Subject: rec.pets.dogs:  Havanese  Breed-FAQ
Supersedes: <dogs-faq/breeds/havanese_824086184@rtfm.mit.edu>
Date: 13 Mar 1996 13:31:57 GMT
X-Last-Updated: 1994/11/09

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                                   HAVANESE
                                       
Author

     * Schalene J. Dagutis 04/23/93 [schalene@sequent.com]
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Table of Contents

     * Frequently Asked Questions
     * Description
     * Grooming
     * Recognized
     * History
     * Resources
          + Books
          + Breed Rescue Organizations
          + Breeders
          + Breed Clubs
            
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Frequently Asked Questions

   What kind of dog is that? Where did you get a Bichon that wasn't
   white?
   
     Havanese are part of the Bichon canine family, but are a distinct
     breed. Havanese come in all colors and combinations of colors.
     
   I've never heard of that breed. Are they recognized by the AKC?
   
     Currently, no. The national breed club is seeking AKC recognition.
     
   If they're not recognized by the AKC, can they be shown?
   
     Yes. Havanese are shown in American Rare Breed Association (ARBA)
     events and in fun matches across the country. The national breed
     club also sponsors several regional matches and a national specialty
     show.
     
   Can I get one from the pound or from a pet store?
   
     No. Pure-bred Havanese can only be purchased from breeders. They are
     a rare breed and the total population in the U.S. is only around
     3,000.
     
   How much do they cost?
   
     Prices for Havanese vary from breeder to breeder. Typically, a show
     quality puppy can cost as much as $800 to $1,200. A pet quality
     puppy can range from $300 to $500. Occasionally, adult dogs can be
     purchased from breeders; the cost will vary considerably.
     
   Do they shed?
   
     Havanese are non-shedding dogs.
     
   Do they have to be professionally groomed?
   
     No. Although most people prefer to have their Havanese groomed
     professionally.
     
   How often do they have to be groomed?
   
     Usually every two or three months. However, it is essential to brush
     their coats two to four times a week. Also, regular eye, ear, and
     teeth care is required. Nails need to be trimmed every couple of
     weeks.
     
   Are they good with children?
   
     Havanese are extremely sociable and seem to like almost everyone
     They are exceptionally good with children even when not raised with
     children in the house. However, it is a good idea to supervise any
     situation where dogs and young or unfamiliar children are together.
     
   Are they too small or fragile for a home with children?
   
     No. Actually, Havanese are a very good small breed for families with
     children. They are a sturdy dog, similar to a small terrier, and
     lack none of the terrier's hard stamina. In fact, a Havanese may be
     a better choice than some of the more fragile small breeds.
     
   What type of activities can I do with a Havanese?
   
     Havanese were bred as companion animals. They love to be a part of
     the family. As well as conformation showing, several Havanese owners
     compete with their dogs in obedience and agility trials. Havanese
     are quick to learn tricks and love showing off to friends and
     family.
     
   Are they just another "yappy" small dog?
   
     No. They'll alert you when someone is at your dog and to strange
     noises outside your home. Otherwise, they are quiet. Although, some
     Havanese are more "vocal" than others.
     
Characteristics and Temperament

  CHARACTERISTICS
  
   The Havanese is truly one of the most delightful of the small breeds.
   They are exceptionally intelligent and quick-witted. Their love of
   attention comes from their adorable little "show-off" natures. They
   are curious and busy constantly. They are natural clowns and enjoy
   interludes of rowdy, madcap play.
   
   The Havanese's expression tells you that they miss nothing going on
   around them; they love to sit somewhere high -- especially on the back
   of sofas and chairs. They never let strangers approach unwelcomed. The
   thrive on human companionship, and are at their best as a
   participating member of the family. They love children and will play
   tirelessly with them at any game in which children delight.
   
   If raised near water or exposed to water at an early age, they become
   powerful swimmers, diving in and out of the water like tiny seals. The
   Havanese also have a natural herding instinct. In Cuba, they were used
   to herd the family chickens and geese.
   
