Chocolate & Red Havanese Puppies #1 Southern California

The Havanese breed has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, yet it remains relatively rare. Among the Havanese variations, the chocolate-colored ones are even rarer. To produce a chocolate puppy, both parents must carry a chocolate gene. The chocolate coat of a Havanese can exhibit a wide range of shades, ranging from a light mocha color to a deep, rich chocolate hue. In addition to solid chocolate, there are other variations such as chocolate-sable with tan points, chocolate brindle, chocolate silver, and shades highlighted or tinted with gold, red, or grey/ash.

Distinctive features of chocolate Havanese include a brown nose, liver-colored or brown rims around the lips and eyes, and often brown pads on their feet.

Newborn Havanese puppies have blue eyes, which can vary in intensity from medium to dark blue. As the puppy grows, the blue iris gradually undergoes a transformation, resulting in a final eye color that can range from dark or chestnut brown to medium brown. Other acceptable eye colors include hazel, very light brown, amber, and different shades of green. The eye color, combined with the almond shape, contributes to a captivating expression reminiscent of human eyes, making the chocolate Havanese even more enchanting.

Havana Silk Havanese are the product of years spent crossing excellent quality chocolate Havanese to the best chocolate-recessive black Havanese to create a highly-coveted, super-rich mahogany color. Due to meticulously choosing bloodlines, these rare individuals do not fade or silver and have extraordinary dark pigment, giving them rich burgundy undertones with merlot highlights. Extra dark puppies such as these are occasionally available.

Chocolate Havanese are delightful and charming dogs that are known for their rich and luscious coat color. With a deep brown hue reminiscent of the delicious treat it’s named after, the chocolate Havanese is truly a sight to behold. This unique coat color sets them apart from other Havanese varieties and adds to their overall appeal.

In addition to their captivating color, chocolate Havanese have a luxurious, silky, and wavy coat that is super soft to the touch. Their coats can vary in shade, ranging from a lighter milk chocolate to a deeper dark chocolate. The coat can be solid in color, have small white markings on the chest or paws, or be particolored, with patches of white and brown.

Apart from their striking appearance, chocolate Havanese are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are highly sociable and make excellent companion dogs, always seeking opportunities to be by their owners’ sides. These dogs thrive on human companionship and are often referred to as “velcro dogs” because of their desire to stick close to their loved ones.

Havanese, including the chocolate variety, are generally intelligent and trainable, making them well-suited for obedience training and various dog sports. They have a playful and lively disposition, making them great family pets and companions for children. They enjoy participating in activities such as agility, rally, and obedience trials, where they can showcase their intelligence and athleticism.

The vast array of hues and patterns of Havanese coat color can be attributed to the interplay of two fundamental pigments: eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (red). These two pigments belonging to the melanin family are responsible for all the diverse variations in Havanese coloration.

Genes may have modifiers that influence the observable outcome. For example, dark and lighter chocolate colors are produced from the same color gene with intensity modifiers affecting the Havanese dog’s ultimate coloration.

Brown in a Havanese dog’s coat can vary depending on the alleles in the A and K loci. Chocolate Havanese may also exhibit some red (phaeomelanin) hairs, which these loci influence. Additionally, the B locus affects the coloration of the nose and eyes, resulting in light brown or amber eye color and a brown nose. The brown coloration can manifest in different ways, ranging from the entire coat being chocolate-colored to specific patterns such as solid chocolate, chocolate with white markings, chocolate with traditional tan markings, grizzle/agouti chocolate, chocolate sable, chocolate with greying genes, and red-coated dogs with a chocolate pigment.

The chocolate color in Havanese dogs is the result of a specific genetic combination that affects the pigmentation of their fur. These dogs have a gene called “B/b,” with the uppercase “B” representing the dominant allele for black, and the lowercase “b” representing the recessive allele for brown. When a Havanese carries two copies of the recessive “b” allele, it expresses the chocolate coloration.

Chocolate Havanese dogs are known for their hypoallergenic coat, which is ideal for individuals with allergies. Havanese have hair rather than fur, which means they shed minimally and are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. Their coat requires regular grooming to maintain its beauty, but it is well worth the effort for the silky-smooth feel and stunning appearance.

Brushing your Havanese a few times a week and periodic professional grooming sessions are necessary to prevent matting and keep their coat looking its best. Routine dental care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning should also be part of their grooming routine. Their stunning appearance, delightful temperament, and hypoallergenic coat make them an ideal choice for those seeking a loyal and charming canine companion.