Havanese Club Of Great Britain

Havanese Club of Great Britain Club Show 14th Show - 18/10/2026

I would like to thank the Committee for giving me the opportunity to award my first set of CCs in Havanese at the HCGB Morning Show today. The show was so well run, with a wonderful, friendly atmosphere throughout. I would also like to give a very special thank you to my two wonderful stewards, Lesa and Lee Miles, who did an amazing job of keeping the ring running smoothly throughout the morning. Their organisation, good humour and calm approach made my job so much easier and allowed me to concentrate fully on the dogs in front of me. I really couldn’t have asked for better support in the ring, particularly when awarding my first set of CCs, and I am extremely grateful to them both.

I was genuinely blown away by the quality of the dogs presented to me and had many very close decisions to make. Several placings could quite easily have changed on another day, and there were many quality dogs placed further down the line who could just as easily have been rewarded more highly on another occasion.

Praise must be given to fronts, and particularly front legs. Most were of excellent length and all of the front legs presented to me today were straight, with no curvature. I did, however, feel that some dogs were a little coarse. Whilst the Havanese should be a sturdy little dog, this should not translate into heaviness of bone. Equally, whilst I like my males to look masculine, I felt some heads were becoming a little too large and coarse. I was always taught that a Havanese should be pretty and, although males should undoubtedly retain their masculinity, this should never be at the expense of refinement and elegance.

Another area I feel breeders should continue to pay attention to is forechest. I found quite a few dogs today lacking in this area and, in some cases, this was reflected in less tidy front action on the move.

Temperaments were excellent throughout. The dogs presented to me were outgoing, happy and in excellent health and condition, which was wonderful to see.

Class 1 – Minor Puppy

No entries

Class 2 – Puppy Dog (3,0)

1st – Harper-Dediu’s Uranus Mano Gentis (Imp Lt)

Beautiful red puppy, full of promise. On first impressions, he presents a lovely outline with excellent proportions. He has a fabulous head with expressive almond-shaped eyes and a well-balanced muzzle. Well-placed ears with the required folds contribute to that typical soft and gentle Havanese expression.

Excellent forechest with a good lay of shoulder and return of upper arm. Tight elbows and well ribbed back, with balanced front and rear angulation and a short, strong loin. Profuse coat of excellent texture.

He moves with purpose, displaying a typical jaunty gait, and was shown on a lovely loose lead, which I appreciated. A very promising youngster. Reserve Best Puppy in Show.

2nd – Matthews’ Elperrito Saint Nicholas

Another very nice puppy, brown sable and white. He has a slightly larger frame than the winner. Well-balanced, masculine head with an excellent bite. Good chest for his age, although I would like to see him develop a little more in forechest to complete the picture.

Very good lay of shoulder and return of upper arm. Strong, stable topline, with the required rise over the loin. He is well proportioned, with good tail set and carriage. He moved very well, holding his topline and displaying a typical jaunty gait. Very well presented.

Junior Dog (3,0)

1st – Zydelyte’s Kiss From Heaven Mano Gentis

Sable boy with a pleasing head and typical almond-shaped eye, giving him a charming expression. Well-placed ears with the required folds. Good length of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders, with a good return of upper arm and straight front legs.

Well ribbed back with a short, strong loin and the required rise over the loin. Fantastic tail set and carriage and a coat of excellent texture. His profile movement is particularly attractive and he demonstrates a typical, springy gait. His handler knows exactly how to get the best out of this young man.

2nd – Matthews Elperrito Saint Nicholas

As above.

Yearling Dog (2,0)

1st – Harper-Dediu’s and Kobe’s Velvet Story Sir Colonel For Immeleon

A quality red boy of super size and shape. He presents a fantastic outline and is a pleasure to go over on the table. Balanced head with good-sized almond-shaped eyes and excellent pigmentation.

Good length of neck and the best of forechests. He has good bone and substance, sturdy yet refined. Super lay of shoulder and a fantastic spring of rib, with a short, strong loin and excellent rear angulation. Correct topline with a well-muscled loin. In fact, he is well muscled throughout, and his fitness and construction are evident on the move.

He demonstrates a typical springy gait and is sound coming and going. He also has a fantastic attitude. Another sympathetically handled dog, shown on a loose lead, which was lovely to see. One I gave serious consideration to in the challenge.

2nd – Brook’s Thistlesweet Eldorado (Imp Hungary)

A beautifully presented black and white boy, shown in excellent coat and condition. He is larger framed than my winner, but is very well balanced and proportioned. Excellent dark almond-shaped eyes, with a kind yet mischievous expression.

I would prefer a little more forechest; however, he is young and still needs to ‘drop into himself’. Excellent length of rib and a short, strong loin. Balanced front and rear angulation. Correct topline with the required rise over the loin. Another who moved very well and was handled sympathetically on a nice loose lead.

Novice Dog (1,0)

1st – Matthews’ Elperrito Saint Nicholas

As above.

Post Graduate Dog (2,1)

1st – Lee Finglas’ Corrandulla Crazy For You at Richeath

I must say, this black and white boy is a super young dog. He is of excellent size and has fantastic, slightly longer-than-tall proportions.

Beautiful, well-balanced head with good width to his skull and muzzle and a moderate stop. He has a fabulous dark almond-shaped eye and well-placed ears with the required folds. Good length of neck flowing into well-placed shoulders. He has a fantastic spring of rib and excellent rear angulation.

On the move, he is sound coming and going and holds his lovely outline so well in profile, carrying his tail in a lovely plume over his back. He is between coat stages at the moment, but what is coming through is of excellent texture. A lovely young dog with plenty to appreciate.

Limit Dog (8,1)

I found this an extremely difficult class to judge, as every dog presented to me had qualities worthy of consideration. My 1st–5th could easily change positions on another day and, indeed, the unplaced dogs also possessed qualities I could appreciate.

1st – Walker’s Big Mcintosh JW

The most attractive sable boy, who I consider a super example of the breed. He has the most fantastic head and expression: dark almond-shaped eyes with lovely pigmentation giving him the sweetest of expressions. Excellent skull with just the right amount of width and a balanced muzzle completing the picture.

He has excellent proportions, slightly longer than tall with good length of leg. He is a pleasure to go over on the table and has a fantastic forechest, with good length of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders and a good return of upper arm. Straight front legs and lovely tight elbows.

He displays the required rise over the loin, which is short and strong. On the move he is a pleasure to watch, so sound coming and going, with good width to his rear movement. He holds his outline beautifully in profile, with lovely head and tail carriage.

To complete the picture, he was presented in fine order, with an excellent lightweight, airy coat. It was a very close decision in the line-up for the CC, but he had to settle for the Reserve this morning. I was delighted to see him gain his crowning CC at the afternoon show. Congratulations. Reserve CC.

2nd – Brook’s Thistlesweet Atreyu (Imp Hun)

Another lovely example of the breed who is very much my cup of tea in terms of type. This black and tan boy has the most appealing shape, substance and size. I loved his well-balanced head and melting expression.

He has a super length of neck, well-placed shoulders and good return of upper arm. Excellent topline and tail set, with balanced, moderate angulation. He is very well muscled throughout and moved very well with the typical jaunty step I was looking for. Another shown in excellent condition and handled gently on a loose lead.

Open Dog (3,0)

I really enjoyed judging this class, as all three dogs possessed many qualities that I could appreciate and could easily have swapped places on another day.

1st – Gunn’s Newtonwood Crazy for Love to Harvahope

Fabulous dark boy who you really need to get your hands on to fully appreciate his quality. I really liked his size and shape. Under his profuse coat he has lovely proportions and correct length of leg.

I loved his head and expression, so well balanced and simply oozing breed type. Well-placed ears with good folds. He has a super forechest and tight elbows, good length of neck, excellent front and rear angulation and a good spring of rib.

This boy displays the most attractive jaunty gait, carrying himself beautifully with a brisk, purposeful action. His coat was presented wonderfully and is of excellent texture, lightweight and airy. Another I gave serious consideration to in the challenge.