  TEMPERAMENT
  
   If the Havanese were listed in Daniel F. Tortora's book, "The Right
   Dog for You," they would rank as follows:
   
       
    1. Activity Level:
         1. Indoors: very active
         2. Outdoors: moderate
   
       
    2. Behavioral Vigor: gentle
       (This dimension relates to the force of behaviors regardless of
       how often they are produced.)
       
    3. Variability/Constancy: moderate
       (This dimension relates to the "stick-to-it-iveness" of a breed.)
       
    4. Territoriality: low
       Havanese are low in territoriality and generally only consider the
       owner's home and property as their own.
       
    5. Dominance:
         1. Strange dogs: submissive
         2. Familiar people: submissive
   (Submissive dogs approach most familiar and unfamiliar people and dogs
       with submissive displays.)
       
    6. Emotional Stability/Vacillation: stable
       (This dimension is defined by how frequently an animal changes
       from one emotional state to another.)
       
    7. Learning Rate: fast to very fast
       (The ease with which a breed is able to form associations between
       two or more events determines its trainability.)
       
    8. Functionality:
         1. Obedience: very good
         2. Problem solving: very good
   Obedience training is achieved with very little effort. Fast to learn
       and anxious to please, they are a charming, open-hearted breed.
       
    9. Watch/Guard Dog: alert/unsuited
       Havanese are good watch dogs, making sure to alert you when a
       visitor arrives, but will take their cue from you and welcome the
       guest when all seems well with their owner.
       
   10. Sociability/Solitariness: very sociable
       (The number of people a breed can tolerate in one location. A very
       sociable dog can tolerate, even enjoy crowds. A very solitary dog
       would get irritable, fearful, or aggressive in a crowd.)
       
   11. Social Dimension
         1. Owner/family: open-family
            (Open-family dogs can discriminate between family members and
            non family members. However, they readily accept new members
            into the family after one or two playful experiences with
            them.)
         2. With strangers: very friendly
            (Very friendly breeds are described with the following terms:
            "likes everybody," "very friendly," and "likes people." These
            breeds may be very playful and jump on people who enter and
            continuously nuzzle, smell, and rub up against visitors. They
            are basically indiscriminate in their friendliness. They can
            be a pleasure to people who love dogs but an annoyance to
            people who do not.)
         3. With children: exceptionally good
            (Breeds that are exceptionally good with children can usually
            withstand the physical taunts of children; be calm in
            response to rapid movements; react unemotionally to loud and
            sometimes peculiar noises and modulate their physical
            strength in relation to the size of the child.)
            
Description

   They are non-shedding and odorless and their soft coat is easy to keep
   with frequent brushing or combing and periodic bathing. The coat
   ranges from a slight wave to curly. The color of coats range in shades
   of white, cream, champagne, gold, chocolate, silver, blue, and black
   or a combination of these colors.
   
  BREED STANDARD
  
   (Havanese Club of America Approved 1992)
   
    General Appearance
    
   The Havanese is a sturdy, short-legged small dog with a soft profuse,
   untrimmed coat. His plumed tail is carried curled over his back. He is
   an affectionate, happy dog with a lively, springy gait.
   
    Size, Proportion, Substance
     * Size: The height ranges from 8-1/2 to 11-1/2 inches, the ideal
       being 9 to 10-1/2 inches. The weight ranges from 7 to 13 pounds,
       the ideal being 8 to 11 pounds. Major Fault: Any dog whose weight
       deviates greatly from the stated standard. Disqualification: Any
       dog measuring under 8-1/2 or over 11-1/2 inches.
     * Proportion: The body from the chest to the buttocks is longer than
       the height at the shoulders and should not appear to be square.
       Forelegs and hindlegs are relatively short but with sufficient
       length to set the dog up so as not to be too close to the ground.
     * Substance: The Havanese is a sturdy dog, and while a small breed,
       is neither fragile nor over done.
       
