Havanestie
The Havanestie is a cross between the Havanese and the West Highland White Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Havanestie. 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, sturdy dog of immense charm, standing between 8.5 and 11.5 inches at the shoulder with an ideal height of 9 to 10.5 inches. These compact companions typically weigh between 7 and 13 pounds, with their body length slightly exceeding their height at the withers, creating a rectangular silhouette that is characteristic of the breed. The breed possesses a distinctive structure featuring a short upper arm with moderate shoulder layback and a straight topline that rises slightly from the withers to the croup. This unique construction produces their characteristic springy gait, a lively and energetic movement that reflects their playful personality and distinguishes them from other toy breeds. The hallmark of the Havanese is their long, abundant coat that is silky to the touch and remarkably light in texture despite its profuse appearance. The coat stands off the body slightly but flows beautifully with movement, ranging from straight to wavy with wavy being preferred for conformation showing. Unlike many other longhaired breeds, the Havanese coat does not mat easily and has no undercoat or bi-annual shed, making them a popular choice for those seeking a lower-shedding companion. All colors and marking patterns are acceptable in the breed, including white, black, cream, gold, silver, blue, champagne, chocolate, and various combinations including tricolor and parti-color patterns. The coat may also be corded in mature dogs, forming distinctive tassel-like sections. The head is well-proportioned to the body with a slightly rounded skull and a moderate stop. Drop ears are set high and covered with long, silky hair that frames the face beautifully. Their dark, almond-shaped eyes convey an alert and intelligent expression that captures the breed's curious nature. The plumed tail is carried arched forward over the back, adding to their elegant appearance and serving as a hallmark of proper breed type. Head furnishings are long and untrimmed, often falling forward over the eyes or secured in two small braids using plain elastic bands. The coat may reach six to eight inches in length on mature dogs and feels like raw silk floss, providing excellent insulation from both heat and cold while maintaining its beautiful flowing appearance.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Havanese are exceptionally good with children and other pets, displaying patience and gentleness in their interactions that makes them ideal family companions. They enjoy socializing with both dogs and cats, approaching other animals with friendly curiosity that makes them well-suited for multi-pet households. Their playful nature persists well into adulthood, and they maintain a puppy-like enthusiasm and energy throughout their relatively long lives of 12 to 16 years. The breed does not require a large yard and adapts remarkably well to apartment living, though they benefit from regular walks and interactive play sessions to satisfy their moderate exercise needs and keep them mentally stimulated.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Heart issues, particularly mitral valve disease where the valve between the left atrium and ventricle degenerates over time, affect approximately 11% of the breed and require regular cardiac monitoring as dogs age. Chondrodysplasia and chondrodystrophy are genetic conditions affecting bone and cartilage development that responsible breeders now test for through DNA screening. Sebaceous adenitis, an inflammatory skin condition that affects the sebaceous glands and can cause hair loss and scaling, has been documented in the breed. Additional concerns include canine multifocal retinopathy and von Willebrand disease, an inherited bleeding disorder. Reputable breeders conduct comprehensive health testing including BAER hearing tests, cardiac evaluations, patella examinations, and hip assessments to minimize the risk of hereditary conditions in their breeding programs.
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, is a compact, sturdy terrier standing approximately 11 inches at the shoulder for males and slightly less for females. These well-muscled and substantial dogs typically weigh between 15 and 20 pounds, carrying their weight on a strong frame that reflects their heritage as working terriers bred to hunt vermin and pursue game in the rugged Scottish Highlands. The body is slightly shorter from the point of the shoulder to the tail than the height at the withers, creating a nearly square profile that gives them a balanced, workmanlike appearance. The breed possesses a deep chest, straight back, and powerful hindquarters that provide the strength and agility necessary for their original purpose. The Westie's distinctive double coat is one of their most recognizable features, consisting of a harsh, straight outer coat approximately two inches in length and a soft, dense undercoat that provides excellent protection and insulation from harsh weather conditions. The coat is always pure white to very light wheaten in color, which historically made these dogs easier to distinguish from the game they were hunting in the Scottish terrain. Black pigmentation on the nose, eye rims, lips, paw pads, and toenails creates a striking and beautiful contrast against the white coat. The harsh outer coat is designed by nature to shed dirt and repel water, making these hardy terriers well-suited for outdoor work and play, while requiring regular grooming to maintain proper texture and appearance. The head is broad and somewhat wedge-shaped when viewed from above, with a slight dome to the skull and a definite stop between the forehead and muzzle. Small, erect, pointed ears are set wide apart on the head and give the breed its characteristic alert and attentive expression. The dark, almond-shaped eyes are set deep under heavy eyebrows, conveying an intelligent, sharp, and penetrating gaze that reflects the breed's quick mind. The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull, tapering toward a large black nose. The tail is carried erect, is relatively short at about 5 to 6 inches in length, and is never docked. The breed moves with a free, easy, and powerful gait, appearing determined, purposeful, and confident in their movement.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament While Westies are generally friendly, playful, and entertaining with their families, forming strong bonds with their people, they can be reserved or suspicious with strangers initially and make excellent watchdogs who will bark alertly to announce visitors or anything unusual. They typically do well with children who respect their boundaries and understand that terriers will not tolerate rough handling or being pestered, though they may be too spirited for very young children. The breed can be possessive of food, toys, and resting spots, and their strong prey drive means careful consideration is needed before introducing them to homes with small pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs, or rabbits. Early and thorough socialization is essential to develop a well-rounded temperament and ensure they interact appropriately with other dogs and people.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Craniomandibular osteopathy is a painful bone disease affecting the jaw that occurs during puppyhood, typically between four and eight months of age, causing difficulty eating, swallowing, and opening the mouth due to abnormal bone growth. While the condition typically resolves as the dog matures, supportive care including pain management and soft food are necessary during the active and uncomfortable phase. Globoid cell leukodystrophy, also known as Krabbe disease, is a fatal inherited neurological condition that responsible breeders test for and work diligently to eliminate from their breeding programs through genetic screening. Dental issues are common and require regular attention to prevent periodontal disease and associated complications. Pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive and ultimately fatal lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue, has been documented in the breed and causes increasing difficulty breathing and exercise intolerance as the condition advances.
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 Havanestie 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 West Highland White Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.