Havanese Information

The Havanese is part of the Bichon canine family of small breeds, which probably originated in the Mediterranean area in pre-Christian times. All Bichons are descended from the same bloodlines that produced the Barbet, or water spaniel, Poodle, Portugese Water dog and others. The Barbet or Barbichon later shortened to Bichon canine family consists of several distinct breeds, including the Havanese

During the days of the Spanish Empire, Havanese traveled to Cuba with sea captains who used them as presents for the women of Cuban households. By gaining entry into wealthy Hispanic homes, which were otherwise closed to outsiders, the captains were able to establish lucrative trading relationships with rich Cuban families.

Once in Cuba, the Havanese (habeneros in Spanish) lived exclusively in the mansions of the higher social class of people. Havanese were never raised commercially or sold but were sometimes given as precious gifts to friends or someone who had performed a valuable service. Like the Victorian-age wealthy Hispanic woman who owned them, the dogs were not seen in the streets or public areas. They lived in the rooms and interior courtyards of their tropical homes and occasionally road in carriages with their owners.

The Havanese found its way to Europe where it became very popular and was recognized by the European Kennel Club. It was known in England as the "white Cuban" Queen Anne is said to have admired a troupe of performing dogs that danced to music in almost human fashion.

As happened to many other dog breeds, the Havanese popularity waned over the course of time. For awhile they were used in circuses as trick dogs throughout Europe but eventually they became almost extinct even in their native Cuba.

Only three families are known to have left Cuba with their Havanese during the political turmoil of the 1950's and 1960's. It is assumed that by that time there might not have been very many of these dogs kept by anyone. These three exiled families worked alone in Florida and Costa Rica for over a decade to preserve the breed.

Dorothy and Burt Goodale of Colorado began looking for a small breed to raise which would have the calm temperament and intelligence they cherished in their larger breeds. After many years of investigation, elusive references to the Havanese had there attention, but no one knew where the Goodales might obtain them.

In the mid 70's they chanced upon an advertisement which resulted in the purchase of six pedigreed Havanese. A mother and four daughters and an unrelated male.

Currently there are approximately 4,000 registered Havanese in the United States. The Havanese is also making a come back in its Native Cuba. The Bichon Habanero is working from foundation stock in Cuba and is closely supervising the breeding programs.

Havanese are wonderful dogs. They love children and hold up to them well, as they are sturdy, strong boned dogs. This makes them a great dog for a family with children. They are happy go lucky and often refereed to as little clowns. They are not yappy little dogs. They only bark when necessary to alert you of someone at the door and settle right back down when told to do so. They make great little watchdogs but don't bark a lot or have the little dog syndrome. They are very smart and easy to train. They love to learn tricks and always have a smile on their face. They were once used as circus dogs because of their easy to train, clowny nature. They come in a variety of colors and patterns and change colors as they grow and mature (like the color of the rainbow). They have hair and not fur and are considered a hypo-allergenic and non shedding breed. They just seem to love life and are willing to do what ever they need to make your day. They are very devoted family dogs and they love to travel. They are truly little gifts. They are little angels.

He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;

my other ears that hear above the winds.

He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.

He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason

for being by the way he rests against my leg;

by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile;

by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.

(I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not

along to care for me.)

When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.

When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.

When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.

When I am a fool, he ignores it.

When I succeed, he brags.

Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful.

He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion.

With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.

He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.

His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.

His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things.

He has promised to wait for me...whenever...wherever,

in case I need him.

And I expect I will, as I always have.

This poem is dedicated to our beloved Miko who is now waiting for us in heaven. He will forever be loved.