    Head
    
   Medium length proportionate to the size of the body.
     * Eyes: Large, almond shaped and very dark with a gentle expression.
       In the blue and silver coat shades, eyes may be slightly lighter
       color; in chocolate coat shades, the eyes are a lighter color.
       However, the darker eye is preferred. Eye rims are black for all
       colors except chocolate shaded coats, whose eye rims are
       self-colored. Faults: Small or round eyes; broken or insufficient
       pigment on the eye rim(s). Major Faults: Wild, bulging or
       protruding eyes. Disqualification: Total absence of pigment on one
       or both eye rims.
     * Ears: Set neither too high nor too low and are dropped, forming a
       gentle fold and covered with long feathering. They are slightly
       raised, moderately pointed, neither fly-away nor framing the
       cheeks.
     * Skull: Broad and somewhat rounded with a moderate stop. The cheeks
       are flat and the lips clean.
     * Muzzle: The length is equal to the distance of the stop to the
       back of the occiput. The muzzle is neither snipy nor blunt.
     * Nose and Lips: Solid black on all colors except the true chocolate
       dog, whose nose and lips are solid, self-colored brown.
       
       Disqualification: Dudley nose. Nose and lips other than black,
       except the solid, self-colored brown on the true chocolate dog.
     * Bite: Scissors bite preferred; a level bite is permissible. Full
       dentition of incisors preferred for both upper and lower jaws.
       Faults: Crooked or missing teeth.
       Major Faults: Overshot or undershot bite; wry mouth.
       
    Neck, Topline, and Body
     * Neck: Of moderate length, nether too long nor too short.
     * Topline: Straight with a very slight rise over the croup.
     * Flanks: Well raised.
     * Ribs: Well rounded.
     * Tail: Set high, carried curled over the back and plumed with long
       silky hair. While standing, a dropped tail is permissible.
       
    Forequarters
     * Forelegs: Well boned and straight, the length from the elbow to
       the withers equal to the distance from the foot to the elbow.
       Dewclaws may be removed.
       
    Coat
     * Texture: The Havanese is a double-coated breed with soft hair,
       both in outer and undercoat. The hair is very long and profuse,
       shown completely natural. The coat type ranges from straight to
       curly, the wavy coat being preferred. The curly coat is allowed to
       cord.
     * Length: The adult coat reaches a length of 6 to 8 inches. No
       preference shall be given to a dog with an excessively profuse or
       long coat. Faults: Short hair on all but puppies.
     * Styling: It is permissible to braid the hair on each side of the
       head above the eyes, but the coat may not be parted down the
       middle of the back.
     * Trimming: No scissoring of the hair on the top of the head is
       allowed, nor trimming or neatening of the coat of any kind
       permitted except for the feet which may be neatened to avoid the
       appearance of "boat" or "slipper" feet. Disqualification: Coat
       appearing to be trimmed in any way except for neatening at the
       feet.
     * Color: All colors; ranging from pure white to shades of cream,
       champagne, gold, black, blue, silver, chocolate or any combination
       of these colors including parti and tri. No preference is given to
       one color over another.
       
    Gait
    
   Unique and "springy" which accentuates the happy character of the
   Havanese. The forelegs reach straight and forward freely from the
   shoulder with the hind legs converging toward a straight line. The
   tail is carried up over the back when gaiting.
   
   Faults: Hackney gait; paddling; moving too close in the rear. Tail not
   carried over the back when gaiting.
   
    Temperament
    
   Affectionate, happy.
   
    Disqualifications
     * Height: Any dog under 8-1/2 or over 11-1/2 inches.
     * Pigment: Total absence of pigment on one or both eye rims. Dudley
       nose; nose and lips other than black, except for the solid,
       self-colored brown on the true chocolate dog.
     * Coat: Coat trimmed in any way except for neatening at the feet.
       
