Havanese Puppies

Introducing the Havanese

If you are searching for the right dog for your home you should really do your research. We can tell you about the breed but no one can make that decision for you. While the Havanese is a sturdy, loyal, intelligent breed we found this breed to be perfect for our big family and busy household.

The Havanese breed is named for the city Havana, Cuba. These dogs appeared in Cuba in the 1700's. Settlers may have brought some small dogs with them from the Canary Islands. When traders would arrive in Cuba they would give them as a gift to Cuban women. They were popular to the island's aristocracy as ladies' lapdogs. They were also circus dogs.
As trade grew these dogs became popular in Spain, England, France in the 18th and 19th century.

Over the years people have referred to this breed as Blanquito de la Cubano, Havana Silk, Habenoros, Dog of Havannah, Havana Spaniel and Toy Havanese. The name Havanese by itself was first used in the US, not in it's origin. Today in Cuba, it is called Bichon Habanero or Bichon Havanese

By the beginning of the 20th century in Europe and Cuba, the breed became less the pet of the colonial aristocracy and more a companion in middle class homes. Due to the hardships in 1959 of the Cuban Revolution they were no longer in favor with upper and upper middle class.

Many Cubans move to the US in the 60's and some brought their dogs with them. A breeder by the name of Goodale started breeding the Havanese in the 70's. By 1995 there was a sufficient amount of Havanese here to get the AKC to recognize the breed as a misc. class. In 1999 it moved into the toy group.