Show Grooming a Havanese: Clean, Groomed, and Natural

The Havanese, with its flowing silky coat and cheerful disposition, is a standout in the show ring. As the national dog of Cuba and a member of the Bichon family, the Havanese is admired not only for its charming personality but also for its distinctive appearance—particularly its beautiful coat. When it comes to presenting a Havanese in conformation shows, grooming plays a critical role in highlighting the breed’s natural elegance while adhering to the breed standard.

Understanding the Havanese Coat

The official CKC standard states: The Havanese coat is well suited to a breed developed in the tropics, the abundant, silken double coat is fine, soft and lightweight throughout, with a subtle airiness, less substantial at the touch than appearance suggests. Undercoat is light and may not be very developed. The topcoat, very long (12 to 18 cm [4.75 to 7 in] in adults) does not hang to the ground, allowing light under the dog when standing on a solid surface; it enhances and reflects the lines of the body. No preference given for extreme length or profuseness. Puppy coats are shorter, softer, less full than adults.
Hair ideally wavy; any degree of wave permissible. Single, perfectly straight or tightly curled coats undesirable; woolly, harsh or wiry textures incorrect. Natural coat separation is acceptable, deliberate parting is not. Head furnishings simply brushed back or allowed to fall naturally. Scissoring and all trimming forbidden. Exceptions: Tidying the base of the feet and minimal hygienic trimming unnoticeable on presentation.

This coat is meant to be displayed in its natural form in the show ring and is to appear “clean and well-groomed, but not excessively groomed.” The key is preserving the breed’s natural appearance while ensuring the dog is immaculate and elegant.

So let’s break down exactly what the CKC standard is saying.

No Trimming Allowed—With One Exception

A common misconception is that show grooming involves shaping or trimming the coat to enhance the dog’s outline. However, for the Havanese, this is not the case. Trimming is not permitted, except in one specific area: the hair that touches the ground at the feet and a small area for sanitary purposes.

This small allowance ensures that the dog can move freely and cleanly in the ring without stepping on or tangling its own coat. The trimming should be minimal—just enough to neaten the feet. Beyond this, all hair on the body, head, and tail is to remain untouched by scissors, clippers, or thinning shears.

Maintaining a Show-Ready Coat

To maintain a natural yet pristine look, regular grooming is essential:

  • Brushing and Combing: Daily or near-daily brushing helps prevent mats and tangles while distributing natural oils through the coat. A pin brush or comb designed for long-haired breeds is ideal.
  • Bathing: Frequent bathing (every 4–5 days) keeps the coat clean and bright. Use a high-quality, moisturizing dog shampoo and conditioner to preserve the silkiness.
  • Drying: Blow drying the coat straight while brushing helps maintain its fullness and length. Care must be taken to avoid heat damage or frizzing. A good quality brushing spray will help through this process.
  • Eye and Face Cleaning: The face should be clean and free of tear staining or debris. Regular gentle wiping helps maintain a fresh appearance.
  • Feet and Sanitary Areas: The only permissible trimming at the feet should be done carefully with scissors to ensure a tidy appearance without altering the overall natural look. Sanitary trimming (out of sight) may be done for hygiene, but it should never interfere with the dog’s show appearance.

Presentation in the Ring

A properly groomed show Havanese appears clean, flowing, and unaltered, moving with grace and confidence. Judges look for a coat that is free of mats or product buildup and falls naturally around the body. The goal is to showcase the breed’s charm and beauty in its most authentic state—a reflection of health, care, and respect for the breed standard.

In summary, show grooming a Havanese is all about enhancing what nature has given, not altering it. With the right care and attention, a Havanese in the ring will captivate with its natural coat and joyful spirit—no trimming needed.

Further Reading

For more information and additional grooming guidance, the book From Nose to Tail is an excellent resource.
Find it on our Merchandise page.