Grooming

   The Havanese coat should be long, somewhat flowing, with an abundance
   of undercoat. Caring for the show coat requires regular grooming to
   keep it in peak condition. The following is a summation of how to care
   for a show coat and a pet coat.
   
  SHOW GROOMING
  
   The goal in grooming the show coat is to retain as much of the length
   and fullness to the coat as possible. The following tools are
   recommended for grooming:
     * Small or medium pin brush
     * Small slicker brush
     * Half fine/half medium comb
     * Nail clippers (scissors or guillotine type)
     * Scissors
     * Coat oil or similar dressing
     * Tweezers or hemostat
       
   One of the most important steps in grooming a Havanese is brushing.
   For growing and maintaining a coat between shows, it should be brushed
   two to four times per week. The coat should be brushed in layers. Each
   layer should be sprayed with a coat oil or similar dressing before
   brushing to lessen the static electricity which will break off the
   hair ends. The correct brush is the small or medium pin brush
   depending on the size of the dog. You may also use a slicker brush on
   the feet.
   
   Begin by brushing the hair under the chest. Spread the body coat out
   to the sides and spray the hair with a light oil or coat dressing.
   Using the pin brush, begin at the stomach and work up to the front
   legs, brushing the hair in layers from the skin out. After the chest
   hair is brushed, comb through the rest of the coat.
   
   After the hair has been brushed, use the half fine/half medium comb;
   combing thoroughly through the coat. If you should find a mat, moisten
   it with coat oil and rub apart with your fingers. Then brush using the
   pin brush and comb out. See to it that the nails are trimmed and the
   hair has been removed from the ear hole. Use either your fingers, a
   tweezers, or hemostat to remove the hair from the ears; removing only
   a few hairs at a time. Finally, put one drop of mineral oil into each
   eye to avoid irritation from non-tearless shampoos.
   
   Set the dog into the tub. Wet thoroughly with very warm water,
   excluding the head. Pour shampoo onto the wet coat. Gently squeeze the
   shampoo through the coat and rinse thoroughly. Then shampoo the head
   in the same manner as the body. Next, apply a cream rinse and rinse
   again. Squeeze excess water from the coat and remove the dog from the
   tub. Blot lightly with a towel. Set the dog onto a grooming table and
   dry using an electric dryer. Use the layering method as in brushing
   and fluff the coat as it dries. After the drying process is complete
   brush the dog lightly.
   
   Scissor the hair from between the pads. Then, place the dog in a
   standing position. Comb the hair out on each foot and scissor around
   the pads into a round shape. The hair on the head may be either
   brushed back and allowed to fall in a natural manner or parted in the
   center and combed to either side allowing the eyes to be partially
   visible. The hair may also be parted in the center, gathered, and
   plaited down either side. At no time is the Havanese to enter the show
   ring with hair drawn to the top of the head in one or two pony tails.
   
  PET GROOMING
  
   First, follow the same instructions as the long coat for bathing and
   blow drying. Then, use a scissors or an electric clippers to trim the
   hair from around the edge of the foot. Follow the entire outline of
   the dog's body and legs, shortening the hair to 1-1/2 to 2 inches in
   length. Shorten the hair on one-third of the tail, leaving the rest in
   a natural plume. Also, leave the hair on the ears natural. Round off
   the top of the head and cheeks leaving more hair over the eyes. Do not
   trim the hair on the top of the head in the style of a topknot or the
   exaggerated manner of the Bichon Frise. The head of the Havanese
   should be trimmed to show its natural outline, except for a bit over
   the eyes. The whiskers and the beard should be left natural; blending
   the outline where the whiskers meet the hair of the cheeks and throat.
   
Recognized

   The Havanese is recognized by the following organizations:
     * Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
     * United Kennel Club (UKC) -- only those Havanese registered with
       the Original Havanese Club (OHC).
       
