Havachin
The Havachin is a cross between the Havanese and the Japanese Chin. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Havachin. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small but sturdy toy breed standing between 8.5 and 11.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing 7 to 13 pounds, with the ideal weight proportionate to height. This breed features a slightly rectangular body that is longer than it is tall, with a strong, moderately boned structure that gives the dog a surprisingly solid feel for its size. The Havanese carries itself with a lively, springy gait that reflects its cheerful personality, with the topline rising slightly from withers to croup. The head is broad with a moderate stop, featuring large, dark brown expressive eyes and drop ears set high on the skull that are covered with long silky hair and hang close to the cheeks. The breed's most distinctive feature is its luxurious double coat, which can reach six to eight inches in length when fully grown. The outer coat is long, soft, and silky with a light texture that can be straight, wavy, or slightly curled, while the undercoat is sometimes absent or minimal. Unlike many double-coated breeds, the Havanese coat feels like raw silk to the touch rather than coarse or wiry. The breed comes in all colors and patterns, including white, cream, champagne, gold, red, chocolate, silver, blue, and black, as well as various combinations and markings. Parti-colors and sable patterns are common and equally accepted in the breed standard, with no color preference in judging. The Havanese tail is one of its most charming features, set high and carried arched forward over the back, covered with a generous plume of long silky hair that drapes gracefully. The breed's expression should be soft and intelligent, conveying the breed's gentle and affectionate nature with an alert yet friendly demeanor. The feet are compact and slightly elongated, with well-arched toes and thick pads that provide good traction for the breed's characteristic springy movement. Overall, the Havanese presents as a well-balanced, agile little dog with an elegant appearance that belies its robust constitution and playful spirit.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The breed's gentle and playful nature makes it an excellent choice for families with children, and it typically gets along well with other dogs and household pets when properly socialized. The Havanese maintains a moderate energy level that adapts well to various living situations, from apartments to larger homes with yards. This adaptable companion is equally content playing active games or cuddling on the couch, making it an ideal choice for owners seeking a versatile and devoted pet.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Liver shunt, also known as portosystemic shunt, is a serious condition that occurs in some Havanese where blood bypasses the liver, preventing proper filtration of toxins from the bloodstream. This condition may be managed medically or require surgical correction depending on severity. Heart disease, particularly mitral valve disease, and hypothyroidism have also been documented in the breed and require ongoing veterinary monitoring. The Havanese benefits from a relatively low coefficient of inbreeding at approximately 2.7 percent, indicating reasonable genetic diversity within the breed population. Regular veterinary checkups, appropriate health screening of breeding stock, and daily grooming to prevent coat matting are essential components of maintaining this breed's overall health and wellbeing.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a small, elegant toy breed that presents a distinctively aristocratic appearance befitting its history as a companion of royalty. This breed typically stands 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 4 and 9 pounds, with the ideal weight falling in the 4 to 7 pound range. The body is square and compact when viewed from the side, with the length from point of shoulder to buttock approximately equal to the height at the withers. The breed carries itself with a proud, stylish bearing that conveys both dignity and daintiness. The most striking feature of the Japanese Chin is its distinctive head, which is large and rounded with a flat face and extremely short, broad muzzle characteristic of brachycephalic breeds. The eyes are large, round, dark, and set wide apart, creating the breed's signature look of astonishment. The ears are small, V-shaped, and set wide apart on the skull, hanging down and covered with long feathering that blends into the neck ruff. The nose is set wide between the eyes at the same level, with open nostrils that are essential for proper breathing in this flat-faced breed. The Japanese Chin possesses a profuse single coat that is straight and silky, standing away from the body and creating an elegant, flowing appearance without any undercoat. The coat forms a mane or ruff around the neck and chest, with generous feathering on the ears, thighs, and tail. The breed comes in black and white, red and white, or black and white with tan points, with red encompassing all shades from sable, lemon, and orange to deep mahogany. The coat should have a tendency to part naturally down the back. The tail is set high and carried arched over the back, covered with a profuse plume of long hair that drapes to one side. The overall impression should be one of stylish elegance and Oriental expression, with a bright, inquisitive demeanor.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The Japanese Chin is typically reserved and somewhat aloof with strangers, taking time to warm up to new acquaintances while remaining deeply affectionate with family members. This breed adapts well to apartment living due to its calm indoor demeanor and relatively low exercise requirements. The Chin can be prone to separation anxiety due to its strong attachment to its owners and does not do well when left alone for extended periods. While generally quiet, the breed will alert to visitors and unusual sounds. The Japanese Chin typically gets along well with other dogs and cats when properly socialized, making it suitable for multi-pet households.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Orthopedic conditions affecting the Japanese Chin include patellar luxation, a common condition in toy breeds where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, and hip dysplasia. Atlantoaxial instability, a condition affecting the connection between the first two vertebrae of the neck, can cause serious neurological symptoms and may require surgical stabilization. Eye conditions are common in the breed due to the prominent eye structure, including cataracts, entropion where the eyelid rolls inward, and distichiasis where extra eyelashes irritate the eye surface. Dental disease is prevalent in toy breeds and requires regular attention. The Japanese Chin's coat requires weekly brushing and occasional bathing to maintain its silky texture and prevent matting around the ears and feathering.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Havachin may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Havanese and Japanese Chin to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.