Havanese vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Havanese vs American Foxhound - Breed ComparisonHavanese is originated from Cuba but American Foxhound is originated from United States. Havanese may grow 37 cm / 14 inches shorter than American Foxhound. Havanese may weigh 26 kg / 57 pounds lesser than American Foxhound. Havanese may live 4 years more than American Foxhound. Havanese may have less litter size than American Foxhound. Havanese requires High maintenance. But American Foxhound requires Low maintenance

History

havanese - historyThe only breed of dog that is native to Cuba is the Havanese. These little dogs are great companion animals. Sociable and happy, they are very popular in the United States with urbanites. These happy little pups are a Bichon type of dog which was developed from the “Little White Dog of Havana” or the Blanquito de la Habana which is now extinct.

The Blanquito de la Habana was itself developed from another extinct breed the Bichon Tenerife. Then the Blanquito was bred with the other Bichons and poodles in developing the Havanese. It is believed that some of the first people to settle in Cuba were from Tenerife, an island close to Cuba. In the early part of the sixteenth century, little white dogs were brought to Cuba with these settlers. This dog of Tenerife is believed to be the ancestor of all Bichon breeds.

At that time trade with Cuba was highly restricted by the Spanish and so these dogs developed without any crossing from other breeds from outside the country. They grew to be able to stand hot temperatures and they grew a very unique coat – almost like silk. Their coat is soft and light, while insulating them from the tropical environment.

At this time Cuba was the place to be for Europeans aristocrats on vacation. Unlike the British colonies, Cuba had theatres, operas and palacious. When going back to Europe, many took this little white dog with them to France, Spain and England. The Dog of Havannah was a favorite on European soil as well. Many of these dogs taken to Europe were fawn or parti instead of white. Meanwhile back in Cuba, the bourgeoisie were replacing the aristocracy who themselves would soon be replaced by the Revolution.

During the days of the bourgeoisie, the Havanese became very popular household pets. The breed has been a family pet for the last 150 years. At the same time the breed was very trendy in Europe with Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria owning several. They were by now familiar participants in Europe’s dog shows. Finally, with the Revolution, the bourgeoisie left the country in droves with their little white dogs. A genetic pool was then formed in the US. Gene pool from 11 dogs. All the Havanese in the world are descended from those 11 dogs with the exception of the dogs isolated in Cuba and the US. Today the Havanese is one of the most popular and fastest growing breeds in the world.

american foxhound - historyAs a cousin of the English Foxhound, the American Foxhound is a scent hound and bred for hunting. Robert Brooke brought the first hunting dogs to the colonies in 1650. These dogs were the starting point for several American hound breeds including the American Foxhound.

For almost 300 years the Brooke family owned and bred dogs from this bloodline.

At the same time that Brooke was hunting with and breeding his hounds, George Washington was given French Foxhounds. These were crossed with the Brooke’s dogs to create the American Foxhound. This breed is said to have been originally bred in Virginia and Maryland.

They are the state dog of Virginia. After Red Foxes were imported or migrated, Irish Foxhounds were brought to American and added into the line, increasing the stamina and speed that today’s dog’s still display.

The American Foxhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886. Today’s American Foxhound presents in many different lines but are all considered the same breed even though some ay look very different. These strains include the Trigg, Walker, Penn-Marydel, Goodman, July and Calhoun.

Description

havanese puppy - descriptionThe Havanese is a sturdy little dog, a member of the toy group. They weigh no more than 16 pounds (7.3kg) and his body is longer than it is tall. The breed has a unique topline that is not level, but it is straight. His front legs are longer than his hind legs producing the lively gait everyone is used to seeing with a Havanese. With a full muzzle that tapers to the nose, the Havanese does not seem to be short. The skull’s length is the same as the muzzle’s. The head of the Havanese is round in the back and flat in the front.

They have a deep chest, almond shaped eyes that are dark brown and their ears are about halfway down the nose. The long ears hang down the side od the face. They have a long plumed tail that is held high and upward. The standard for the breed and now the laws of the United Kingdom state that there can be no docking of the tail.

american foxhound puppy - descriptionGiven the variety of bloodlines and strains mentioned above, there can be many differences in the American Foxhounds. Because of this most American Foxhounds bred to show are Walkers as they most closely fit the AKC Breed Standard.

In general, the American Foxhound has long, straight legs and is taller than the English Foxhound. They have a narrow chest and domed skull with a long muzzle.

They have low, wide set eyes that should be dark – brown or hazel, never blue. They have feet like a fox and laid-back shoulders with a curved tail. Athletic and muscled, the American Foxhound is bred to run. They are one of the rarest breeds in the United States.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

havanese dog - characteristicsHavanese are highly intelligent and eager to please, and they are easily trained so long as you use only positive methods. This can be a sensitive breed, so care must be taken to not scold them harshly. Socialization from an early age is very important. Expose them calmly to a wide variety of new places and new people, always ensuring that the experiences are positive and not intimidating. Gentle, patient training will result in a wonderful companion dog. They are affectionate with people and get along with other nonaggressive pets.

Special talents

The Havanese is the consummate lap dog. Over time they have become the lovable family companion.

Adaptability

The breed is pretty adaptable being able to live as a companion animal in almost any setting. Just don’t expect your Havanese to go hiking or romp with you on 40 acres in the country.

