Breeder Experience

History

Very much an artificial created type of breed.  Solid colored cats of Siamese type have been seen for many years and have not been popular until the 1950s. Experiemental matings took place between Siamese and Russian Blues and led to the development of the Havana.

Type and characteristics

Coat

The Havana is one of the few breeds of brown cats and is sometimes confused with the Brown Burmese.  Rich warm brown with the brown nose leather and pinkish brown paw pads. 

Body, neck, legs and tail

The body should long sleek and muscular with propportionately long slender legs.

Head

 Should be long and, in profile straight without stop or dip.

Ears

The ears are large with good width inbetween face and should give  the appearance of a triangle

Temperament

The cats are basically Siamese cats with the same temperament.  They are outgoing personalities that deman a lot of attention.  They want to be involved in your daily activities, share your bed, love to play retrieving games.  They do not like to be left alone for too long.

(If you feel that you have a better description for this category we would love to hear from you chendel@quiknet.com)

Havana Brown Breeder Experience

Coat:  Chocolate and the dilute color of Lilac (allowed in some
organizations)  I know as I am specifially breeding for Lilac.  TICA is one
organization that allows for Lilac.  This is a genetic possibility as the
Russian Blue was used in the original breeding programs.   The Lilac coat may
be a little plusher.  These standards are published on the TICA webpage. 
Ghost tabby markings are allowed in the showcat up to the age of 1 year. 
Eyes:  Green, the deeper the better.
Ears:   Large and well set up on head.  Gives an alert look. 
Head: Unique in that the head is somewhat rounded with the muzzle set upon
it like a corncob.  The chin should be squared off.  There should be a
whisker pinch or break.  There should be a definite stop where the nose meets
the head at the level of the eyes. 
Voice:  Degrees of  verbalizing.  They tend to respond if you start talking
to them and respond when they verbalize. 
Purrsonality/personality:  Very loving, will help you do anything.  If there
is a noise in the house.. and the Havana did not cause it....they will go to
see what happened, not run from it.  Very curious and very good with the
feet.  They use their feet to make contact with you.  Generally they like to
sleep next to you with a foot touching you.  Also very good at opening things
with the feet.  Will pat you with the feet to get your attention for
affection.  Love to play.  And will eat just about anything.  So watch your
plate.  
If you have any other questions, I would love to help.
Susan Hamrick
Timeheart Havanas
608 Sumac Lane
Lewisville, NC  27023
Gigolost@aol.com

Genetic Concerns

More Breed Descriptions on the Net
CUI Links

CFA Breed Profile: Havana Brown
TICA
Havana Brown Breed Standard - CFA Breed Standard