AKC Havanese Champion Zorro takes a break at the dog show

What is a breed standard?

A breed standard is the picture in words for how a breed should look and also details the temperament of a breed.  It is what lies behind the different types of pedigree dog that we know and love today. The Havanese breed standard is the pattern used by breeders in their attempts to breed the ideal Havanese, and it is the tool of the judge in assessing dogs in the show ring.

The big advantage of this is that in buying a well-bred pedigree Havanese puppy, you are usually guaranteed that the puppy will grow up with the appearance and temperament which attracted you to the Havanese.

Countries can have separate governing groups overseeing the breeding and showing of pedigree dogs.

Alex with AKC Champion Cowboy taking a break at the dog show

 The American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC is the primary registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States.  The AKC Havanese Standard can be viewed here:  American Kennel Club (AKC) Havanese Standard

Canadian Kennel Club

The Canadian Kennel Club is the primary registry body for purebred dog pedigrees in Canada. The CKC Havanese Standard can be viewed here:  Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) Havanese Standard