"Short Hair" Havanese

First, let me say that I do not breed shorthair Havanese.

Anyone who does this on purpose is not a good breeder as all good breeders should be breeding
to the AKC standard for Havanese (and also health screening their breeding dogs for hips, patellas, hearing and eyes, etc.)
Short Haired Havanese, do occasionally show up in a litter, however, from many lines.
This information here is intended for educational purposes, not because I have SH Havanese to sell, which I do not. Thank you.

Like all long haired dog breeds, there is an occasional 'throw back' to wild type and that is basically what a Short Hair Havanese is. Even some naturally short haired breeds, (like Rottweilers and other short hair breeds) have an occasional 'long haired' puppy or two in the litter, which is the opposite, of course, of what long haired breeds experience, when they get a short haired pup. We don't know the mode of inheritence to explain exactly why this happens, but it's been documented, in many long haired (and short haired) breeds for years.

A SH (short hair) Havanese is every bit a full blooded wonderful, happy, silly Havanese. They do have a different look and resemble a spaniel in some ways since their muzzle hair is short and leg furnishings are shorter. Their coat on their back is usually about the length of a Havanese in a 'puppy clip'.

For the owner who does not have issues with allergies (as SH's do shed) and who do not want to be bothered with frequent visits to the groomer for that popular 'puppy clip', a SH Havanese can be a good alternative. No trips to the groomer, every 8 weeks will be needed with a SH Havanese, and since 99% of 'pet owners' and retired 'show dogs' get put into a short clip anyway, the short coat should not pose a problem for most buyers, wanting a puppy with the beautiful Havanese temperament and charm, first and foremost. Owners of SH's are extremely happy with them as they are getting all the charm, personality and fun that any Havanese provides, but without the coat issues. In this way, they make wonderful pets for many families.

Beware of the advertisements for "Shavanese". These are simply just SH Havanese and some unethical breeders around the world, are trying to push this as a new rare breed and charging more for one of these puppies. While most breeders will reduce the price somewhat for a SH (just because they don't have the typical Havanese "look"), they are by no means a rariety and should never be sold for more money than their long haired litter mates. On the other hand, they can be a wonderful alternative for a family that may not be able to afford the full price for a Havanese puppy, if a breeder with a SH pup decides to reduce the price somewhat! (some breeders won't reduce the price, and that's okay too, and their personal decision.)

Please note that ethical breeders will not breed for SH's on purpose, as breeding to the AKC standard (and for sound health and temperament) IS ALWAYS the goal of a good breeder. While SH's are not eligible to be shown in AKC Conformation shows, they are eligible to compete in other AKC events, such as Obedience, Aliglity and Rally. Ethical breeders will sell their SH Havanese on a limited registration with a spay/neuter clause in the contract, as they are not 'show quality' dogs.

While no known health issue is associated with a Havanese who is a SH, they could still possibly have any (or all) of the health issues associated with our breed. As always, when buying a puppy of any breed, buy from a reputable breeder and NOT EVER from a pet shop, whose supply of puppies always come from a puppy mill situation.

Below are some pictures of some SH Havanese (puppies and adults) to give you an idea of what they look like. Even though they do not look like a typical Havanese, they are adorable and sweet and every bit, 100% Havanese.

I have provided this page to educate breeders and puppy buyers, alike, on the SH Havanese. Puppy buyers should not be afraid to add this adorable, lovable puppy to their family.

If it's the temperament and personality you want most in a puppy, then don't discount a SH Havanese, if you happen upon one. If you are looking for a puppy with the characteristic long silky coat of a Havanese, or if you cannot tolerate dogs that shed normally, then a SH would not be for you.

Brin, as a puppy

Brin as an adult

Two black SH pups

An adult black SH.

By 5 weeks, an experienced breeder can usually tell if there are any SH pups in the litter. The puppy on the far right is a regular long coat. The 3 pups on the left are all SH puppies. Puppies above: 5 wks old.

This shows the coat of an adult SH Havanese.

Here is an adult SH Havanese in a very short puppy clip which the owners like best!

This is a pretty gold Irish Pied

... who loves his bed and toys!

Pictures used here on this page, were used with permission from either the breeder or the owners of the dogs.