Havanese Rescue: Information and History
Havanese dogs are named for Havana, Cuba. The breed dates back to the 16th century. Originally the pets of aristocratic Spanish families who settled on the island of Cuba, Havanese became popular among the lower classes and later to families in Europe and America. Havanese’ have long been considered toy dogs due to their small size. Though Havanese dogs are small they are also hardy and served the purpose of herding chicken and other poultry as well as being child-friendly pets.
Havanese’ have specific traits that make the breed easily discernible from other toy breeds. These dogs have a rectangular shape, and a distinctive, heat-resistant coat of silky fur. Their long hair is lightweight and smooth in texture. Havanese dogs are also recognizable by their charming, family-friendly and fun personalities. Though small in size, Havanese are hardy dogs and historically served the purpose of herding chickens and other poultry as well as acting as child-friendly pets.
Havanese rescue centres often work in tandem with the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the AKC (American Kennel Club) to raise awareness of animal cruelty and mistreatment. Members are usually volunteers willing to travel and use their own resources. Helping spread awareness is only one of the important functions of rescue centres and their members.
Other functions include: fundraising to financially support the cause of Havanese rescue, traveling to puppy auctions to rescue Havanese pups, matching rescues with foster or adoptive families, providing follow-up to rescues that have already been placed, and maintaining the rescue centre and its affiliated resources.
Havanese rescue centres work in tandem with the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the AKC (American Kennel Club) to raise awareness of animal cruelty and mistreatment of the Havanese and other breeds. Reputable rescue centres have websites and legitimate contact information for research and verification. Resources and other helpful information such as ways to help the cause of Havanese rescue are also provided on their websites. An agency’s legitimacy can be verified with a quick phone call or email to the centre.
The ultimate goal of Havanese rescue centres is to ensure that every Havanese has a chance at a happy life. Supporters donate generous amounts of money and time to save Havanese from the puppy mills. They arrange for rescued dogs to be spayed or neutered before adoption or fostering. The purpose of this is to make sure future puppies are also saved from the puppy mill life.
Puppy mills take away the chance for Havanese to be socialized and receive the love and affection they deserve. Rescue centres help to make sure that the lovable “Havs” aren’t delegated to a life of “Hav nots”.
Please help support Havanese rescue centres in making sure that the lovable “Havs” aren’t delegated to a life of “Hav nots”.