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BREED BOOKS Information about the Havanese is still scattered and scare, but that is changing. Finally, fanciers can add Havanese breed books to their canine reference shelf. There are currently five books in publication.
Zoila Portuondo has put together a very thoughtful well researched book about the breed. It covers not only the breeds history and development but also many other topics such as breed characteristics, choosing a Havanese, general care, maintenance, grooming, breeding and showing. It is a fully illustrated hard cover book 165 pages long. The text is highlighted with many useful " Did You Know? " tips as well as over 100 wonderful full colour photographs of Havanese from around the world. Somewhat jarring to the senses, is a chapter on disease illustrated with half and full page magnified photos of assorted parasites. While the information is useful, it is somewhat overdone. Perhaps more useful would have been a section on hereditary and genetic conditions that affect the Havanese breed. Notwithstanding this section, overall it is a lovely book and a wonderful addition to your book shelf, it's a book you will pull out again and again. At this time , BICHON HAVANESE is only available from the UK. Copies can be ordered from Amazon Books (UK) or Book World International for a cost of l0£ Sterling. Adding in exchange, duties, shipping and handling, this translates to about $30-$35 in Canadian funds. Occasionally you can find a copy in Ebay. Recently the title has been added to Chapters/Indigo and may be found there.
"Havanese" by Dorothy Goodale is available through T.F.H.
publications in the U.S.A . May also be
available through Chapters/Indigo and occasionally on E-Bay.
Unfortunately, "Bichon Havanese" and "Havanese" are not as complete as they could have
been and both authors missed an excellent
opportunity to
educate about genetic issues and problems of note in the Havanese breed. They are good
companion volumes to have and a wonderful indulgence for your bookshelf. If you can, do get
them both. The Spring of
2005 welcomed the publication of two new Havanese breed books. Both are self-
directed
publications, which rewards us with less "canned" material than previous books; each
author shares
their knowledge, wisdom and obvious pride and love of the breed with unique style and
flair. "Joyous Havanese"
and "The Havanese" are marvellous resources for any and all breed enthusiasts; filled
to the brim with forthright
discussions, as well as humorous insights into the quirks and endearing traits of the
Havanese breed.
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BICHON HAVANESE At
the end of 1999, this first comprehensive book about
the Havanese was published in the UK. Its Cuban author,
Zoila Portuondo Guerra, is the founder and past president
of the Cuban Kennel Club as well as the founder and
first president of the Habanero Club of Cuba. In this book, I was fascinated to read yet another
account of our
breed's history and development. The author's extensive research has
attempted to sort through the lore, fact and fiction and presents a very
plausible progression that incorporates facets of the many other
theories long held in popular belief. 
HAVANESE - A
Complete And Reliable Handbook by
Dorothy Goodale. Just the fact that the author is the very same person who was
instrumental
in saving and rebuilding the breed makes us sit up and take note. The bulk
of the book is full of useful information about raising, training and living
with a Havanese. Much of the information is basic but it is quite thorough
and covers a multitude of aspects of dog ownership and is well written and
easy to read and understand. The text is interspersed with full colour
illustrations that beautifully highlight the Havanese's delightful appearance
and winsome personality. Unfortunately, this book published with a lot of
generic material which could be about any breed. According to Dorothy,
several parts of her original material were edited out and are not in the final publication, which is
a
shame as she has so much valuable information to share about the breed.
THE
JOYOUS HAVANESE The
"Joyous Havanese" by Kathryn Braund is a full size 196 page soft cover book.
Topics include a history of the Havanese, breed standards and chapters on
grooming and health issues as well many entertaining anecdotes of life and living
with a Havanese. What makes this book stand out from other Havanese books is
that it contains a chapter devoted to the Havanese in Canada. Written by
Suzanne Mckay, the president of the Havanese Fanciers of Canada, this chapter
highlights the history of the breed in Canada from the first imported dogs to the
present day Havanese champions. Suzanne also wrote a chapter on "Rainbow
colours of the Havanese" which explains the various colour terms and discusses
the uniquely changing coat colours of the breed. The book contains many
marvellous photos, both colour and black&white to be enjoyed by all. Although
about 1/3 of the book deals with breeding, whelping ,raising a Havanese litter
and other advanced topics, "Joyous" is a delightful book to be enjoyed by anyone
who owns a Havanese or is thinking of adding one to their family. It would make
a fine addition to any fancier's bookshelf. Kathryn's engaging writing style will
keep readers enthralled from beginning to end. "The Joyous Havanese" can be
ordered through most book stores or online at Barnesandnoble.com,
amazon.com and borders.com The ISBN is: 0-9720585-2-4. ( Book Review by
Pat Parkhouse)
"THE HAVANESE" by Diane Klumb & Joanne Baldwin DVM is a 160 page
journal
sized soft cover book. Direct and to the point, this is an easy to read,
fundamental book which addresses important breed specific issues while
bypassing a lot of generic dog information found in too many publications. The
Havanese is a wonderful
handbook for new owners as well as anyone researching the breed prior to
adopting a Havanese. This book provides current thoughts and comprehensive
information on Havanese health and genetics, feeding, raising, training and
grooming Havanese. Serious topics are balanced with whimsical insights into the
playful and delightful quirks of the Havanese breed. While geared primarily for
newcomers to the breed, "The Havanese" is just as informative and relevant to
experienced breeders and Havanese owners. The text is interspersed with a
wonderful selection of photographs. "The Havanese" is available in a print-on-
demand format through Lulu.com. It may also be available at Chapters/Indigo.
"The Havanese" is available in a full colour version as well as a more economical
black and white format.
The most recent
addition to Havanese reading is "Havanese (Complete Pet Owner's Manual) "
by Nikki Rigbey. This Paperback book is 96 pages long published by Baron's Educational Series
(July 21, 2006) and sells for $ 7.99 on Amazon. ISBN: 0764133896 - The editorial review
reads. "Book Description - This longhaired toy breed makes a fine companion for dog lovers
young and
old. Books in the comprehensive and popular Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals series
advise on feeding, health care, housing, and all other important aspects of responsible pet
ownership. Each title is individually written from first page to last by a pet trainer, veterinarian,
or other pet-care specialist. All Complete Pet Owner's Manuals are filled with high-quality
photos and instructive line art. " 