Caring for Cuba’s Native Lapdog: The Challenges of Raising a Havanese Bichon
A National Breed with a Rich History
The Havanese bichon is a small but lively lapdog with abundant waves of tobacco-colored hair, and the Caribbean island’s only native breed. It was popular among Cuban aristocrats before the Fidel Castro-led 1959 revolution, and was officially recognized as Cuba’s national breed in 2016. The bichon can also be found in Argentina, Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
The Challenges of Raising a Havanese Bichon
Maylin Amador, a 42-year-old breeder and stylist of the Havanese bichon, faces challenges from shortages of shampoos and conditioners, used to preserve the animals’ silky fur, as well as other key goods such as food and medicine. Amador said breeding the expensive dog in a country in the throes of a financial crisis requires a “great sacrifice”.
Evelio Fernandez, president of the Cuban “Bichon Havanese” club, told Reuters the association currently counts over 1,400 Havanese. He said that it is difficult to raise this animal because it needs to bathe every four days, and if this is missed, its fur can become knotty and the dog could get fleas or ticks.
The Dedication of Cuban Pet Lovers
Despite the challenges, Cuban pet lovers remain dedicated to caring for their beloved Havanese bichon. Maylin Amador is preparing her dog Gucci for a national competition, and is determined to give her pet the best care possible. The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles ensure that pet owners like Amador are able to provide the best care for their animals, despite the difficulties they may face.
