Herding
Can they or can't they? Do Havanese really have a herding instinct or is that just folklore?
The Havanese is a very intelligent trainable dog with incredible versatility. I was intrigued to find out how many different things they could do if given the opportunity, so we kept trying new activities just to see what was possible. Some historical references tell us that Havanese may at one time used for herding chickens, ducks and geese in Cuba. That really does not mesh with other parts of the history books that indicate Havanese were the pampered pets of wealthy upper class. Truly, if a dog was a ladies companion, riding in her carriage and basking in sun drenched patios, was he really likely to be in the barnyard getting down and dirty with the flocks? The answer is very likely not. There have been other suggestions that the herding dog of Cuba was not a Havanese but a different small breed; this theory does not negate the possibility that Havanese may have been used for herding as well. In the poverty stricken years after the revolution, when Havanese remaining on the island became the dogs of the working class, farmers and peasants; animals could not be kept solely for companionship and pampering. Any pets kept had to earn their keep. It may make sense that at this time, Havanese may have been trained as working dogs for herding fowl or small farmyard animals. This in no way makes the Havanese a herding breed, but may simply be an indication of their versatility, trainability, and desire to please their masters. Many dogs of many breeds display innate herding characteristics.
I had always wanted to try our Havanese in herding and see if any had a natural herding instinct. Most local barns with herding classes only had sheep for stock. Although I was interested, I was loathe to put a 10 pound dog on sheep, and so we waited. Finally, one farm added in a flock of runner ducks so off we went. I was really excited to see what our Havanese would do when introduced to the ducks. The first exposures were very interesting.
Mitzi
Excellent verbal control and years of obedience and agility training and commands meant that Mitzi was able to do a lot her first time out with guidance. By her third time out, she was well on her way. She quickly figured out that she could make the ducks move and stop and make them change direction. Two months into herding, Mitzi was responding well to new commands and learned to split a flock and drive them into pens. She loved herding and would whine with excitement as soon as we turned into the farm. A successful herding dog, though I would say that her herding style relies on commands rather than instinct.Cricket
We knew that Cricket had some herding instinct from other behaviorus, and she proved us right. Her first time out, she was a little over-enthusiastic with the ducks; it's a good thing the tail feathers were firmly attached! Her second time, instinct really kicked in; it was fascinating to watch Cricket circle, bunch, chase after strays and bark at obstinate ones, this time working from a more respectable distance. Cricket figured things out on her own quickly, relying on herself rather than looking for commands. She herds by instinct.
Rags
Rags was indifferent. Only mildly intrigued, he looked at the ducks and followed them around a bit. Coming to the conclusion that ducks were not very interesting, he completely ignored them and went about his way investigating the barn. On his second outing, Rags showed a bit more interest when paired with a trained dog. He never developed any enthusiasm for herding. Exploring the hay loft and playing with the farm dogs and barn cats were much more fun for him.
For my part, it took several months to learn how to read and understand stock. Not an easy task for a city girl. I confess, I even had trouble figuring out how the stock gates worked. By this time, Mitzi and Cricket were both confident enough that we took the plunge and introduced them to sheep. Mitzi was okay with the sheep but definitely happier working with the ducks. Cricket had absolutely no hesitation and was delighted to be able to boss these big critters around. Her trade mark move was to dash in front of strays and stamp her fore paws and emphasize her stand with a bark; always quite pleased with herself when the stock respond.
After receiving herding Instinct Certificates with the Manitoba Herding Dog Association, we moved on to competition in CKC herding trials where Mitzii and Cricket became the first Havanese to earn CKC herding titles. Cricket earned her title working Sheep and Mitzi earned hers working ducks.
Can Havanese herd? Of my three Havanese exposed to herding, only one had inate ability. Another could do it as a trained behaviour, and the third had no interest at all.
