Havanese vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison

Havanese vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed ComparisonHavanese is originated from Cuba but Chinese Crested Dog is originated from Mexico. Both Havanese and Chinese Crested Dog are having almost same height. Both Havanese and Chinese Crested Dog are having almost same weight. Both Havanese and Chinese Crested Dog has almost same life span. Havanese may have more litter size than Chinese Crested Dog. Havanese requires High maintenance. But Chinese Crested Dog requires Low maintenance

History

havanese - historyThe only breed of dog that is native to Cuba is the Havanese. These little dogs are great companion animals. Sociable and happy, they are very popular in the United States with urbanites. These happy little pups are a Bichon type of dog which was developed from the “Little White Dog of Havana” or the Blanquito de la Habana which is now extinct.

The Blanquito de la Habana was itself developed from another extinct breed the Bichon Tenerife. Then the Blanquito was bred with the other Bichons and poodles in developing the Havanese. It is believed that some of the first people to settle in Cuba were from Tenerife, an island close to Cuba. In the early part of the sixteenth century, little white dogs were brought to Cuba with these settlers. This dog of Tenerife is believed to be the ancestor of all Bichon breeds.

At that time trade with Cuba was highly restricted by the Spanish and so these dogs developed without any crossing from other breeds from outside the country. They grew to be able to stand hot temperatures and they grew a very unique coat – almost like silk. Their coat is soft and light, while insulating them from the tropical environment.

At this time Cuba was the place to be for Europeans aristocrats on vacation. Unlike the British colonies, Cuba had theatres, operas and palacious. When going back to Europe, many took this little white dog with them to France, Spain and England. The Dog of Havannah was a favorite on European soil as well. Many of these dogs taken to Europe were fawn or parti instead of white. Meanwhile back in Cuba, the bourgeoisie were replacing the aristocracy who themselves would soon be replaced by the Revolution.

During the days of the bourgeoisie, the Havanese became very popular household pets. The breed has been a family pet for the last 150 years. At the same time the breed was very trendy in Europe with Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria owning several. They were by now familiar participants in Europe’s dog shows. Finally, with the Revolution, the bourgeoisie left the country in droves with their little white dogs. A genetic pool was then formed in the US. Gene pool from 11 dogs. All the Havanese in the world are descended from those 11 dogs with the exception of the dogs isolated in Cuba and the US. Today the Havanese is one of the most popular and fastest growing breeds in the world.

chinese crested dog - historyThe Chinese Crested Dog is believed to have its origins in Africa and there are many texts from the 19th Century that feature an Africa Hairless Terrier that resembles the Chinese Crested. However, the scientific and genetic evidence leads to an origin that is shared with the Mexican Hairless Dog. Any way you look at it the dog did not originate in China. The Chinese were very fond of this breed and used them on their ships to control the rat populations. This is probably how they got their name.

There are two types of Chinese Crested Dogs – the well known Hairless, and the lesser known Powderpuff. The Hairless type is better known because they carry the dominant trait and the Powderpuff is recessive. However, this recessive gene is carried by every Chinese Crested Dog so the Powderpuff can show up in all litters even those of two Hairless Crested. Two Powderpuffs will not result in any Hairless in their litters as the Powderpuff does not have the gene for the Hairless.

The “Crest Haven” Kennel was opened by Debora Wood in the 1950’s to breed the Chines Crested Dog. At the same time Gypsy Rose Lee, of the famous burlesque shows, was also breeding Chinese Crested Dogs. The two lines of Crested bred by Americans came together following the death of Rose Lee. Every Chinese Crested that lives today can trace their heritage directly to these two breeding lines. In 1959, Debra Wood founded the American Hairless Dog Club which became a part of the American Chinese Crested Club or the ACCC in 1978. This organization then became the breed’s parent club after AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized the breed in 1991. Prior to this the Federation Cynologique Internationale, recognized the breed in 1987, the United Kingdom (UK)the Kennel Club recognized them in 1981 and the Australian National Kennel Council recognized the Crested in 1995.

Description

havanese puppy - descriptionThe Havanese is a sturdy little dog, a member of the toy group. They weigh no more than 16 pounds (7.3kg) and his body is longer than it is tall. The breed has a unique topline that is not level, but it is straight. His front legs are longer than his hind legs producing the lively gait everyone is used to seeing with a Havanese. With a full muzzle that tapers to the nose, the Havanese does not seem to be short. The skull’s length is the same as the muzzle’s. The head of the Havanese is round in the back and flat in the front.

They have a deep chest, almond shaped eyes that are dark brown and their ears are about halfway down the nose. The long ears hang down the side od the face. They have a long plumed tail that is held high and upward. The standard for the breed and now the laws of the United Kingdom state that there can be no docking of the tail.

chinese crested dog puppy - descriptionThis is a toy breed and very small. The Hairless and the Powderpuff are two types of the same breed, although they do not look like it. The Hairless type can have fur anywhere on its body, but it will not have much. It will have hair on its paws, tail and head. The Powderpuff on the other hand will have a thick double coat. When discussing the color of the hairless, one is referring to the color of its skin. It can range from flesh to black.

