Like the history of most breeds, the precise development of the Havanese is shrouded in mystery.  What agreeably seems to be assumed by researchers is that during the days of the Spanish Empire, a small, silky-coated dog breed, known as the Little Silk Dog, the Melita, or the Caniche,  roamed the streets in the Mediterranean area.  These dogs are the origin of the Bichon canine family of small breeds which are descended from the same bloodlines that produced the Barbet, or water spaniel, the Poodle, the Portuguese Water Dog and others.  The Barbet or “Barbichon” - later shortened to Bichon -  canine family consists of several distinct breeds, including the Havanese.  In order of popularity in the US, these breeds are:  1) Maltese, 2) Bichon Frise, 3) Havanese, 4) Lowchen, 5) Coton de Tulear and 6) Bolognese.

Following discoveries by daring and adventurous wanderers, sea lanes opened the way of voyagers to newly discovered parts of the world.  Recognizing the appeal of these friendly little dogs, sailors and sea captains transported them from continent to continent, offering them as items of barter or to gain entry into the homes of wealthy families.  By gaining entry into wealthy Hispanic homes, which were otherwise closed to outsiders, the captains were able to establish lucrative trading relationships with rich Cuban families.

Once in Cuba, the Havanese lived exclusively in the mansions of the highest social class of people.  Havanese were never raised commercially or sold but were sometimes given as precious gifts to a friend or someone who had performed a valuable service.  Like the Victorian-age wealthy Hispanic women who owned them, the dogs were not seen in the streets or public areas.  They lived in the rooms and interior courtyards of their tropical homes and occasionally rode in carriages with their owners.

The communist revolution from 1958 - 1960 in Cuba threatened the existence of the breed.  Three families are know to have fled Cuba to foreign shores with their Havanese, the Perez and Fantasio families, who were the first Havanese breeders in the United States, and Senor Barba, a Cuban gentleman who was the first Havanese breeder in Costa Rica.  These three exiled families worked alone in Florida and in Costa Rica for over a decade to preserve the breed.

By 1974, Dorothy and Bert Goodale of Colorado formulated a breeding program from eleven dogs obtained from these sources, which represented three or four different bloodlines.  In 1979, the Havanese Club of America was founded by a small group of newly involved breeders and supporters and the club’s registry was established.  On February 1, 1996, the Havanese was accorded Miscellaneous Class status by the American Kennel Club and in January, 1999 was accepted as a fully recognized member of the AKC Toy Group.

Character

The Havanese is truly one of the most delightful of the small breeds.  They are exceptionally intelligent and quick-witted.  Their love of attention comes from their adorable little “show-off” natures.  They are curious and busy constantly.  They are natural clowns and enjoy interludes of rowdy, madcap play.

The Havanese’s expression tells you that they miss nothing going on around them.  They love to sit somewhere high - especially on the back of sofas and chairs.  They never let strangers approach unwelcomed.  They thrive on human companionship and are at their best as a participating member of the family.  They love children and will play tirelessly with them at any game in which children delight.

 If raised near water or exposed to water at an early age, they become powerful swimmers, diving in an out of the water like tiny seals.  They Havanese also have a natural herding instinct.  In Cuba, they were used to herd the family chickens and geese.

Appearance

The Havanese is a sturdy, short-legged small dog with a soft, profuse coat.  The coat is nonshedding and odorless and is easy to keep with frequent brushing or combing and periodic bathing.  The coat ranges from a slight wave to curly.  The straighter coats may be left natural, but many of the owners find that the curly coats are easier to keep neat by shortening them.  In the conformation breed ring, they are shown with a completely natural coat.  Color of coats range in shades of white, cream, champagne, gold, chocolate, silver, blue and black or a combination these, including parti and tri.  The plumed tail is carried curled over the back.  The eyes are large and dark with a lovely soft expression.  Black nose and lips are preferred, however brown is permissible on the true chocolate.  The body is long as compared to the approximately 10 inch height.  The weight ranges from 7 to 13 pounds.