Are Havanese Dogs Brachycephalic?
If a dog is brachycephalic, this means that they have a flat face or smushed nose, and are typically bred to look this way. Unfortunately, this ends up giving an affected dog breathing issues.
When shopping for a new furry friend, you may want to be aware of which breeds are brachycephalic and which are not, such as the Havanese.
Keep reading to learn more about what makes a dog brachycephalic, and whether the Havanese dog is one of the breeds that can be considered brachycephalic. We will also go over additional info on the Havanese, such as the history of this popular breed!
What Is a Havanese Dog?
First things first, what is a Havanese dog, anyway? The Havanese breed is often likened to a stuffed animal. The breed is well-loved for its adorable and cuddly appearance. It has drop ears, dark almond-shaped eyes, and a long, silky coat. They are a small breed as well.
The dogs average between 8 ½ to 11 ½ inches high at the shoulder, and a healthy Havanese will weigh in at between 7 and 13 pounds.
They were bred to be companion dogs, meaning that they are very playful, sweet, and affectionate. They are the perfect choice if you are looking for a cuddly pup to add to your family.
Also Read – Are Havanese Hypoallergenic?
Also Read – Do Havanese Shed?
Havanese Breed History
Havanese dogs were bred to be companion dogs, as we mentioned above. They are now recognized as a purebred breed, but it took a little bit to get there! The Havanese descend from the Blanquito, which is now extinct, and was bred with other dogs from the Bichon family, such as the Bichon Frise or Maltese. The ancestors of the Havanese were first brought to Cuba by Spanish settlers, and it is here that they began to be bred into what we know as the Havanese today.
The Havanese became popular with the wealthy and aristocrats in Cuba and were used as companion dogs. However, the breed stayed fairly contained here until the Cuban Revolution. During this time, many wealthy families fled Cuba, and some of them were able to bring their dogs, too.
The wealthy families that brought their Havanese as they fled to America introduced the breed to the people there. Many people, especially breeders, took interest in the Havanese and began to breed them from the dogs that had come to the US from Cuba.
From there, the breed influence only spread until it was as we know it today!
Are Havanese Dogs Brachycephalic?
If a dog is brachycephalic, this means that the dog has a squished face or a shortened snout. Any dog with a face that appears flat is likely to be considered brachycephalic.
This means that they also have narrower nostrils and smaller airways than other dog do. While it can be a cute look, brachycephalic dogs run into many different health issues. Of course, they have trouble breathing, and may not be able to exercise as well or as much as some other breeds are able to, due to their breathing issues.
Luckily, the Havanese is not a breed that is brachycephalic. Havanese dogs have a rectangular and full muzzle, rather than a flattened snout.
The Havanese is also known for having a broad nose. Which is not a common trait of brachycephalic breeds. Breathing issues or asthma are not common health concerns for the Havanese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Havanese a snub-nosed dog?
The Havanese is a dog breed that has become very popular as of late! They are sweet, cuddly, and adorable, too! Many people might say that the Havanese breed looks like a teddy bear or stuffed animal. They do not have snub noses like some other small or toy breeds do.
Instead, the Havanese has a full, rectangular muzzle with a broad nose. In addition to this nose, the Havanese has floppy drop ears with folds and almond-shaped eyes.
Can you fly with a Havanese?
Havanese dogs are companion dogs, which means that they love to be with their humans, and they do not like to be left alone for too long.
For this reason, you may be wondering whether or not it is possible to bring your Havanese dog on a plane. You would not want to be parted from your cuddly companion when you are on vacation! Luckily, the Havanese dog is a small dog breed, so it is easy for them to travel— much easier than it is if you have a larger dog.
Most Havanese can fit under a plane seat and are able to ride in the cabin of the plane with you. There are both soft and hard side dog carriers that you can put your Havanese in.
Which dog breed is brachycephalic?
Being brachycephalic means a breed of dog or other animal that has a shortened snout or face that appears flat. Due to this, a brachycephalic dog also has narrower nostrils and smaller airways.
This can lead to your pet having trouble breathing, and typically, brachycephalic dogs wheeze and snort more when breathing than dogs who do not have shortened snouts and flat faces. Unfortunately, there are several popular breeds of dogs that are brachycephalic.
These popular breeds include French bulldogs, pugs, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and Pekingese dogs. There are some breeds of brachycephalic domestic cats as well!
Are Havanese dogs good for apartments?
Havanese dogs are great for apartment or city living! This is, of course, in part due to their small size. The average Havanese dog will only weigh between 7 and 13 pounds and can range from 8 ½ to 11 ½ inches high at the shoulder.
In addition to the small size of the Havanese making them good for apartments, the Havanese is not a loud breed.
They do not bark very often, making them a good choice if you are going to have neighbors living close by like you would if you were living in an apartment building.