Sometimes Willow acts just like what I would think a terrier would act like. Whenever we go for walks, she is always on the lookout for any small rodent, be it a rabbit, squirrel or chipmunk. If she sees one, she would be gone like a rocket if she were off the leash. Plus she loves to dig. I'm just wondering if anyone knows what line Havanese are believed to be descended from.

My understanding is that havanese descend from bichon type breeds, including poodle. Maltese may also be involved. Hope this helps.

Chasing little animals and digging are normal dog activities. My Siberian huskies excelled in those "skills" and they certainly don't have any terrier. Nickie is generally very easy to get to stop an activity and to redirect to a more suitable activity. I've gotten the impression from this forum that easy to stop/redirect is typical of Havs.

They share DNA with a bunch of different breeds, but I don't remember any Terriers in the mix, or at least not many.

Emmie isn't a digger or obsessed with squirrels, rabbits, or birds so it could just be an individual thing. Or perhaps related to how much they are exposed to them as puppies. I don't know; just guessing.

I suppose she is just being a dog. My corgi would go after squirrels too when she was in good health. I always thought maybe that was the herding instinct coming out, but I guess she was just being a dog! She never seemed interested in digging though. Willow loves to dig!

I am thankful that Tucker has never dug, at all. My previous dogs had, and they can sure mess up a yard fast if they are diggers. I'm a bit surprised to know there are Havs that like to dig.

Ricky is a digger (both inside and outside the house) but only brief, a few seconds of manic, vigorous episodes when the mood strikes him. However, he is very easy to redirect.

He is fascinated by small animals - birds, cottontails, and lizards.......but then again he is even more fascinated by blowing leaves which quickly become his new favorite toys! He has a very acute sense of eyesight, hearing, and smell. Nothing gets past him!

Having said all this, Ricky and I are in serious obedience competition training. He learns more quickly than I do! He is learning all his commands like "ignore", "down", "stay" so it is becoming quite easy to control him whether it is digging or chasing objects, even off leash. Easy trainability is one more Havanese characteristic.

Ricky's Popi

I know what you mean by the manic digging! Willow does this too - she's head down and digging as fast as she can go! She'll do this on her bed or the sofa or even my leg. I do redirect her if she's doing it where I don't want her to.

Her sense of smell is amazing. Sometimes I think she must be part scent hound!

The big dried maple leaves that are all over now that it's fall have become a great play thing. She loves to shred them like she shreds paper.

Yep, same here, all you can see is his butt straight up in the air and a flurry of long hair and paws at ground level! But, like you, if there is no harm in his digging then there is no foul. I let him dig (which is brief) to his hearts content. Sometimes it is inappropriate and I redirect him immediately.

Ricky's Popi