Breed Type at a Glance
Judges Self Test
Introduction
The Judges' Education Committee of
the Havanese Club of America has prepared
this quick reference guide for the
benefit of both judges and breeders.
Preserving breed type is paramount to
the future of any breed. The responsibility
for doing so falls equally upon
judges and breeders.
We ask that judges only consider for
placement those dogs displaying the
elements of breed type.
If judges cannot find any Havanese with
correct breed type in their ring on the
day, we ask that they please exercise
their option of withholding awards.
We strongly recommend that breeders
do their part by:
- familiarizing themselves with the elements of breed type, as set forth in the Standard, and
- sending only those dogs displaying all the elements of breed type into the ring.
Critical Elements of Havanese Breed Type
(What makes a Havanese Unique among Toys?)
- 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.
- Outline - Slightly longer than tall, with head carried high and tail arched over back.
- Gait - Springy and elegant, with moderate reach and drive, showing free reach and good
extension. Not stilted. May show flash of pad coming and going. The topline holds
under movement, neither flattening nor roaching.
- Coat - Soft, silky, wavy and abundant (May be corded.)
- Expression - Broad backskull and large, dark almond eyes; correct earset follows line of skull;
full rectangular muzzle is slightly shorter than backskull. The expression is soft
and intelligent, mischievous rather than cute.
- Temperament - Intelligent, playful, sweet and non-quarrelsome.
Important note: The 6 critical elements of breed type listed above are in AKC judging order, not in order of importance. All should be given equal weight in judging, regardless of whether they are visible on the go around or only on the table.
The Havanese is an “outline” breed. The correct outline on side gait is the result of a balanced dog, slightly longer than tall, of moderate angulation, with a short upper arm causing a slight rise in topline, high head carriage, and a tail carried loosely curled over the rump. Assuming all these dogs are equally sound coming and going, and have typey heads, place them 1-4 in each class based on above stated elements of breed type.
Click on the link below to see each class for the self test and read the commentary.
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July 11, 2005