Havanestie
Hava-Westie, Havanland Terrier
The Havanestie is a hybrid breed that emerges from the union of the Havanese and the West Highland White Terrier. This designer dog is purposefully bred to be a companion and is acknowledged by five different registries: the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Breed Registry, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the Dog Registry of America, and the International Designer Canine Registry. While it enjoys recognition from these organizations, there is a scarcity of detailed information about the Havanestie itself, largely relying on what is known about its parent breeds. The goal of intentionally breeding these two dogs is to produce a companion that combines the best traits of both, often reflecting the West Highland Terrier’s spirited confidence and energy, along with the Havanese’s loving disposition and gentle nature.
Breed Origin
The Havanestie is a hybrid breed that merges the Havanese with the West Highland White Terrier. This designer dog inherits a range of appealing traits from both parent breeds, making it a loving and self-assured companion. The Havanese traces its origins to the Bichon family, which left Europe in the 15th century as the Maltese gained popularity beyond Italy and Malta. These dogs made their way to the Americas aboard Spanish ships, eventually settling in Cuba, where they developed in relative seclusion over the centuries. Slightly larger than its Bichon relatives, the Havanese experienced a dramatic decline in population during the 20th century, particularly during and after the Cuban Revolution. Interest in the breed diminished in Cuba, and only 11 Havanese were brought to the United States post-revolution. Today, nearly all Havanese outside of Cuba can trace their lineage back to these mid-20th-century emigrants. The breed enjoyed a revival in the 1970s, thanks in part to American breeding initiatives that helped restore its numbers. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Havanese in 1996. Conversely, the West Highland White Terrier, as its name suggests, is a Scottish breed closely related to other terriers from the region, including the Cairn Terrier, Dandie Dinmont, Skye Terrier, and Scottish Terrier. This small earth dog is celebrated for its prowess in hunting vermin and is easily identified by its distinctive white coat, a result of a tragic event in the 19th century when Colonel Malcolm Poltallach mistakenly shot his wheaten-colored Westie, believing it to be a fox. Following this incident, breeding efforts shifted to emphasize the production of dogs with a white coat. The American Kennel Club recognized the West Highland White Terrier as a separate breed from other Scottish terriers in 1908.
Breed Appearance
The Havanestie is a robust small breed known for its distinctive double coat of white fur, reminiscent of the West Highland Terrier, though it can also come in various colors and patterns. This hybrid is characterized by its short, muscular legs and compact feet, along with a tail that is held high and stands erect, often embellished with longer hair or plumage. Its head is round, featuring triangular ears akin to those of the West Highland Terrier. If the ears resemble those of the Havanese, they will be set lower, with a fold and plenty of feathering. Additionally, the Havanestie has a prominent black nose, tight lips, and a scissor bite, all framed by a blunt muzzle that tapers gently towards the tip.
Care Routine
The Havanestie is a hypoallergenic hybrid that is recognized for its low shedding, making grooming easier. To keep its coat healthy and free of tangles, a weekly brushing with a pin brush to remove dead and loose hair is adequate. If the dog's ears resemble those of the Havanese, there may be a higher risk of ear infections, but these can be effectively managed with a cleaning solution recommended by a veterinarian. Furthermore, the Havanestie might develop dermatitis if bathing strips away its natural oils, so it's advisable to limit baths and use a hypoallergenic dog shampoo when needed.
Behavior & Temperament
The Havanestie is an energetic and affectionate dog that adores its family. This hybrid combines the Havanese's sensitivity and neediness with the West Highland Terrier's self-assured independence, resulting in a breed that may have a stronger tendency to dig. The Havanestie particularly enjoys the company of children, though its small size makes it better suited for older kids. Additionally, this mix is generally sociable with other dogs and can live harmoniously with cats if properly socialized, although it may not get along with the neighbor's cat. Renowned for its intelligence, the Havanestie is fairly easy to train. With a high energy level, this breed needs regular exercise to ensure both its physical and mental health are well-maintained.
Play & Exercise
The Havanestie combines moderate energy levels with a need for medium to high levels of exercise. Thanks to the West Highland Terrier's influence, this breed exhibits a quick and agile nature, making it a lively and capable hybrid. While the Havanestie often enjoys short bursts of running, its small size means that most of its physical activity can be done indoors. Moreover, the Terrier heritage requires that owners engage their pets in stimulating mental activities, emphasizing the importance of incorporating games and tricks along with physical exercise. To prevent the onset of destructive behaviors like digging, it is crucial to keep the Havanestie mentally engaged. A small yard can suffice for this breed, but with sufficient mental and physical stimulation, it can also thrive in an apartment environment. Although the Havanese generally adapts well to different climates, it struggles in extreme temperatures.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
1.0 Cups
Daily Activity
60 Minutes
Average Lifespan
13 Years
Origin
Unknown
Type
Crossbreeds
Size
Small
Origin Country
United States
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Straight
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Height & Weight
Weight
14 lbs (6 kg)Male: 14 lbs (6 kg) , Female: 14 lbs (6 kg)
Height
11 inches (28 sm)Male: 11 inches (28 sm) , Female: 11 inches (28 sm)
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
Cream
White
