Many unknowing people talk about the Havanese as being just another small furry breed. Appearance wise, perhaps that is so, but those of us who have chosen the Havanese as our special breed know that there is much more to it than that. There are a number of differences that make the Havanese unique and very different from other breeds.

many coat varieties - straight, wavy, curly, corded

braids as an attractive option to keep the hair off the face

wide variety of coat colours - all equally acceptable

straight topline which rises from withers to rump

unique lively springy gait

flash of pad acceptable and desirable

no artificial parts along the spine

The first thing that most people notice of course is the appearance. The Havanese coat comes in all colours and almost every marking and pattern variant found in dogs. No preference is given to one over the other. All are permissible. The Havanese also sports many coat types. The coat can be straight, wavy (preferred) or curly. There is a wide variety of expression in the degree of wave; from barely there smooth curves, soft waves, deep waves, loose curls and all the way to tightly curled ringlets. Some wavy coats may cord naturally which is another permitted coat alternative. Another unusual detail that may capture attention are braids. An option is to gather the hair from the corner of the eye and braid the hair into a single plait on either side of the face. The ends are fastened with simple unadorned rubber bands. Braids are one way to keep the hair off the face and provide a lovely frame to show off the sparkling eyes and endearing expression.

In the ring, the Havanese is presented naturally, that is clean and tidied, well groomed but not overly coiffed or manicured. Being a playful companion is the essence of his character; he should always look like he is ready for impromptu fun and games. In keeping with this natural look, the coat must not be artificially parted along the spine. For the Havanese, a natural part is permissible. If, after brushing out, the dog shakes and the coat parts naturally , then that is correct for its coat type. Long, silky and heavy coats may part naturally. Curly and wavy coats are less likely to do so.

Underneath all that luscious coat are a number of other differences. Unique structure and gait make the Havanese not easily mistaken for any other breed. The Havanese has a characteristic straight topline though not level as it rises gradually to the rear. This rise from withers to rump is the result of moderate angulation both front and rear combined with a relatively short upper arm. This unusual unique structure also contributes to the lively flashy "springy" gait, characteristic of the Havanese, giving an impression of elasticity, freedom and agility. The correct structure may produce a distinctive flash of pad both coming and going. While this flash of pad is frowned upon in many other breeds, in the Havanese , flash of pad is correct and highly desirable.

These characteristics of temperament, structure and gait greatly contribute
to the distinctive character of the breed and help define his correct type.