As its name suggests, the Havanese originated in Cuba and is a member of the Bichon family of breeds. In French, Bichon Frise means "fleecy dog." Bichon refers to the bearded appearance of the dogs in this family. In the early 17th century, Bichon lap dogs were brought to Cuba from Europe. They adapted to the climate and customs of Cuba and gave rise to a new, smaller breed with a silkier coat. The Cubans called this smaller dog the Blanquito de la Habana or Havanese silk dog, a now extinct breed. In the 19th century, they began breeding the Blanquito with French and German poodles to develop the Bichon Havanese, which became popular among Cuban aristocracy. The Havanese was continually bred in Cuba all through the 19th century and into the 20th century, becoming a favorite dog of Cuban families. During the 1960s, Cubans began migrating to the U.S. and many brought their pets. However, careless mating practices drove the breed to near extinction. A U.S. breeder took a liking to the breed and advertised in the local Florida papers for a pure Havanese. She found a handful and began breeding them. Her first lines appeared in 1974 and by 1996 the breed was recognized by the AKC. During the 1980s, several German breeders began noticing litters with pups that had shorter hair than their littermates. Breeders got together to compare notes and realized that this trait was not an isolated mutation in one litter but a recessive trait carried in many Havanese. They called these shorter haired dogs Smooth-Coated Havanese, which later got shortened to Shavanese. This smoother coated dog is not breedable or showable but is perfectly healthy.

8 - 11 inches

7 - 13 pounds

Havanese comes in any color, including cream, gold, white, silver, blue, and black. In North America, no preference is given to one color over another in the show arene. However, black and chocolate are preferred colors with many North American breeders.

For Havanese pets, hair can be kept short for easy maintenance. If the Havanese is intended for showing, hair should be long, with silky tresses hanging to the floor and flowing freely. It should be thoroughly brushed and combed at least twice a week. The Havanese does not shed so dead hair needs to be removed by brushing. There is a lotion available to put on the hair to keep it from splitting. Short coated Havanese do shed and is probably not a good choice for people with allergies.

The Havanese is excellent with children and becomes very attached to its human family.

Gets along well with other dogs, cats and other pets.

This highly intelligent dog is easy to obedience train. Can also be trained not to bark unnecessarily. Sensitive to tone of voice so harshness will upset the Havanese. Enjoys doing things for people and learns quickly.

The Havanese is playful and has an average demand for excercise.

The Havanese is a healthy, long-lived breed. Some are prone to cataracts, luxating patellas, poodle eye and dry skin.

Very active indoors and good for apartment living. They are meant to be raised in the home rather than in a kennel or yard.