cause it
to fall to either side down the back but it should not appear to be artificially parted. The long, untrimmed head
furnishings may fall forward over the eyes, naturally and gracefully to either side of the skull, or be held in two
small braids beginning above the outer corner of the eyes, secured with plain elastic bands. (No ribbons or bows
are permitted.) 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. In either coat,
minimal trimming of the hair at the inside corner of the eye is allowed for hygienic purposes only, not an
attempt to resculpt the planes of the head. Minimal trimming around the anal and genital areas, for hygienic
purposes only, is permissible but should not be noticeable on presentation. The hair on the feet and between
the pads should be neatly trimmed for the express purpose of a tidy presentation. Any other trimming or
sculpting of the coat is to be severely penalized as to preclude placement. Because correct gait is essential to
breed type, the Havanese is presented at natural speed on a loose lead.
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 keeping in mind the importance of the contribution of the various
features toward the "original purpose of the breed."
Disqualification
Height at withers under 8½ or over 11½ inches except that the minimum height range shall not apply to dogs or
bitches under twelve months of age.
Complete absence of black ( or chocolate in the chocolate dog) pigmentation on the eyerims, nose or lips.
Coarse, wiry coat.
An atypical short coat on an adult. (Atypical refers to a smooth, flat coat with, or without furnishings.)
Approved: May 7, 2001
Effective: June 27, 2001 http://www.akc.org/breeds/havanese/index.cfm
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