Learning

They are intelligent, love to learn but can be a little stubborn. Train them early as they like their habits and its much harder to train an older Havanese.

american foxhound dog - characteristicsWith a reputation as a docile, sweet dog, the American Foxhound is great with kids and animals. They are gentle and often very shy with strangers. They are strong willed and stubborn especially when training them, so they are not a good first dog. They need an owner who has handled dogs before and knows how to be the pack leader without being angry or mean.

The American Foxhound is a scent hound and once he is on the scent it is close to impossible to distract him from it. They have a tendency to ignore commands when they are in this state. A strong owner/leader is needed for this reason. Don’t let him off leash in an unfenced area.

Health Problems

havanese puppies - health problemsA very healthy breed, the Havanese doesn’t have a lot of health issues, but they are not immune to the problems of small breed dogs. The issues they do have are:

  1. Luxating Patella – can result in arthritis or lameness
  2. Liver Disease – could be fatal
  3. Heart Disease – could be fatal
  4. Cataracts – can be discomforting by will not cause total blindness
  5. Retinal Dysplasia – this eye disease is more serious than the cataracts but is also non-progressive and is caused by a viral infection.
  6. Hip Dysplasia – causes lameness and arthritis -most small dogs are susceptible to this

american foxhound puppies - health problemsThe American Foxhound, like most hunting dogs does not carry a lot of genetic disorders. But they can easily become overweight and this can cause major problems. Dysplasia of any type had been mostly unknown in this breed, but due to obesity it is cropping up on occasion. Breeders have not, and do not usually screed for any genetic diseases.

The most devastating health issue the American Foxhound faces is thrombocytopathy. We will go into more detail on this in the Care for Pet section. This is a disease of the blood system, namely the platelets.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

havanese dogs - caringFeed 3 to 4 times per day a high quality dry puppy food for toy or small dogs. Feed ¼ to ½ cup each time.

Feeding the adult

Remember these are small dogs and don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality dry food for small or toy dogs. Feed twice a day at about ½ cup each time.

Points for Good Health

The breed is generally very healthy.

Games and Exercises

This breed is not an overly active dog, but he does need some exercise. A nice walk once a day or a backyard to play in. They play inside as well as out. Don’t over exercise the Havanese. They do well in obedience and confirmation more so than agility or fly ball

Feeding

american foxhound dogs - caringWhether feeding a pup, or an adult American Foxhound, you need to be sure the food is high quality and that you don’t overfeed. The Foxhound is happy to eat as much as you give him. They like to eat. Make sure you measure and don’t free feed. Control what they are eating.

For a puppy feed twice, a day – 2 to 3 cups of high quality puppy food. When he becomes an adult feed him once a day with 2 cups of adult food.

Health issues

As mentioned previously, the American English Foxhound, like most of the hound breeds is a very healthy dog. They do not have many genetic health issues. They do have a risk for thrombocytopathy. This risk is slight, but all owners of American English Foxhounds should be aware of it.

Thrombocytopathy

This disease is a circulatory system disease with poorly or non-functioning platelets. Platelets are designed to assist in the control of bleeding and without functioning ones the dog can bleed excessively from just a minor cut or bleed internally from a minor injury. The disease can be treated but you have to notice it first. Depending on how severe the disease is, the treatment will vary. Some dogs will have to be given platelets.

Exercise and games

This is a high energy breed that is very active and needs a lot of exercise. They are not good for the first-time owner as they are stubborn and hard to train. They need room to run and get frustrated and out of sorts if they don’t have it. They can live in the suburbs but only with a large fenced yard, an even larger dog park and regular walks. This dog needs a lot of exercise. The simplest thing to do is take him hunting.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Cuba
United States
Height Male:
23 - 27 cm
9 - 11 inches
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
Height Female:
21 - 25 cm
8 - 10 inches
49 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
21 - 30 kg
46 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 9
1 - 12
Size:
Toy dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Havanese Cuban Bichon Bichón Havanés Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Habanero
Foxhound
Colors Available:
colors all colors
red, tricolor, black and tan, blue
Coat:
coat type soft and curly
short, hard
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Friendly, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Sweet
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Morkie vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  2. Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Havanese vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  4. Havanese vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  5. Havanese vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Havanese vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  7. Havanese vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  8. Havanese vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  9. Havanese vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  10. Havanese vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  11. Havanese vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  12. Havanese vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  13. Havanese vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  14. Havanese vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  15. Havanese vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  16. Havanese vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  17. Pekingese vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  18. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  19. Russian Toy Terrier vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  20. Phalene vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  21. Shih Tzu vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  22. Silky Terrier vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  23. Snorkie vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Bulldog vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Mi-Ki vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  26. Bloodhound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  27. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  28. Greyhound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  29. Francais Blanc et Noir vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  30. Saluki vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  31. American Foxhound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  32. American Foxhound vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
  33. Borzoi vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  34. Black and Tan Coonhound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  35. Mountain Cur vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  36. Black Mouth Cur vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Rajapalayam vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  38. Plott Hound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  39. Petit Gascon Saintongeois vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  40. Otterhound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Mudhol Hound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  42. Ibizan Hound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  43. Rampur Greyhound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  44. Galgo Espanol vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  45. Azawakh vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  46. Hanover Hound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  47. Majestic Tree Hound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  48. Chart Polski vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  49. Polish Hunting Dog vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  50. Grand Bleu de Gascogne vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds