Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches at shoulder
Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
Coat: long and silky
Life span: 12 to 15 years
Breed Group: Companion Dogs

The Havanese has won many admirers with his long, silky hair, expressive eyes, and cuddly size. Bred as a companion dog to the Cuban aristocracy in the 1800s, he's earned the nickname "Velcro dog" because he sticks so closely to his owner's side. But don't write him off as just a lapdog; the Havanese is trainable and surprisingly energetic, and has excelled in dog sports and canine careers ranging from circus performer to assisting the handicapped.