Come unto me all ye that labor
and are heavy laden and I will
give you rest
Matt. 11:28
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The Havanese is one of the Barbichon (later shortened to Bichon) family of small
dogs originating in the Mediterranean in ancient times. Spanish traders brought
some of these dogs with them as gifts for Cuban Women, allowing them to establish
trading relationships. In Cuba, the little dogs were pampered as the special pets of
the wealthy. They became known as Habeneros, and eventually some found their
way back to Europe, where they were called the White Cuban. They became quite
popular, not only as pets of the elite but also as performing dogs. Their stronghold
remained in the circus, where they performed throughout Europe as trick dogs.
Eventually the breed was almost extinct not only in Europe but also in its native
Cuba. A few remained in Cuba, however, and three families with their Havanese left
Cuba for the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Most present-day Havanese
descend from these dogs. It has gradually aroused attention from dog fanciers and
pet owners, and in 1996 the first Havanese entered an AKC show ring, and was
accepted for regular recognition as a member of the Toy Group as of the first day of
1999. The Havanese is also known as the Havana Silk Dog.
