History

history of the havanese breed

What is a Havanese?

The Havanese breed is a cheerful, non-shedding breed growing in popularity in America. Their adorable big eyes and the whimsical way the hair falls over the face captures the heart of everyone! They are often called “hypoallergenic dogs” because they have real hair and no undercoat, so they don’t shed. This dramatically reduces the dander that causes allergies.

The first settlers came from two distinct classes- farmers primarily from the island of Tenerife, and the “segundos”, or second sons of the Spanish aristocracy. Ship’s logs of the early sixteenth century reveal that dogs were brought along on these early colonists’ voyages, and logic tells us they were most likely the dog of Tenerife, common ancestor to all the Bichon family. Because of the draconian trade restrictions imposed on its colonies by Spain, Tenerife remained one of the only ports open to Cuba for trade, and it would appear these little dogs, who soon found their way into the homes of the resident Spanish aristocracy, developed without much outside influence. They did, however, develop in response to the climate of this tropical island. The Havanese of today is still a remarkably heat-tolerant little dog, due in no small part to the unique coat. Once called the Havana Silk Dog, or the Spanish Silk Poodle, the coat is like raw silk floss, profuse, but extremely light and soft, and insulating against the tropical rays in much the same way that yards of silk sari protect the women of India. In its native country, the coat was never clipped for this reason, and the hair never tied into a topknot, as the Cubans believe it protects the eyes from the harsh sun.

In spite of the trade restrictions, Colonial Cuba developed and prospered. By the 18th Century, it was the cultural center of the New World, with an elegance that surpassed anything the British had managed in ITS colonies! The aristocracy of Europe found the city of Havana to be a great vacation spot, with its operas, theatres and palacios. On their return to Europe, they brought back the little Dog of Havannah, which found favor in the courts of Spain, France and England. In both Spain and in the court of Louis XVI, they were shorn in the manner of poodles, and were much admired for their diminutive size.  The English, on the other hand, appeared to leave them au natural, and called  them the white Cuban, although they were as often found in parti-colors and shades of fawn.

By the mid-eighteenth century, they were downright trendy in Europe. Queen Victoria owned two and Charles Dickens had one, beloved of his seven children and named Tim. They were exhibited in the early European dog shows and type was well-established. In Cuba meanwhile, the times were changing. The aristocracy of the sugar barons was dying out and a new class was emerging, the bourgeoisie, and the little dog of Havana, adaptable as always, became a family dog extraordinaire, playmate of children, watchdog, and herder of the family poultry flock. It is a position he has held there for the past hundred and fifty years.

With the advent of the Cuban revolution, the class of Cubans who owned Havanese was the first to leave. A handful of them found their way to this country, and by the end of the 70s a gene pool was being rebuilt. All the Havanese in the world today, save those from the “iron curtain” countries and those remaining in Cuba, stem from those 11 little immigrants. Remarkably, through all their travels, Havanese type has remained virtually unchanged from that of the dogs painted in the eighteenth century. To preserve it now and for the future is the challenge. Portrait of Federico II Gonzaga by Titian  (from www.Havanese.org)

Havanese Personality and Traits

In my opinion, the Havanese breed is the best possible puppy available. I know I’m biased,  but they are the perfect combination of cuteness and personality.    Havanese are affectionate, gentle and happy.  They love people and are not a “one-person” dog like many other breeds, but rather will bond to the entire family.   They have a high intelligence combined with a intense willingness to please that sets them apart from other small breeds.  They are best known for their lively gait caused by a slightly higher back end. It’s like a happy spring in their step and coveted in the show ring !   Their mischievous expression seen in those  big eyes will win your heart in a second.  They are very alert and playful even as adult dogs, but not naturally hyper like many other toy breeds.  They often behave like little clowns and will keep you laughing again and again!  Havanese puppies come in many different colors. Their coat can be kept trimmed in a puppy cut or can grow all the way to the floor and wave as they walk.  This longer coat will require brushing every couple days. Their incredibly soft Havanese coat  is like touching a cloud. 

At KingsKids Havanese we breed some of the best bloodlines in the country to preserve these well known characteristics of the breed.