2nd – Walker’s Newtonwood Double Dare of Follyglen

Another super boy of fantastic size and shape. He has a very well-balanced head and a beautifully soft and gentle expression, with well-placed ears of good size and the required folds.

Good length of neck and fabulous forechest. Very well angulated both front and rear, well ribbed back with a short, strong loin. Fantastic tail set and carriage and the straightest of legs.

He was expertly presented by his clever handler, who really knows how to get the best out of him. A very close decision between 1 and 2.

Veteran Dog (4,0)

And yet another super class of quality gentlemen that I thoroughly enjoyed judging.

1st – Harris’ Tiggafield Jack Flash at Mantafield

This black and tan dog is simply superb to go over on the table. He has the most typical head and expression, with a fabulous skull of good width and a super muzzle. Beautiful expression and an excellent bite. He has well-placed ears of good size with the correct folds.

Moderate length of neck leading into well-laid shoulders, with an excellent forechest and textbook lay of shoulder and return of upper arm. He has fantastic proportions, being slightly longer than tall. He has just the right amount of substance, sturdy yet refined, together with excellent rear angulation. Super tail set and carriage.

He may not immediately catch the eye as the flashiest dog in the ring, but for me he is an excellent example of true Havanese breed type. The more you go over him, the more there is to appreciate. He possesses those essential characteristics that distinguish the Havanese from a generic Toy dog, combining correct proportions, substance, construction and outline with refinement and soundness throughout.

In a strong entry, with some very promising youngsters nipping at his heels, I simply could not overlook his overall quality, breed type and soundness. He moved soundly, maintaining his typical outline on the move. I was delighted to award him the CC, which I understand makes him up to a very worthy Champion. Dog CC, Best Opposite Sex and Reserve Best Veteran in Show.

2nd – Gunn’s Janabear Dance O’ The Knights

I loved this cream boy’s type and substance. He has a beautiful head, so balanced and refined without losing masculinity. Fabulous length of leg and super length of neck.

Presented in excellent coat and condition, with a lovely coat texture, lightweight and airy. Excellent tail set and carriage, and he displays a super temperament. Fantastic front and rear angulation and an excellent forechest. He moved well with a typical jaunty gait and was very sound coming and going.

Bitches

Minor Puppy

No entries

Puppy Bitch (7,1)

A truly delightful class with many promising young ladies.

1st – George’s Rostellars Cinderella

Super sable puppy of excellent size and shape. Beautiful almond-shaped eye and excellent scissor bite. She has a lovely length of neck flowing into well-laid shoulders. Her chest development is exactly as I would expect for her age.

Good topline and tail set, with the required rise over her loin and good tuck-up. Balanced angulation front and rear. She carries herself beautifully on the move, holding her shape well.

Expertly handled and presented in fantastic condition, with a super coat of excellent texture. She pushed hard in the challenge but had to make way for the more mature ladies this morning. I am sure she has an excellent career ahead of her and I was delighted to award her Best Puppy in Show. The very best of luck with her.

2nd – Clement’s & Breed’s Hugentobler Nina

Another beautiful puppy with a well-proportioned head and a kind, dark eye. Excellent chocolate-brown pigmentation, excellent bite and beautiful neck and shoulders.

She is of super size and shape, with her lovely chocolate coat displaying a soft, gentle wave. Fantastic tail set and carriage, with a well-carried loose tail. She moved very well with excellent rear movement and a typical jaunty action.

This was an extremely close decision, with the winner just pipping her to the post this morning on attitude.

Junior Bitch (2,0)

1st – Day’s Immeleon Royal Dress in Cubadias JW

I have admired this black and white girl from a distance for quite some time and, if I am completely honest, whenever I saw her name in a catalogue, she was the one I always felt would be my toughest competition. I was therefore delighted to finally have the opportunity to get my hands on her, and she certainly did not disappoint.

