JUDGING THE HAVANESE courtesy of THE HAVANESE CLUB OF AMERICA
T he Havanese is a small, sturdy dog of immense charm. The na- tive dog of Cuba, he is beloved as a friendly, intelligent and playful companion. The Havanese is a joy to have as conformation dog, perfor- mance dog or as a beloved compan- ion to enrich our life. This dog with many talents has a wonderful, play- ful, loving temperament, suited for all walks of life. JUDGING—HOW TO APPROACH A HAVANESE ON THE TABLE As you approach a Havanese on the table for individual exam, keep in mind that although they are adorable, they will do best if you don’t start by baby-talking them. Observe them in profile on the table to get a picture of their outline and then proceed to the front of the table. Place the palm of one hand under the dog’s chin to calm him and to help him feel certain that you are there. Many Havanese have hair over their eyes and need to be reassured that you are there and are about to examine them, tempera- ment can be assessed at this point to be certain they are friendly and happy to greet you. With one hand under the lower jaw, the other hand can move the hair to see their eyes, feel the length of muzzle and struc- ture of head. Ask to have the exhibi- tor show you the bite and check only for full complement of incisors and
WHAT MAKE THE HAVANESE UNIQUE AMONG TOYS? 1. Topline: Straight, but not level, rising slightly fromwithers to rump… the result of moderate angulation fore and aft combined with a typically short upper arm. 2. Outline: longer than tall, with head carried high and tail arched over back. 3. Gait: Springy with moderate reach and drive, showing free reach and good extension, not stilted, may show flash of pad coming and going. The topline holds under movement, nei- ther flattening nor roaching. 4. Coat: Soft, silky, wavy and abundant. May be corded. 5. Expression: Broad back skull and large dark, almond eyes: Correct ear set follows line of skull: full rectangu- lar muzzle is slightly sorter than back skull; the expression is soft and intel- ligent, mischievous rather than cute. 6. Temperament: Intelligent, playful. Sweet and non-quarrelsome. Important to judges: The six critical elements of breed type listed above are in judging order, not in order of importance. All should be given equal weight in judging, regardless of whether they are visible on the go around or only on the table. T op N otch T oys , J uly 2018 • 67
correct bite. It is not necessary to ask to see the side teeth, as molar and pre- molars are not discussed in the stan- dard. Check the front legs for straight- ness: don’t let growthplates inpuppies fool you, young dogs often have a bump in their front legs until growth is complete. Move to the long side of the table to feel texture of the coat. Remember to determine that the dog has a short up- per arm. The length from the foot to the elbow, elbow to withers and with- ers to the top of the head are equal. Havanese are supposed to have some length of neck and look “balanced” when observing their profile. Measure the length of the dog by plac- ing your hands underneath the coat as follows: slide your hands under the coat so that the palm of one hand is under the coat and pressing against the point of shoulder and the other hand is pressing against the buttock, observe your two hands to determine that the measurement between your hands is “slightly longer” than the dog is tall. Check to see if the length is coming for the rib cage or loin, if you have any questions that the height of the adult dog on the table is not be- tween 8 1 ⁄ 2 '' and 11 1 ⁄ 2 '' inches, request a wicket and measure the dog. The ideal height is 9'' to 10 1 ⁄ 2 '' to the with- ers although 8 1 ⁄ 2 '' to 11 1 ⁄ 2 " is accept- able. (The minimum height shall not apply to dogs or bitches under twelve months of age.)
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