| Descended from European toy dog breeds like | | | | apartments best. They make great companions |
| the Bichon and Toy Poodle, the Havanese is a | | | | for individuals and families. If you are |
| true companion dog for good times and bad. | | | | considering a new family pet that will be |
| Although becoming the National Dog of Cuba, | | | | lots of fun and offer lot of love, perhaps a |
| the breed was nearly wiped out in the Cuban | | | | Havanese dog is in your future. What these |
| Revolution. The Havanese is safe and sound in | | | | tiny dogs lack in size,they make up for in |
| American and Europe and growing in | | | | playfulness, loyalty and intelligence. Easy |
| popularity. You might not have heard of the | | | | to train and easy to adore is the best way to |
| Havanese (also called the Havanese Silk Dog) | | | | sum up your potential relationship with a |
| before, but this is a breed that started in | | | | Havanese dog. Family pets are a big decision |
| the 1500's, soon after the Spanish claimed | | | | and when you are faced with the choice you |
| what is now Cuba. When the Spanish colonists | | | | want to bring home the best fit for everyone. |
| came to the New World, they had to bring | | | | A Havanese pup might just fit the bill with |
| their dogs with them. And bring them they did | | | | an abundance of energy and a sweet,gentle |
| - including their Bichons. Over the | | | | nature that will capture your heart from the |
| centuries, the Havanese, named after the | | | | very first moment. These dogs are extremely |
| Cuban city of Havana, developed their own | | | | intelligent and eager to please,making them a |
| characteristics and became the national dog | | | | good choice in pets for many families. |
| of Cuba. The toy dogs from Europe eventually | | | | Although these dogs are generally easy to |
| grew into their own characteristic selves in | | | | train,they are not always as easy to |
| Cuba. Their fur got long and silky, giving | | | | housebreak. Make sure that if you decide to |
| them a name Havana Silk Dog, which they are | | | | bring a Havanese puppy home,you are ready for |
| still sometimes called. The coat got wavy or | | | | the time and patience that you will need to |
| curly with two layers. Some shorthaired were | | | | get that little pup fully housebroken. The |
| born and sometimes still are, but they are | | | | rewards of surviving the housebreaking stage |
| not considered show worthy dogs. The eye | | | | with your Havanese puppy will be great |
| rims, nose and lips are always black. They | | | | indeed. Once your pup is fully trained, you |
| were considered a luxury item and the dogs of | | | | will be able to enjoy a dog that is always |
| the upper class. When the Cuban Revolution | | | | ready to play and will offer you plenty of |
| hit, the upper class had to flee Cuba to | | | | love and enjoyment for years to come. |
| America and Europe, and brought along their | | | | |
| dogs. Not content on conquering the hearts | | | | Fiona Kelly had to have a Havanese and is now |
| and homes of one nation, the Havanese is now | | | | considered one of the country's leading |
| conquering North America. Although only | | | | authorities on this rare Toy breed. Descended |
| introduced in the 1970's after the | | | | from Bichons and Toy Poodles, the Havanese |
| Revolution, the Havanese is making a name for | | | | became the national dog of Cuba. This is but |
| himself in and out of the show ring. The | | | | a part of the story behind the Havanese that |
| breed has now been recognized by the American | | | | today lives mostly in the families of |
| Kennel Club and the American Rare Breeds | | | | Americans. |
| Association. They colonize indoor homes and | | | | |