Concerned pet lovers, specifically fans of the breed of dog called the Havanese, have created Havanese rescue centres. Named for Havana, Cuba, the Havanese is a breed of small, “toy,” dog that originated in Cuba. Havanese may date as far back as the 16th century. These dogs were popular in aristocratic Spanish families. Later, their popularity trickled down to the Cuban middle class and crossed the ocean to Europe and America. The popularity of the breed, as well as the high price for a Havanese puppy, is the reason behind the illicit breeding and sale of the Havanese and the necessity for Havanese rescue centres.

Havanese’ have specific traits that make the breed easily discernible from other toy breeds. These dogs have a rectangular shape, and a distinctive, heat-resistant coat of silky fur. Their long hair is lightweight and smooth in texture. Havanese dogs are also recognizable by their charming, family-friendly and fun personalities. Though small in size, Havanese are hardy dogs and historically served the purpose of herding chickens and other poultry as well as acting as child-friendly pets.
There are several important functions of Havanese rescue centres. These centres work to find and buy Havanese being sold in illicit puppy auctions. Members and volunteers often use their own resources to travel across country to rescue Havanese pups. Members then work to match rescues with foster or adoptive families. Havanese rescue centres also serve the purpose of raising awareness and funding the cause of Havanese rescue.

Havanese rescue centres work in tandem with the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the AKC (American Kennel Club) to raise awareness of animal cruelty and mistreatment of the Havanese and other breeds. Reputable rescue centres have websites and legitimate contact information for research and verification. Resources and other helpful information such as ways to help the cause of Havanese rescue are also provided on their websites. An agency’s legitimacy can be verified with a quick phone call or email to the centre.
The ultimate goal of Havanese rescue centres is to ensure that every Havanese has a chance at a happy life. Supporters donate generous amounts of money and time to save Havanese from the puppy mills. They arrange for rescued dogs to be spayed or neutered before adoption or fostering. The purpose of this is to make sure future puppies are also saved from the puppy mill life.

A social breed Havanese dogs are meant to be part of a family group. Fans of the breed will tell you that Havanese consider themselves four-legged members of the family. Due to the breed’s social and fun-loving temperament, the threat of being raised in a puppy mill is a major concern as it takes away the chance for the dog to ever be socialized and receive the love and affection it needs. Please help support Havanese rescue centres in making sure that the lovable “Havs” aren’t delegated to a life of “Hav nots”.

Havanese rescue centres are doing their part to protect members of the breed from animal cruelty. Havanese information and Havanese rescue centre information are both contained in this article.