The Havanese breed originated in Cuba, and is part of the Bichon group of breeds. The breed was created from the Bichon lapdogs brought to Cuba from Europe during the 17th century. The origional Bichons that came from Europe were not suited to the Cuban climate, and over the years, the dogs adapted, eventually giving way to an entirely new breed, the Bianquito de la Habana, also known as the Havanese Silk Dog.
These dogs were smaller than than the origional Bichons and entirely white, with a silkier coat. During the 19th century, French and German poodles began coming to Cuba from Europe and the Cubans began to cross them with the Blanquito de la Habana, creating today's Havanese. The Havanese was the perfered pet of the Cuban aristocracy during the 18th and 19th centuries. Their unique coats survived the intense tropical heat of Cuba quite well. Cubans bred these dogs throughout the 20th century.
Breeding began in the US in 1970, using Havanese dogs brought with Cuban families that imigrated to the United States. Somewhere along the way, some German breeders began to have some litters that included puppies with shorter coats that were close lying on the body, but with some feathering on the skirts, tail, ears, and legs. It has now been discovered that their is a short haired recessive gene carried by some Havanese Dogs. If two Havanese with this recessive gene are bred together, some of the puppies will have these smooth coats. These odd coated Havanese are now called Smooth Coated Havanese or Shavanese.
This short coated variety of Havanese cannot be shown or bred, but make very health house pets. Today the Havanese is still faily rare in the US, and they are quite expensive. Because of the rarity and expense of this breed in the US, it has been found that many people try and pass off mixed breeds as purebred Havanese.
The breed is shown widely and is gaining popularity in the United States. At this point of their history, here in the United States they are considered extremely rare. The Bolognese Club of America holds the only U.S. Registry for the breed. The Bolognese Club of America, was found and formed by Bert and Dorothy Goodale to unify and assit the owners of these wonderful little dogs. The Havanese by far are the most intelligent and trainable. Their complete devotion to their owner is absolutely amazing. As a Havanese owner off twelve, this breed thinks and is a real "problem solver."
