Judging the HAVANESE
by terry Farley
T he Havanese is a small, stur- dy dog of immense charm. The native dog of Cuba, he is beloved as a friendly, intel- ligent and playful companion. The Havanese is a joy to have as confor- mation dog, performance dog or as a beloved companion to enrich our life. This dog with many talents has a won- derful, playful, 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, temperament 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 structure of head. Ask to have the exhibitor show you the bite and check only for full complement of incisors and correct bite. It is not nec- essary to ask to see the side teeth, as molar and premolars are not discussed in the standard. Check the front legs for straight- ness, don’t let growth plates in pup- pies 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 upper 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 suppose to have some length of neck and look balanced when observing their profile. Measure the length of the dog by placing 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
“...a wonderFul, PLAYFUL, LOVING temperament, SUITED FOR ALL WALKS OF LIFE.”
“AS YOU APPROACH A HAVANESE... keep in mind that although they are adorable, they will do best
iF you don’t start by baby-talking them.”
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