This issue is now available, as of Monday, June 7th. It contains some excellent photos in our Photo Gallery placed throughout the magazine provided by Havanese people kind enough to share.

Content has risen 25% over last issue with what I believe are some excellent and informative articles for your reading pleasure.

Note: Click on the front cover to zoom into a larger view.

Besides one or two advertisements and of course the ads for Havanese Rescue in both Canada and the USA, this issue of the magazine is again filled entirely with content, with articles that I hope you’ll enjoy. As a taste, here are, more or less, the first paragraphs of each of this issues articles.

Bill Burns writes about the true cost of your dog:

How Much is that Doggy in the Window

I am sitting here looking at over $2,000 in Vet bills for bladder stone surgery (successful, thank you) and wonder whether the dog buying public understands how expensive it is to operate and maintain even a small dog kennel. ...

Grace Kosub writes knowledgeably about:

Becoming an old Fuddy Duddy

Those of us that are of a certain age and a certain generation of dog show enthusiasts , are rapidly being dismissed, or overlooked, if you prefer, by those of the newest  generation,  as being of little, or no, consequence to the current  dog show scene.  Maybe it’s because we so often talk about the way things used to be, when we were new in dogs.  We talk about how dog shows have changed, how the judges used to be so much better and the game we played was on a much more level playing field. ...

All three Havanese Breed Standards are included in this issue: AKC, CKC and FCI.

Suzanne McKay writes an excellent article about:

Pool Safety

A backyard pool conjures images of warm days filled with carefree fun; however, the inviting water is also a potential hazard which can spell disaster to an animal lacking in pool savvy. Tragically, each year, hundreds of pets die because of pool accidents. A few basic safety precautions could prevent many of these accidents. ...

Pam McClintock writes:

Handling to Win

I suppose over the years we have all heard the worn and tiresome argument that professional handlers always win just because of who they are. I have been teaching handling classes for many years and the participants are typically eager and willing to learn.  Each week I see major improvements in all areas as these folks struggle to adopt a smooth style and commanding ability with their dogs. ...

From far away, Anita Rademeyer writes a very interesting article describing:

The Arrival of the Havanese to South Africa

This is a brand spanking new breed in South Africa! Our first landed on our shores (or should I say flew into our airport) in November 2006.  This was a lady who had Havanese in America and brought her five to South Africa with her.  I had seen Havanese at Crufts in 2006 and really fancied this little breed, but at this stage the whole importing and starting up a new breed was a bit daunting for me.  ...

And then Anita continues, writing about the Dog Fancy in South Africa, specifically:

The Toy Ring

Mhh, where to start???  The Toy ring in South Africa is minute compared to some of the entries I have seen at shows in Europe, USA and Australia.  We have two types of shows here, Open shows and Championship shows.

 Our dogs are registered with KUSA (Kennel Union of South Africa) and we follow the FCI breed standard for Havanese. ...

From the other side of the pond, Wendy Allenby continues with her:

Show Report from the U.K.

Well, with Crufts having been and gone, the next important date on the calendar was 27th March. This was the United Kingdom Toy-Dog Society Championship Show, the only Championship Toy Group Show we have in each year. Its venue is at Bingley Hall on the County Showground, Stafford, a lovely venue deep in the beautiful English countryside. ...

Liz Vargo continues reminiscing with five full pages:

From This Side of the Fence

In the mid 1980’s there were probably around 35 - 40 HCA members, most all of us breeders, or if not breeding, showing.  The standard used was the FCI standard for the breed, and it was pretty basic and without much description.  The club decided to implement a new standard, based on the FCI standard, but one that would more clearly and in more detail, describe the perfect Havanese.  

We all agreed on many points and when we didn’t agree, it was discussed at length and over time, and then the entire membership voted on it.  Sometimes we completed sections, approving the certain points about which we agreed and continuing to discuss those parts on which we did not.  We then voted on the proposals coming from those discussions.  It was a process that took a LONG time!  (There was no Internet back then).  It was not done by a chosen few but rather by the entire membership. ...
Her article is followed by a paragraph and a full page of photos about a regional get together held in British Columbia. Regional stories and Havanese get togethers are always of interest. Send them in and I will be happy to share them with our readers just as was done with this one.

