Hava-Apso

The Havanese is a small, sturdy toy breed standing between 8.5 and 11.5 inches at the shoulder, with the ideal height ranging from 9 to 10.5 inches. These dogs typically weigh between 7 and 13 pounds, though the breed standard allows weights up to 18 pounds. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, creating a rectangular silhouette that distinguishes the breed. The topline is characteristically level but rises slightly from the withers to the croup, giving the Havanese its distinctive outline and contributing to its springy, lively gait. The chest is moderately deep with well-sprung ribs, providing ample lung capacity for the breed's active nature. The breed's most notable feature is its magnificent double coat, which is long, soft, and silky to the touch. Unlike many other long-coated breeds, the Havanese coat can be either straight or wavy, with both varieties equally acceptable in the show ring. The outer coat is lightweight and flowing, while the undercoat is sometimes minimal or absent entirely. This unique coat texture has earned the breed the nickname "Havana Silk Dog." All colors and patterns are acceptable, including solid shades, parti-colors, and various combinations of white, cream, fawn, gold, black, blue, silver, chocolate, and red. The coat does not shed heavily but requires regular grooming to prevent matting. The Havanese head is broad and slightly rounded, with a moderate stop and a full muzzle that tapers slightly toward the nose. The large, almond-shaped eyes are dark brown and convey an intelligent, mischievous expression that perfectly captures the breed's playful personality. Drop ears are set high on the head and covered with long, silky hair that blends seamlessly into the body coat. The plumed tail is carried arched forward over the back when the dog is alert, adding to the breed's elegant appearance. The legs are straight and well-boned, and the feet are compact with well-arched toes and thick pads, adapted for the breed's characteristic springy, effortless movement.

The Lhasa Apso is a small, well-balanced dog that is longer than it is tall, presenting a sturdy and substantial appearance despite its modest size. Males typically stand about 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, generally measuring around 9 to 10 inches. Weight typically ranges from 12 to 18 pounds, with the breed exhibiting a compact, muscular build beneath its abundant coat. The overall impression is of a heavily coated, well-balanced dog that moves with confidence and purpose. The breed's most striking feature is its magnificent double coat, which is dense, heavy, and straight. The outer coat is hard in texture rather than silky or woolly, providing protection from the harsh climate of the breed's Tibetan homeland. The coat naturally parts from the head to the tail, draping elegantly on either side of the body and reaching to the floor in mature, well-groomed specimens. A moderate undercoat adds warmth and substance. All colors are acceptable in the breed, including golden, sandy, honey, dark grizzle, slate, smoke, parti-color, black, white, and brown, with no color considered superior to another. The Lhasa Apso head is distinctive, appearing round when viewed with its full furnishings. The skull is moderately narrow and falls away behind the eyes, with a well-defined but not pronounced stop. The muzzle is about one-third the total length from nose to the back of the skull, and the breed exhibits a characteristic reverse scissor bite where the upper incisors close just inside the lower teeth. The eyes are dark and medium-sized, set frontally to create an appealing expression. Pendant ears hang close to the head, heavily feathered with long hair. The tail is set high and carried well over the back, often with a kink at the end, and is covered with abundant feathering.