History of the Havanese

     The Havanese in Canada today are direct descendants from one of the Bichon groups originating in the Mediterranean area. There are several distinct groups of Bichon, including the Bichon Maltiase (Maltese), the Bichon Bolognese ( Bolognese), the Bichon Havanais (Havanese) , the Lowchen, the Coton de Tulear, and the Bichon Teneriffe (Bichon Frise). These groups are still recognized by th F.C.I. and many other European Kennel Clubs.

     Some authorities differ as to the origin of this small breed. Fiorenzo Fiorone, when writing the book 308 Recognized Breeds, states that the Havanese is a descendant of the Italian Bolognese, which were taken by the Italians to Argentina, and there crossed with a small South American Poodle, creating a new member of the Bichon family. The hypothesis advanced by Dechambre is different. He believes the Havanese is descended from the Maltese, brought to the West Indies by the Spaniards, and were at that time called "The Havana Silk Dog".

     In the Encyclopedia of Dogs by Jones & Hamilton, it is written that the ancestors of the Havanese traveled to Cuba during the days of the Spanish Empire. The Lampton's Observers Book of Rare Breeds refers to the breed as follows: "Toy Havanese-sometimes described as a spaniel. A member of the Bichon group. Essentially a toy dog, long-coated and spirited. Believed by some to be a descendant of the Maltese and Teneriffe Dog. They are for the most part companion and trick dogs."

     In spite of all  this history, the Cubans seem to feel that these little dogs were first brought to their shores by the Italian Sea Captains. Many sea captains, beside their company's cargo, carried rich personal trade goods aboard their ships. Their personal profit was derived from the sales of these goods to the wealthy Cuban families. Hence, the entree gift of one of these precious dogs to the wealthy senoras opened the doors of her home to them.

     The most dedicated Cuban breeder of the Havanese was a very wealthy lady named Catalina Laza. She raised these tiny dogs for her own pleasure and to present as gifts to her wealthy friends. She was the wife of "Barro," a wealthy and famous sugar mill baron.

     For the most part, these little dogs were seen in the palaces and country estates of the very wealthy families.

     The Havanese, like their ancestors, were becoming extinct when first brought to the United States by Cuban families relocating as much as 30 years ago. Two of these families who brought their little dogs with them were the Perez family and  the Fantasio family. Combining their forces, they endeavored to preserve the breed from extinction. The dogs were registered with the Havanese Club of America, and in 1996, became a recognized breed of the American Kennel Club.

     These little dogs are alert, and quick to understand what is expected of them. They possess a charming and loveable personality. They are extremely intelligent like most of the small terriers, and lack none of the terrier's hardy stamina. They have an alert and lively expression that tells you that they miss nothing going on about them. These little fiends become devoted members of the family they are adopted into. They have been known to heroically guard small children and tales are told of them doing everything from herding ducks, to performing circus acts. They are lovable natural clowns. Friendly, but discriminating, they make fine watchdogs.

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