An absolutely stunning bitch of excellent size, shape and substance and, for me, so very typical of the breed. She has the most beautiful feminine head and expression, with gorgeous almond-shaped eyes and an excellent balance of skull to muzzle. Lovely well-placed ears with the correct folds.

Her beautiful length of neck flows smoothly into well-laid shoulders, with a superb forechest and lovely front construction. Her proportions are ideal for the breed, being slightly longer than tall. She has excellent length of leg, good length through the rib, a strong loin and that all-important rise over the loin which contributes so much to the characteristic Havanese outline. Excellent rear angulation completes an exceptionally well-balanced picture.

Her coat is another feature worthy of mention: soft, airy and lightweight, with a quality and texture that looks as though it could catch the Cuban breeze any day of the week. She was presented in pristine condition, yet underneath that beautiful coat is a fit, well-muscled bitch. For me, she is wonderful proof that dogs can be allowed to be dogs, kept fit and well muscled, without it being to the detriment of their coats or presentation.

On the move she commanded my attention, retaining her beautiful outline and displaying the typical light, jaunty action I was looking for. There is nothing exaggerated or overdone about her. She is simply a beautifully balanced, unmistakably Havanese bitch whose breed type shines through.

She commanded my attention from the moment she entered the ring and, having had the opportunity to assess her properly, I could not deny her the CC and ultimately Best in Show. A bitch of outstanding quality who thoroughly deserved her awards on the day, and one I hope continues to enjoy every success in the future. Bitch CC and Best in Show.

2nd – Matthew’s Chezsdearm Cocoa Belleza

Another lovely young girl with lots to like about her. She has a very pleasing head and expression and good dark chocolate-brown pigmentation. Excellent neck and shoulders with balanced rear angulation.

She is a little less mature than my winner at the moment but displays a great deal of promise. Slightly longer cast than 1, however, she is very well ribbed back and has a short, strong loin. She moved very well, maintaining her topline, and was presented in excellent coat and condition.

Yearling Bitch (1,0)

1st – Russell’s Dyffrynsands Ziggy’s Way to Claravi

A delightful black and white little poppet with the sweetest face and expression. Well-placed ears with the correct folds, excellent dark, expressive almond-shaped eyes and a good scissor bite.

She has a lovely lay of shoulder and excellent length of leg. She is well proportioned, with good length of rib and a short, strong loin. Good rise over the loin and good tuck-up.

She moved very well and showed with a fantastic attitude. A really delightful young lady, full of character. I particularly enjoyed her mischievous nature, which I can completely relate to!

Novice Bitch (2,1)

1st – Chapman’s Adorele What A Hoot

Another delightful black and white girl with a sweet face and expression. She has lovely dark, expressive almond-shaped eyes and good pigment, together with a good scissor bite.

Lovely length of neck and pleasing proportions, with excellent tail set and carriage. I thought she had a fantastic temperament and attitude.

It was a pleasure to watch her and her owner going around the ring, completely in tune and harmonious together. It was lovely to see the bond they share and how she only had eyes for her mummy. Presented in excellent coat and condition.

Post Graduate Bitch (5,2)

And yet another lovely class!

1st – Coopers Elerrito Bright Light

A stunning black and white girl with the most typical outline, head and expression. She is very much my cup of tea in terms of size and substance. Beautiful almond-shaped eyes and an excellent balance between skull and muzzle.

Super neck, with an excellent lay of shoulder and return of upper arm. Fabulous length of leg and a lovely topline with the desired rise over the loin. Lovely folds to the ears. Super rear angulation and the most typical jaunty movement, with excellent width to her rear action.

A very balanced, typical bitch and one I gave very serious consideration to in the challenge.

2nd – Walker’s Follyglen Radiant Rossini at Newtonwood

Another very typical black and white girl with the most beautiful head and expression. Super almond-shaped eyes and dark pigment. Good lay of shoulder and return of upper arm.

Excellent length of leg and a lovely topline, with a well-muscled loin. Well ribbed back with a good tuck-up. Super rear angulation. She moved with purpose and carried herself very well.

