Check out our Havanese locator; we’ll help you find Virginia Havanese near you
Looking for Virginia Havanese near you? We can help you find one! Whatever your needs or wants in a breeder and dog, we’re here to help. To get started, simply contact us through our Havanese locator.
Additionally, you can use our services to find groomers and more near you
Whether you already have a Havanese or are getting your first, a good local groomer experienced with the breed will be an invaluable tool. Check out our directory to browse listings and get in touch with breeders near you.
Learn more about the Havanese breed
Socializing Your New Havanese Puppy
It is advised that your puppy not be on the ground in places where other dogs (especially other puppies) frequent until they have received their last puppy inoculations at around 16 weeks old. Most deadly diseases passed by other dogs are passed by improperly cared for puppies.
Before then, you can socialize your puppy with friends, family, and their adult dogs who are known to be healthy and fully vaccinated. Puppy classes are another great option and can be started as early as two months of age. Puppy classes are offered by many private trainers, pet stores, and animal shelters. Read more about socializing your Havanese puppy.
History
The Havanese is the national dog breed of Cuba, where they are a much beloved family pet. Although a relatively recent introduction to the United States, they are an old breed in Cuba and have been long-loved in European countries as well.
Its predecessor was the Tenerife, a Spanish dog that lead to modern day Bichon-type breeds like the Havanese. Spanish settlers brought Tenerife dogs to colonial Cuba in the early 1500s, where they slowly over time developed into the Havanese breed we know and love today.
By the 18th century, Cuba had begun to attract wealthy Europeans for vacationing; especially Havana, which at the time was an important Spanish port. Returning to Europe, these aristocrats brought with them the Dog of Havana, which grew quickly in popularity in the royal courts of England, France, and Spain. By the mid-18th century, their popularity had spread even further through Europe, where they were shown in early European dog conformation shows. Charles Dickens had one, and Queen Victoria owned two!
