Local Havana breed stars in Cuba dog show
Like 1 Dislike 0 Published on 16 Nov 2016
(8 Oct 2015) LEAD IN:
A dog show in Cuba is a chance for the local breed - the Bichon Habenero - to take centre stage on its home soil.
The show also features less cuddly protection dogs - a discipline for highly-trained attack dogs that originated in Mexico.
STORY-LINE:
It's a doggy blow-dry ahead of Cuba's dog show.
Proud owners and breeders are busy putting the finishing touches to their dogs before they step into the ring.
And as well as the tiny Yorkshire terriers and Siberian husky dogs, there's a local character at the show.
Evelio Fernandez is the President of the Bichon Habanero Club. He says: "Right now we have a group of specimens, of different breeds which are placed into different groups participating here today. Among them is our native breed, the Bichon Habanero."
The Bichon Habaneros are entered in the Beauty Contest section of the show.
Bichon Habanero is a Cuban-born dog, descended from different breeds imported from Spain and France, such as Bichons and water dogs, around the turn of the 20th Century.
"We are making a big influence to Cuba because the Bichons Habanero of Canada and United States mix with Shih Tzu and with Bichon Maltese, which it is another type of bichon," says Alian Rivero, a breeder of the Bichon Habanero.
It is gaining in popularity internationally with owners attracted by its friendly and loyal nature.
Here in Cuba prices vary from 350 to 800 USD dollars depending on pedigree but they're worth a lot more when they're sold abroad. In the United States it is known as the Havanese.
"Bichon Habanero internationally is quoted on the USD 5,000-8,000 dollars, depending on the genetic quality of the dog," says breeder Alian Rivero.
Another breed that is becoming increasingly popular in Cuba is the American pit bull terrier.
David Pereda is a breeder of American pit bull terriers and has brought his dog along to exhibit.
He explains: "American pit bull terrier breed in Cuba is popular, there are many enthusiasts working with the race and breed."
It isn't always easy to get your hands on the luxury, vitamin-enriched dog foods some affluent breeders feed their dogs on, but Pereda reckons rice and meat is just as good.
''American Pit-Bull breeding, basically here in Cuba we rely on rice and meat (to feed the dogs), that's what gives the most here, and that is the most popular way. Many people who have a purchasing power can get the grain fortified with some vitamins and those things, but basically rice and meat is sufficient ," he says.
You wouldn't want to get on bad terms with the next section of dogs at the show.
The Protection Dogs Championship is a discipline that originated in Mexico - where attack dogs are used as a form of protection.
These highly-trained dogs launch into attack and cling bitterly to their victim... luckily he's well padded.
Nelson Borroto, a national judge of the dog show says: ''We're seeing circuit protection dogs, Protection Dogs is a Mexican discipline, a Mexican sport, dedicated to protection dogs, and that in Cuba we included it five years ago.''
They might look vicious but they're well trained and respond immediately to command - just as well really.
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