POINTS OF CONFUSION - Coat Type
The Havanese has a soft coat that feels similar to raw silk. Coat expression ranges from straight, to wavy locks, to curly ringlets and everything in between.
Most Havanese have coats that are wavy to some degree.
Certain things affect the appearance of coat wave/curl. As hair grows longer, the weight drags out some of the wave making longer hair appear straighter than it actually is. If the coat is clipped to a shorter length, the degree of wave/curl is enhanced. Grooming also affects apparent wave. A coat that has been wetted and dried naturally will show the most waviness. Heat-drying the hair, as well as brushing and combing, will pull out some of the natural wave.
Petey, owned by Claire Paulson, shows what wetting, drying, brushing, and combing does the appearance of coat wave. In the first photo Petey has been swimming and allowed to air-dry naturally. The second photo shows Petey after grooming where his coat was bathed, blow dried, brushed and combed. Look at how much difference there is in the amount of wave that you see.
STRAIGHT
This cuddly pillow pal is Chico from Los Companero in Canada.
WAVY
Vidlock from La Tour de Senlis has a moderately wavy coat.
VERY WAVY
Chloe from Hugabrew has a more heavily waved coat. (daughter to Ginger above)
BACK ... Fawn
SLIGHLTY WAVY
Jinx, from Pocopayasos Havanese, has a
silky lightly waved coat.
WAVY
Tequillaville's Sofi also has a moderately wavy coat, with waves that are closer together.
CURLY
Tequila from Tequilaville in Sweden has
a coat of soft curls.
WAVY
Subtle waves are readily evident on
Coal's ears and chest. (Havana Canada)
VERY WAVY
Ginger from Hugabrew has a very wavy
coat which cascades in soft spirals.
CURLY
Sammy from Mystical Havanese is covered
in loose ringlets.