The Powderpuff has a soft, thick, straight double coat. It can have very long hair. The Hairless must have its skin taken care of and protected. Both types of Chines Crested are small in stature with well proportioned, athletic bodies.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

havanese dog - characteristicsHavanese are highly intelligent and eager to please, and they are easily trained so long as you use only positive methods. This can be a sensitive breed, so care must be taken to not scold them harshly. Socialization from an early age is very important. Expose them calmly to a wide variety of new places and new people, always ensuring that the experiences are positive and not intimidating. Gentle, patient training will result in a wonderful companion dog. They are affectionate with people and get along with other nonaggressive pets.

Special talents

The Havanese is the consummate lap dog. Over time they have become the lovable family companion.

Adaptability

The breed is pretty adaptable being able to live as a companion animal in almost any setting. Just don’t expect your Havanese to go hiking or romp with you on 40 acres in the country.

Learning

They are intelligent, love to learn but can be a little stubborn. Train them early as they like their habits and its much harder to train an older Havanese.

chinese crested dog dog - characteristicsThe Chines Crested Dog is very intelligent and love to perform for audiences. They do well with obedience courses and they are very affectionate lap dogs. They want to be with you and on you or in your arms all the time. They are loyal and playful.

Health Problems

havanese puppies - health problemsA very healthy breed, the Havanese doesn’t have a lot of health issues, but they are not immune to the problems of small breed dogs. The issues they do have are:

  1. Luxating Patella – can result in arthritis or lameness
  2. Liver Disease – could be fatal
  3. Heart Disease – could be fatal
  4. Cataracts – can be discomforting by will not cause total blindness
  5. Retinal Dysplasia – this eye disease is more serious than the cataracts but is also non-progressive and is caused by a viral infection.
  6. Hip Dysplasia – causes lameness and arthritis -most small dogs are susceptible to this

chinese crested dog puppies - health problemsThe Chinese Crested Hairless version must have its skin take care of much in the same way we take care of our own. It will burn if exposed to too much sun without protection. They can suffer from dry skin, acne, need moisturizing cremes. They get skin allergies as well and it is important to take care of the skin instead of the brushing you don’t have to do.

The Chinese Crested does not suffer from most of the diseases other toy breeds do. They can have ye issues. The Hairless have a “primitive mouth” . They have pointy teeth and poor dentition. This is not true of the Powderpuffs however. Their eye issues include:

  • Lens Luxation
  • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
  • Glaucoma

Other issues include:

  • Luxating Patellas
  • Legg-Perthes Disease
  • Canine Multiple System Degeneration (CMSD)
  • Allergies

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

havanese dogs - caringFeed 3 to 4 times per day a high quality dry puppy food for toy or small dogs. Feed ¼ to ½ cup each time.

Feeding the adult

Remember these are small dogs and don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality dry food for small or toy dogs. Feed twice a day at about ½ cup each time.

Points for Good Health

The breed is generally very healthy.

Games and Exercises

This breed is not an overly active dog, but he does need some exercise. A nice walk once a day or a backyard to play in. They play inside as well as out. Don’t over exercise the Havanese. They do well in obedience and confirmation more so than agility or fly ball

Feeding

chinese crested dog dogs - caringLike several other toy breeds, it is easy to overfeed the Chinese Crested because it has such a small stature. Feed once or twice a day but never more than one fourth of a cup total for the day.

Health issues

  • Lens Luxation – causes blindness and is inherited
  • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – can also lead to blindness
  • Glaucoma – also leads to blindness
  • Dry Eye Syndrome

Other issues include:

Luxating Patellas – kneecaps move out of place and cause lameness and arthritis

Legg-Perthes Disease – a hip disorder where blood does not reach the head of the femur. The bone dies, and growth stops.

Canine Multiple System Degeneration (CMSD) – a progressive movement disorder can call falls

  • Allergies – skin and sometimes food

Exercise and games

This Breed does not need an excessive amount of exercise, but they do enjoy running. They are competitive and athletic, so they can excel at flyball, lure coursing, agility and obedience. They are sensitive and trainable enough to become a therapy dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Toy dog
Origin:
Cuba
Mexico
Height Male:
23 - 27 cm
9 - 11 inches
28 - 30 cm
11 - 12 inches
Height Female:
21 - 25 cm
8 - 10 inches
26 - 28 cm
10 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 9
2 - 6
Size:
Toy dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
Havanese Cuban Bichon Bichón Havanés Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Habanero
Crested, Puff
Colors Available:
colors all colors
Any color or combination of colors
Coat:
coat type soft and curly
hairless or Puff has double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Friendly, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful
Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Morkie vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  2. Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Havanese vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  4. Havanese vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  5. Havanese vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Havanese vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  7. Havanese vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  8. Havanese vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  9. Havanese vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  10. Havanese vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  11. Havanese vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  12. Havanese vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  13. Havanese vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  14. Havanese vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  15. Havanese vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  16. Havanese vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  17. Pekingese vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  18. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  19. Russian Toy Terrier vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  20. Phalene vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  21. Shih Tzu vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  22. Silky Terrier vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  23. Snorkie vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Bulldog vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Mi-Ki vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  26. Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Morkie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Chorkie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Pekingese vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Chinese Crested Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Chinese Crested Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  32. Chinese Crested Dog vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  33. Chinese Crested Dog vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  34. Chinese Crested Dog vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  35. Chiweenie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Chug vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Chipoo vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Chiapom vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Toy Terrier vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Phalene vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Cockachon vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Shih Tzu vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Silky Terrier vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Snorkie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Toy Bulldog vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Mi-Ki vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds