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