   The Havanese Club of America (HCA) is pursuing American Kennel Club
   (AKC) recognition. The AKC has stated that the HCA is the national
   parent club for the breed and will not recognize any Havanese
   registered by the OHC. Owners of OHC-registered dogs may transfer
   their registration to the HCA by contacting the HCA Registrar.
   
   The Havanese will likely be admitted into the AKC's Miscellaneous
   Group in 1993. The HCA Board has voted to seek placement in the
   Non-Sporting Group when the breed is fully recognized as an AKC breed.
   
   
   Currently, the Havanese is being shown in American Rare Breed
   Association (ARBA) events and fun matches across the country.
   
History

   The Havanese is part of the Bichon canine family of small breeds which
   probably originated in the Mediterranean area in pre-Christian times.
   All Bichons are descended from the same bloodlines that produced the
   Barbet, or water spaniel; the Poodle; the Portuguese Water Dog; and
   others. The Barbet or "Barbichon" -- later shortened to Bichon canine
   family -- consists of several distinct breeds, including the Havanese.
   In order of popularity in the U.S., these breeds are: 1) Maltese, 2)
   Bichon Frise, 3) Havanese, 4) Lowchen, 5) Coton de Tulear, and 6)
   Bolognese.
   
   During the days of the Spanish empire, Bichons travelled to Cuba with
   sea captains who used them as presents for the women of Cuban
   households. By gaining entry into wealthy Hispanic homes, which were
   otherwise closed to outsiders, the captains were able to establish
   lucrative trading relationships with rich Cuban families.
   
   Once in Cuba, the Havanese (Habeneros in Spanish) lived exclusively in
   the mansions of the highest social class of people. Havanese were
   never raised commercially or sold but were sometimes given as precious
   gifts to a friend or someone who had performed a valuable service.
   Like the Victorian-age wealthy Hispanic women who owned them, the dogs
   were not seen in the streets or public areas. They lived in the rooms
   and interior courtyards of their tropical homes and occasionally rode
   in carriages with their owners.
   
   The Havanese found its way to Europe where it became very popular and
   was recognized by the European Kennel Club. It was known in England as
   the "White Cuban." Queen Anne is said to have admired a troupe of
   performing dogs that danced to music in almost human fashion.
   
   As happened to many other dog breeds, the Havanese' popularity waned
   over the course of time. For awhile they were used in circuses as
   trick dogs throughout Europe, but eventually they became almost
   extinct -- even in their native Cuba.
   
   Only three families are known to have left Cuba with their Havanese
   during the political turmoil of the 1950s and 1960s. It is assumed
   that by that time there might not have been very many of these dogs
   kept by anyone. These three exiled families worked alone in Florida
   and in Costa Rica for over a decade to preserve the breed.
   
   After raising Irish Wolfhounds and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers for
   many years, Dorothy and Bert Goodale of Colorado began looking for a
   small breed to raise which would have the calm temperament and
   intelligence they cherished in the larger breeds. After a few years of
   investigation, elusive references to the Havanese had their attention,
   but no one knew where the Goodales might obtain them.
   
   In the mid 1970s, they chanced upon an advertisement which resulted in
   the purchase of six pedigreed Havanese: a mother, four daughters, and
   an unrelated young male. Completely enchanted with the outgoing,
   intelligent, and affectionate nature of the breed, they endeavored to
   locate more of the little exiles.
   
   Mrs. Goodale placed advertisements in Latin papers in Miami offering
   to purchase Havanese. After several months, she had received only one
   response. A Florida man wrote to say that a friend of his had five
   Havanese that he wished to sell. Mr. Eziekiel Barba had fled Cuba and
   settled in Costa Rica. Because of failing health, he had decided to
   move to Texas to live with his daughter and could no longer care for
   his "brood" of Havanese.
   
   The Goodales arranged to purchase Mr. Barba's five dogs. This second
   group had the same look and gentle temperament as the first. All these
   dogs, as adults, averaged around 10 pounds and stood about 9 to 10
   inches tall at the shoulder. Using the 1963 FCI breed standard (the
   only standard available), Mrs. Goodale began a breeding program to
   prevent the extinction of this breed.
   
