JUDGING THE HAVANESE HAVANESE CLUB OF AMERICA, INC.
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 out- line 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, temper- ament 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 neces- sary 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 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 ribcage or loin, if you have any questions that the height of the adult dog on the table is not between 8 ½ and 11 ½ inches, request a wicket and mea- sure the dog. The ideal height is 9 to 10 ½ to the withers although 8 ½ to 11 ½ is acceptable. (The minimum height shall not apply to dogs or bitches under twelve months of age.) Assess the topline moving the palm of your hand over the length of the topline to feel the straight but not lev- el topline called for in the Standard, without a roach. A flat topline is quite evident if you slide your fingers over the length of the topline. A flat topline
(horizontal) and a topline that slopes downward should be faulted; the slight rise of topline is a hallmark of the breed. Please be sure to feel the structure of the rear legs to be sure the hocks are well let down, short and parallel. This is a very hairy breed and unless you are willing to get under the coat to feel the structure, relying solely on a visual evaluation will deceive you. Don’t worry about the messing up of coats! A trimmed dog, trimmed other than its paws and around the anal/geni- tal areas should be so severely penal- ized as to preclude placement. When your table exam is concluded and you observe the dog doing his indi- vidual movement, be sure to look for the unique springy gait and rise of the topline, head carriage is high, Havanese should always be presented at a natural step on a loose lead. CRITICAL ELEMENTS OF HAVANESE BREED TYPE What make the Havanese unique among Toys? 1. Topline - Straight, but not level, rising slightly from withers to rump. The result of moderate angulation fore and aft combined with a typically short upper arm. 2. Outline - Slightly longer than tall, with head carried high and tail arched over back. 3. Gait - Springy, with moderate reach and drive, showing moderate reach and moderate extension, not stilt- ed, may show flash of pad com- ing and going. The topline holds
246 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , F EBRUARY 2018
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