There is a little-known aspect of the Havanese AKC standard that sets it apart from all other AKC breeds, and indeed, from the rest of the world beyond North America.
That feature is braiding.
As of this writing, the Havanese is the only AKC breed whose official standard allows head furnishings to be styled into two small braids. From its standard: “Head furnishings are long and untrimmed, and may fall forward over the eyes or to both sides of the head; they may also be held in two small braids secured with plain elastic bands. The braids start above the inside corner of each eye and extend at least to the outside corner, forming the appearance of eyebrows.”
This unique grooming allowance is recognized in major North American registries, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and the United Kennel Club (UKC), while other international standards such as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the United Kingdom’s Kennel Club do not include braiding in their standards.
We couldn’t find evidence to support that braiding developed as part of the breed’s grooming traditions in Cuba where the Havanese was originally bred. According to some commentators in a breed forum, the tradition of braiding in Havanese more likely began much later as the breed rose in popularity in North American and European show circles. Some exhibitors began using small, neat braids (sometimes called “maintenance braids” or show braids) to keep hair out of their dog’s eyes and face while maintaining the integrity of the coat for ring presentation – but we confess that we haven’t found documentation on this theory, either.
More believable is that braids remain a relatively uncommon style in a conformation ring, and that might explain why we were unable to find a photograph to illustrate a Havanese in braids. Anecdotally, it seems like most handlers choose to leave head furnishings free and as natural as is consistent with good grooming.
Either way, the Havanese is a glorious breed – sweet, playful and intelligent. With, or without, braids.
Photo by © Mdorottya/Dreamstime