Havanese is originated from Cuba but Irish Setter is originated from Ireland. Havanese may grow 44 cm / 17 inches shorter than Irish Setter. Havanese may weigh 28 kg / 61 pounds lesser than Irish Setter. Both Havanese and Irish Setter has almost same life span. Havanese may have less litter size than Irish Setter. Havanese requires High maintenance. But Irish Setter requires Moderate maintenance
The 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.
The Irish Setter is a gun dog, originating in Ireland and recognized by his beautiful red or mahogany coat.
Descending from the Setter group, the Irish Setter, also known as the Red Setter, has a solid pedigree. It was in the 1800s that they were brought to the United States.
The Irish Setter wasn't always what it looks like today and in fact the solid red color was created because of selective breeding practices. The Irish Setter has long medium length floppy ears, brown eyes and he is deep chested.
The 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.
The Irish Setter is a large dog, beautiful and elegant looking, standing at 61 to 71cm in height and weighing anything from 25 to 34kg, males and females.
The coat is a rich red color and is short to medium length but feathers in places such as the tail, the chest and abdomen, the legs and the tail. The head is long and lean, the ears are long and silky and the tail long and feathery.
The Irish Setter is a playful, friendly, sweet, mischievous, high energy dog who makes a superb family pet, getting on well with children in the home.
It was noticed that in about 1845, Setters in Ireland were mostly red, red and white or even a mustardy-lemon type of color, but there was preference for the solid red coloring. The breed standard for the modern Irish Setter was drawn up in Dublin by the Irish Red Setter Club and approved in 1886.
The dog was essentially bred for hunting game birds, using their excellent sense of smell to locate the bird. He is an alert, intelligent dog and will learn easily. Training and socialization will make him obedient and relaxed.
He isn't an assertive kind of breed and therefore isn't going to make the best of watchdogs. They've got such amicable, kind temperaments that they make popular therapy dogs.
Havanese 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.
The Havanese is the consummate lap dog. Over time they have become the lovable family companion.
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.
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.
Irish Setters are going to make you a wonderful pet. He has a friendly, confident disposition that makes them ideal pets for families with children who have been taught how to respect- and be kind to animals.
He is a big dog, but with training and socialization he becomes well behaved and obedient. Social and outgoing, this is a dog which just loves the companionship of their human family and will require a good deal of exercise too.
Keep him well exercised, feed him good food that promotes health, give him a nice warm, dry place to sleep and he’ll fit perfectly well into your family and make a splendid pet.
A 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:
Irish Setters are quite a healthy breed but they are also prone to getting some of the common dog illnesses such as hip dysplasia, cancer, bloat and canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency.
Known as CLAD, this is a disease of the immune system found in Irish Setters. True, it is a rare disease and affected animals show signs of skin lesions, bone disorders, anorexia and generalized lymphadenopathy.
Irish Setters can develop bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach distends with gas and can twist. This is known as gastric torsion and you’ll see your dog’s restlessness. He may even ‘hide away’ somewhere, lying down and drooling, while trying to vomit. This is an illness which requires immediate veterinary intervention.
Feed 3 to 4 times per day a high quality dry puppy food for toy or small dogs. Feed ¼ to ½ cup each time.
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.
The breed is generally very healthy.
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
Irish Setters are lean and muscular and an active breed. They love nothing more than to run off in wide open spaces, and if you live in the city and have a large garden, he will need to be taken on long walks. If he is a country dog, he may well run off and be gone for an hour or two before he returns home.
They are dogs which are used to having a job to do such as hunting, so he won't do well if he is put into a small back yard and left to his own device. He is a social dog and wants to be with his human family, relying on them to include him in all their activities.
Your Irish Setters is a lean, muscular, active dog, and to keep him that way he will require a nutritious diet. If you feed him commercially manufactured kibble, make sure it is the very best quality one. It is a good idea to mix in protein such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Some raw meat added in from time to time can be very beneficial to him too.
With your beautiful Irish Setter, it is best to avoid feeding your dog processed foods altogether. A good diet is essential for good health. Never leave your dog without a constant supply of cool, fresh water.
The Red Setter’s coat is fairly long on the body but short and smooth on the head. The coat will need to be brushed at least twice a week to prevent matting.
Trim his nails as needed, and find out how to keep his teeth healthy too with vet approved canine dog toothpaste- and brush.
Also check his long, floppy ears because it is so easy for ear infections to develop with these long-eared dogs.