   Currently, there are approximately 3,000 registered Havanese in the
   United States.
   
   The Havanese is also making a comeback in its native Cuba. The Bichon
   Habanero Club is working from a foundation stock of approximately 15
   dogs and is closely supervising the breeding program.
   
Special Medical Problems

   The Havanese is a healthy, long-lived breed. However, like all dog
   breeds, they are susceptible to some medical problems. Regular
   veterinary care is essential.
   
   The Havanese Club of America's (HCA) Health Committee recently
   completed a health survey among its members. A computer database will
   be established to house the information relating to health issues. In
   time, this information may help in making better breeding decisions.
   
  PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY (PRA)
  
   PRA is characterized by degeneration of the cells of the retina,
   leading eventually to loss of sight. The latest HCA health survey
   indicated that some Havanese do suffer from PRA. In order to control
   the disease in Havanese bloodlines, breeders are now required to
   include The Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) registration on
   pedigrees. Any affected Havanese should no longer be used for breeding
   purposes.
   
  LUXATING PATELLAS
  
   Slipping or dislocating kneecaps can be inherited, or acquired by
   trauma. In order to register a Havanese puppy with HCA, the knees must
   be checked before the age of six months. If there is evidence of
   luxating patellas, owners are issued a restricted registration, and
   the dog may not be used for breeding purposes.
   
  CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA
  
   This is the most common cause of rear-end lameness in the dog. It
   occurs almost exclusively in the larger breeds -- those weighing more
   than 35 pounds as adults -- and is not a problem for the Havanese.
   However, because HCA is seeking AKC recognition for the breed and the
   AKC requires OFA registration numbers on sires and dams, Havanese
   breeders are required to have x-rays taken and registered by OFA. [I
   am not aware of any such requirement on the part of AKC. --CTM]
   
  EAR INFECTIONS
  
   Like all floppy-eared breeds, Havanese are susceptible to ear
   infections. Regular cleaning of the ear will eliminate recurring ear
   infections.
   
  POODLE EYE
  
   Brown stains in the corner of the eye -- or Poodle eye -- is peculiar
   to some light colored toy breeds. Its exact cause is unknown in many
   cases. One theory is that the pooling space at the corner of the eye
   is too small to collect a lake of tears. Another theory is that a low
   grade infection of the throat works its way up into the lacrimal duct
   and causes scarring.
   
   To help reduce tear stain, scissor the hair from the inside corner of
   the eyes and treat with a tear stain remover or a dilute solution of
   hydrogen peroxide (one part to ten parts of water). CAUTION: Peroxide
   must not be allowed to enter the eye. Mineral oil should be instilled
   first to protect against accidental contact.
   
   When no underlying disease is found, symptomatic improvement often
   results after giving the dog a course of broad spectrum antibiotics
   (Tetracycline). Tetracycline, which is secreted in the tears after
   oral administration, also binds that portion of the tears which cause
   them to stain the face. When the improvement is due just to the
   binding action of the drug, the face remains wet but not discolored.
   
   Surgery may be considered as an alternative. The operation removes the
   gland of the third eyelid (nictating membrane). This makes a better
   lake at the inner corner of the eye. It also reduce the volume of
   tears by removing the tear gland in the third eyelid.
   
  DRY SKIN
  
   The HCA health survey indicated that some Havanese suffer from dry
   skin problems, which apparently affects dogs with black or dark
   champagne coats.
   
Resources

  BOOKS
  
   Because the Havanese is a rare breed, it is difficult to find
   references to the breed in books related to the dog fancy. However,
   the following books include some references to the Havanese:
   
   American Kennel Club (ed.). The Complete Dog Book; Howell Book
   House, New York, New York; 17th Edition, 1985.
   
