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History and Origin of the Havanese

The Havanese is a loveable dog that is a member of the Bichon breed family. What does Bichon mean? “Bichon” is a French word that means “fleecy dog”. Bichon breed dogs are often related to the Barbet. Barbet is the French name for a poodle like water spaniel that is thought to be an ancient ancestor of the current day Bichon breed varieties.

There are several different types of Bichon dogs including: the Maltese, Bichon Frise, Bichon Bolognese, Lowchen, Coton de Tulear, and the Havanese. These Bichon breed varieties have various geographic origins.

Many of these breeds were present in ancient Greece. As the Spanish Empire swept across the world in the 1500’s, the Bichon breeds did as well. The Bichon breeds were perfect companions for long voyages on maritime ships.

The Bichon breeds developed in the Canary Islands, France, as well as Cuba. Can you guess which Bichon breed came from Cuba? If you answered, Havanese, you are correct!

The Havanese breed was named after the world famous seaport in Havana, Cuba. The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba. The Havanese dogs are descendants of a dog breed called “Blanquito de la Habana” in Cuba.

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The Havanese breed is a small, white fluffy dog that has a well defined face. The Havanese breed is affectionate, loyal companions that love to sit on your lap. They love your admiration and will give their admiration in return. This attentiveness paired with their beautiful coat and features made the Havanese a well sought after breed.

The aristocratic society of Cuba embraced the Havanese breed. Many a Havanese was the house dog of a socialite Cuban in the 1700 and 1800’s. However, the turn of the century into the 1900’s brought a change in the interests of the social elite. The upper crust of society no longer favored the Havanese breed.

Why did this happen? How could such a high demand for the Havanese breed over 200 years diminish? The influence of North America is part of the reason. Before 1900, Cuba was dominated by European, mainly Spanish, influences. The Cubans conducted the majority of their business with Spain. This European influence created the prevalence of European Bichon lapdogs.

Around 1900 North America began to conduct more business with Cuba. This new business partnership also introduced different types of dog breeds to wealthy Cubans. The wealthy Cubans wanted to be on par with North America regarding the latest trends and this included the current “it” dog breeds.

This desire to keep up with the North American “Jones’” prompted the Havanese breed to be overlooked in wealthy Cuban households as they searched for a new breed to adore. This transition left the Havanese to become a house pet in common households. In effect, the Havanese garnered a wider audience of admirers and owners.

The Havanese breed increased in popularity in Cuba throughout the 1900’s. The Havanese breed is a perfect house dog that is affectionate, good natured, and has a beautiful silky coat. Their coat is so silky that they are referred to as “Havana Silk”.

It is important to note that the wealthy Cuban society loved Havanese not only for their beautiful features and affectionate nature, but for their high intellectual capacity. The Havanese breed is highly intelligent and very skilled at performing tricks and following commands.

The Bichon breed of dogs has been a circus performer type dog for hundreds of years. The Havanese could dance around and do tricks for their wealthy owners that were entertaining and delighted guests.

The Havanese breed is innately adept at performing which has led this breed to become a top show dog. Cubans have focused on the show dog capabilities of the Havanese breed causing a surge in the breed’s popularity. This popularity skyrocketed in the late 1990’s and continues to increase.

The Havanese breed has made a highly impressive showing in Cuba. In the 1993 Cuba all-breed dog show a Havanese won the “Reserve Best in Show” title. Another Havanese won the “Best Puppy in Show” award at the 1994 Cuba all-breed dog show.

A quick rise in success for a breed can also lead to unscrupulous breeding practices. To prevent and combat this issue, the Cuban Club of the Bichon Havanese was founded in 1991. This organization created breeding guidelines to help keep the integrity and health of the breed in tact.

The Havanese traveled to America in the early 1900’s. However, the breed didn’t catch on until the 1970’s. This surge in American popularity can be attributed to the influx of Cubans in the 1960’s. The immigrated Cubans brought their love and support of the breed to the United States. Another reason why this breed is growing in popularity, is because of the delightful Havanese temperament.

The Havanese has been around for hundreds of years, but was officially recognized relatively recently. For example, the Havanese breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1991. The American Kennel Club recognized the Havanese breed in 1996. The American Kennel Club placed the Havanese breed in the “Toy” group.

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