Tom Wettlaufer has joined us with his:

Tails from the Beach, Part 1

“Here”, my wife said over three years ago, “Call this lady and find out all about the puppy.”

“But, it’s eight o’clock at night and maybe she doesn’t want to be bothered?”

“She put an ad in the paper with her phone number, so call her!” ...

Teddy Green, our favorite trainer,  contributes what I believe is another excellent column on Obedience Training:

Ah, Come On!

Most dog guardians put two behaviors at the top of their dog training list: ‘come when called’ and ‘don’t pull me when you’re on leash’’.

Like all training, the recall or “come” cue requires lots of repetition and consistency.  Now let’s take a look at how many people inadvertently sabotage their dog’s success with the recall. ...

Lyn McLean writes to us from New Zealand in her piece called:

My Love Affair Down Under

The Havanese journey started for me in May 2006 when mum phoned me to say she wanted a Havanese.  ‘What is a Havanese?’ I replied.  Mum went on to say that they were like ‘cat dogs’, she had read a profile of them in a National Pet Magazine called ‘Paws’ and said that I must get a copy.

The following week I bought a copy and having read the article and researched this charming little dog on the internet I was smitten.  ...

Suzie Kalman and her special sense of humor continues to entertain with:

A Day in The Life, Who Pooped in My Dining Room???? A Who Dunnit Mystery

Our lives can become a bit beige with one day blending seamlessly into the next.  We look for excitement, ways that we can challenge ourselves and develop our deductive abilities. We want to feel that we live life on the edge and look for ways to drag excitement into our lives.  We thrive on that sense of mystery, that peeling back of layers to find that moment of truth, that AHA moment when all becomes crystal clear.  We could read or watch movies but wait Murder Mystery Weekends, is such a great way to put our talents to the test. We sign up for the Whodunit experience?  We are given the clues and it is up to us to figure out Who Dunnit ... Was it Colonel Mustard in the Library? Was it Hugo the Horrible in the Dining room or maybe it was Milo the Magnificent a.k.a “Bandito” in the Foyer? ...

Joan Weston is an awesome Canine Behavioral Consultant who writes:

Small Dog, Special Considerations

and responds in detail to Clara’s question:
We’re getting a dog for the family and we can’t decide on what kind.  We have kids, so we want a small dog, but my husband is afraid we’ll end up with a wimpy dog who shakes all the time or a yappy dog.  Are there any breeds that you’d recommend for a family with kids? Would a medium or bigger dog be better?
Clara, by mail
Dear Clara;
The age old question arises yet again – does size matter?  The answer, in love and dogs is a definite ‘sometimes’.  Since it is not within the scope of this column to advise the lovelorn, let’s stick to considering some of the pros and cons of choosing a Chihuahua or a Saint Bernard.  

Zoila Portuondo Guerra was gracious enough to share:

Letters from Cuba: Personal Memories

At the beginning, of course, there were dogs
I have loved dogs all my life. And I also have lived in their wonderful company my entire existence. Actually, I enjoy saying that I was born “with a dog under my bed”. Psychologists like to quote that education starts “with the hand that rocks the cradle”; well, I was fortunate enough to have a dog guarding my cradle when I was just a little baby. It was a French Bull Dog bitch named Chata, which I’ll never forget.

I hope you enjoy this issue of The Havanese Breed Magazine. New subscribers are very welcome. Click on  SUBSCRIBE in our drop down menus above to go directly to that page on our web site.

With both the Canadian and the US National Specialties soon upon us, this is the perfect opportunity to advertise your champion or up and coming class dog. Either way you know we’d love to see them and hope you share with us.

You can subscribe now. Please do so by clicking on the link or going to the Subscribe menu on the top menu bar. Remember, I can't do it without your support. This magazine is for you, the greater Havanese community.

Thank you,

Nathan Potechin
Editor and Publisher