HAVANESE HISTORY
The Havanese in the United States 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 and
the Bichon Teneriffe (Bichon Frise). These groups are still recognized by the 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 little 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 anchestors 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 firends 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 loveable natural clowns. Friendly,
but discriminating, they make fine watchdogs.
The breed is non-shedding and odorless. They are long in the body as compared to their height.
The legs are short, straight and well muscled. They stand from eight to ten and one-half inches at the
shoulder. The tail is well plumed and carried curved over the back. Their gait is quick and
springy. The head should not be too long nor too narrow, nor round in the skull. The nose should
be neither too long nor blunt. The stop is well defined and the eyes are round and dark, but not
prominent nor buldging. The ears should be long, well feathered and hanging close to the head.
The nails are preferred black, but lighter are permissible on the lighter colored dogs.
The breed's beauty is enhanced by a profuse coat from wavy to curly. The coat comes in a wide range
of colors and combinations of colors, the best known being white-champayne-gold.
Even though the Havanese is considered a toy breed, they are not meant to be a tiny, fragile dog.
They are small, but muscular, lively with great stamina.
KACHINA MINIATURE HORSES & HAVANESE
44605 N. 12th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85087
623-465-0000 PHONE OR FAX
If you have questions or comments, please send them to me.
This website designed and maintained by ©Kachina 2000.