   Brearley, Joan M., and Nicholas, Anna Katherine. This is the Bichon
   Frise; T.F.H. Publications, New York, New York.
   
   Wilcox, Bonnie, and Walkowicz, Chris. The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the
   World; T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, New Jersey; 3rd Edition,
   1991.
   
   The Havanese Club of America (HCA) and the Original Havanese Club
   (OHC) also have pamphlets about the Havanese that they will send to
   anyone requesting information on the breed.
   
   The HCA publishes "The Havanese Yearbook," which can be purchased for
   $15. The most recent edition was printed in 1988. The HCA also
   publishes a quarterly newsletter entitled Havanese Hotline which is
   sent to all HCA members.
   
  BREED RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS
  
   Many breed clubs have formed a breed rescue division, but the
   placement of an unwanted Havanese in a new home has not yet been a
   problem of any significance. The Havanese Club of America (HCA)
   recommends that any member alert his/her regional director or a board
   member to the discovery of any Havanese which, for any reason, cannot
   remain with its owner or if a Havanese is found for sale in a pet
   store.
   
   The HCA is also assisting the Bichon Habanero Club (the Havanese breed
   club in Cuba) by sending food, grooming supplies, training
   information, topical medications for flea control, shampoos, toys,
   books and videos about dog care.
   
  BREEDERS
  
   To find Havenese breeders, contact either the HCA or OHC secrectary
   for information. Remember that only Havanese with an HCA registration
   number will be issued an AKC registration number when the breed is
   fully recognized by the AKC. Those with an OHC registration number are
   recognized by the UKC which will not recognize HCA registered dogs.
   Currently, owners of OHC registered Havanese may request HCA
   registration from the HCA Registrar.
   
  BREED CLUBS
  
    Havanese Club of America
    
   The Havanese Club of America (HCA) was established in 1979 for the
   purpose of forming a national breed club for the Havanese with the
   following goals in mind:
     * To serve as a registry to record and preserve the present
       bloodlines of the Havanese breed.
     * To bring together all Havanese owners with the mutual interest of
       eventual AKC recognition for this breed.
     * To serve as a research center for the history of the Havanese
       breed and to print educational information to be sent out to all
       interested people.
     * To sponsor rare breed matches and shows in order to place the
       Havanese before public attention.
     * To aid the members, whenever possible, in placing their Havanese
       in approved homes.
     * To present the membership with a regular newsletter that will keep
       all informed on the latest animal medical information, show
       bulletins, and current information that will assist and unite the
       membership in a close camaraderie; that will be of encouragement
       to achieve our outlined goals.
       
   Unfortunately, a dispute erupted within the club over AKC recognition.
   Mr. and Mrs. Goodale, the founders of the breed in the United States,
   splintered from the HCA and formed the Original Havanese Club (OHC).
   The OHC has received breed recognition from the United Kennel Club
   (UKC).
   
   Because of this dispute, the AKC has stated that they view the HCA as
   the only national Havanese breed club. Only Havanese with HCA
   registration numbers will be recognized by the AKC. The OHC has
   retained the original Havanese Stud Book. However, the HCA Registrar
   is working diligently to recreate the book. Litigation is also pending
   regarding the withheld registry.
   
   In order to find out more about the HCA, contact any of the officers
   or regional directors.
   
   Jan Fuss
   Corresponding Secretary HCA
   8048 Stagecoach Road
   Cross Plains, Wisconsin 53528
   
   The HCA is divided into 6 geographic regions. The regional director
   for your area is the best person to contact for additional information
   on the Havanese breed. The HCA Corresponding Secretary can direct you
   to the person currently handling your region.
   
    Original Havanese Club
    
   For more information about the Original Havanese Club (OHC), contact:
   
   Donna Kelly
   1809 Fair Street
   Ann Arbor, MI 48103-4151
     _________________________________________________________________
   
    Havanese FAQ
    Schalene Dagutis, schalene@sequent.com
