Black and White Havanese Photography in Chicago: Celebrating a Joyful and Affectionate Breed

Photo of a black and white Havanese dog in a chicago portrait studio.

Spend a few minutes with a Havanese, and it’s easy to understand why so many families fall in love with them.

They’re cheerful.

Curious.

Affectionate.

And they have a remarkable ability to make everyone they meet feel like an old friend.

As a Chicago pet photographer, I’ve found that Havanese dogs bring an infectious sense of joy to every portrait session. Their expressive eyes, silky coats, and playful personalities make them wonderful subjects, but it’s their genuine love for people that truly makes them unforgettable.


A Companion Through and Through

The Havanese was bred to be a companion, and they excel at it.

They don’t simply live alongside their families.

They become part of every moment.

Whether they’re following you from room to room, curling up beside you after a long day, or greeting visitors with a happily wagging tail, Havanese dogs seem happiest when they’re close to the people they love.

That deep connection often shines through in their portraits.


What I’ve Learned Photographing Havanese

One thing I’ve noticed about Havanese dogs is how naturally expressive they are.

They constantly look toward their families.

They seem eager to understand what’s happening.

And when something catches their attention, their bright eyes and alert expression immediately tell the story.

Some arrive ready to explore every corner of the studio.

Others stay close for a few minutes before confidently showing their playful side.

Neither is better.

Those individual personalities are exactly what make every portrait meaningful.

Rather than asking every Havanese to pose the same way, I let their curiosity guide the session.

That’s when the most authentic moments happen.


The Beauty of a Black and White Coat

A black and white Havanese has a striking appearance that naturally draws your attention.

The contrast in their coat highlights every expression, from a playful head tilt to a thoughtful glance.

Against a simple background, those beautiful markings become timeless works of art.

But while their coat may catch your eye first, it’s their personality that stays with you.

That’s the story I want every portrait to tell.


Every Havanese Has Their Own Story

No two Havanese I’ve photographed have ever been exactly alike.

Some are little comedians.

Some quietly observe before joining the fun.

Some greet everyone they meet.

Others save their biggest smiles for the people they love most.

That’s why I never try to create identical portraits.

My goal is to capture the individual personality that makes your Havanese unlike any other.


Why Professional Portraits Matter

The years we share with our dogs pass far too quickly.

The playful puppy becomes a calm companion.

The silky coat changes.

The face slowly softens with age.

Professional portraits preserve this chapter before it becomes a cherished memory.

Years from now, your photographs won’t simply remind you of your Havanese’s beautiful markings.

They’ll remind you of the joyful little friend who made every day brighter.


A Portrait Experience Designed Around Your Dog

Every portrait session in my Chicago studio is built around patience, trust, and authentic moments.

There’s no rush.

No pressure to perform.

Instead, I allow each dog to settle in naturally, creating space for genuine expressions to unfold.

Whether your Havanese is playful, thoughtful, outgoing, or quietly affectionate, my goal is always the same:

To create artwork that celebrates exactly who they are.


Celebrate Your Havanese

Havanese dogs have a wonderful way of bringing happiness wherever they go.

Their cheerful spirit.

Their loving nature.

Their expressive eyes.

Those are the qualities families remember forever.

A professional portrait preserves those memories, creating artwork you’ll treasure long after the years have passed.


The Breed Portrait Series by Candice Cusic

Every breed has unique characteristics, but every dog has a personality all their own.

Explore more articles in my Breed Portrait Series, and visit my Pet Photography Portfolio to discover portraits of dogs, cats, and the remarkable moments that make every companion unforgettable.


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    Chicago Pet Photographer

    Did you know your animal can have their own SEE HEAR LOVE Experience?
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I photograph your animal and connect with them intuitively to learn what they want you to know. Later that same day, you see their portraits and hear their words together at a private reveal.
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The Experience is $500 at Candice C. Cusic Photography in Chicago. Finished artwork is purchased separately.
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Meet Nori and Wasabi, a bonded mother and son looking for their forever home together.
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    “Does she need a ribbon or a string? Because that cheers me up.” ❤️
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During his animal communication session, Wasabi told me he would give Gabriella all of his toys to make her smile. Then he wondered if she needed a ribbon or a string—because those are the things that cheer him up.
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Wasabi came to the studio with his mom, Nori, for The See Hear Love Project™, where animals participate in telling their own stories through animal communication, portraiture and film.
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The See Hear Love Project is the world’s only documentary storytelling project told from the animal’s perspective. 

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    The See Hear Love Project™ is the world’s only documentary project told from the animal’s perspective—combining animal communication, portrait photography and film to help animals be seen, heard and loved.
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