Her handler really knows how to get the best out of her and present her to her best advantage. Excellent coat texture and a lovely temperament.

Limit Bitch (4,1)

1st – Clement’s Hugentobler Beatrice

A really lovely brown sable and white girl of excellent breed type, shape and substance. She has the most pleasing of outlines, very balanced and well proportioned.

She has the most beautiful head and expression, with a lovely length of neck leading into well-placed shoulders and a good return of upper arm. Good forechest, excellent length of leg and good length of rib, together with a short, strong loin.

Excellent tail set and carriage with very good rear angulation. She held her outline beautifully on the move, displaying that typical brisk, jaunty action. I liked her very much indeed and she was very much in contention in the challenge.

2nd – Fitzgerald’s Adorele Put A Spell On You

Another beautiful red and white girl with a lovely head and kind expression. She has dark almond-shaped eyes, well-placed ears and excellent dark pigmentation.

Excellent length of neck and good front and rear angulation. A little longer cast than my winner, but she has a short, strong loin and excellent tail set and carriage.

So well handled and completely in tune with her handler. Presented in super condition and moved beautifully on a loose lead, maintaining her excellent topline on the move.

Open Bitch (4,0)

What a pleasure it was to judge this class of quality ladies!

1st – Smith’s Elperrito Simply Magic

An absolutely beautiful brown sable and white girl with the most fantastic head and expression. She has beautiful, expressive almond-shaped eyes, an excellent muzzle and a broad, balanced skull.

I particularly liked her super forechest and lay of shoulder. Super topline with a short, strong loin and excellent tail set and carriage. She has substance while retaining refinement and was presented in superb coat and condition.

Excellent temperament. I loved her overall outline, which she held beautifully on the move, displaying a very typical, jaunty gait. Another I gave serious consideration to in an exceptionally strong bitch line-up.

2nd – Day’s Immeleon Peppermint Latte in Cubadias JW

Another quality girl, shown in the most amazing condition. Beautiful almond-shaped eyes and dark pigment, which look so attractive against her immaculate cream coat.

She has a lovely outline and super length of neck. Excellent forechest and straight forelegs. Lovely tail set and carriage and particularly pleasing rear movement. Presented in superb coat condition, yet very well muscled and fit as a fiddle.

Both 1 and 2 were lovely bitches, but I felt my winner had just a little more spring in her step today.

Veteran Bitch

I am starting to sound like a broken record with ‘another lovely class’, but I did say in my preamble that the quality was so high today, and once again I had so much to choose from in this class!

1st – Muscroft’s Ch Janabear One Alone

An absolutely stunning black girl who, for me, epitomises the breed standard. I absolutely loved her head. It is beautifully balanced, with lovely width to her skull and a muzzle in perfect proportion. She has the most fantastic expression, with beautiful almond-shaped eyes and lovely folds to her ears.

Fabulous length of neck leading into well-laid shoulders and an excellent forechest. Beautiful proportions and excellent length of leg. Super topline with the desired rise over the loin, together with excellent tail set and carriage.

Her movement was a joy to watch: jaunty and typical, with super rear action. Shown in excellent condition.

She is a bitch I have admired for many years and remains so typical of the breed in both outline and attitude. It is a real treat to see her free-standing, displaying that lovely outline with absolutely nothing to hide. She pushed hard for the CC but today had to make way for the young upstart!

I was delighted to award her the Reserve CC, Reserve Best in Show and Best Veteran in Show.

2nd – Fitzgerald’s Mybeards Valentina VW

An 11-year-old gold sable girl with the most wonderful outline. I had the pleasure of judging this delightful girl as a youngster, and I like her just as much now as I did then.

She has the prettiest of heads and the sweetest expression, with a beautifully balanced skull and foreface. Excellent overall proportions and length of leg, with a lovely topline and excellent tail set.

She moved extremely well on a loose lead with a wonderfully jaunty action and was presented in superb condition, with fantastic coat texture. At 11 years of age she remains a lovely example of the breed and is a real credit to her owner.

Judge Olivia Carty-Parge