History of the Havanese
The Havanese has been known by several different names such as, The
Havana Silk Dog, Bichon Havanese, Bichon Habenero and the White Cuban.
The Havanese is a Cuban member of the bichon family that includes better
known breeds such as the Maltese and Bichon Frise. The Bichon breeds
originated in the Mediterranean area and the Havanese's ancestors may have
arrived in Cuba when the Spanish were exploring the Caribbean. Bred
primarily as a pet, the Havanese's sharp personality and attractive
appearance have added to its appeal.
It is believed that the Havanese arrived in Cuba with the captains and
crew of sea merchants who brought the dogs with them for entertainment and
to help further their personal trade. They used the dogs as gift so
that the wealthy senoras would invite them into their homes. They
would then display and sell their other worldly goods.
The Havanese became popular as a status symbol for the aristocrats and
the wealthy people of Cuba. They were given as precious gifts to a
friend or to someone who had done a valuable favor to the family.
These dogs were owned by the elite few.
The breed was almost destroyed in the Cuban Revolution of 1959.
The wealthy had to flee the country and could not take their pets with them.
They thought that they would be returning home in a short period of time,
but this was not the case. When they finally did return most of their
pets had perished.
Luckily a few families such as The Fantasio and Perez families were
successful in bringing their dogs with them when they fled Cuba.
Through their combined efforts they helped to keep this dog from extinction.
These two families had the first Havanese on record in the USA.
Dorothy and Bert Goodale of Colorado were also successful in helping to
re-establish the breed by obtaining pedigreed dogs for breeding. Some of the
dogs they received were from a Cuban resident who also fled the country
during the revolution.
The Havanese are non-shedding and non-allergenic dog. Their coat
is easy to maintain if kept brushed at least twice a week. They also
require periodic bathing.
Even though the Havanese is a small breed and is considered a toy breed,
they are by no means a tiny fragile dog. They may be small but they
are muscular, and very lively with great stamina.
The Havanese can be a good watch-dog, they will bark at strange noises,
but are not constant barkers.
The Havanese is a loving and intelligent companion with charming
personalities. They make an excellent addition to almost any family.
There are many different web sites on the internet regarding the
Havanese. All you need to do is look. Check Our
Links Page
"We are alone, absolutely alone on this chance planet;
and amid all the forms
of life that surround us, not one, except the dog, has made an alliance with
us."
- Maurice Maeterlinck
| 
