Sketchy ancient history of some of  the worlds breeds of dogs seems to be more the norm than not.  The Havanese is right up there with the best of them.  The speculation, and there’s no reason to doubt it given the available information, is that the Havanese’ ancestors  developed around the Mediterranean.  The several breeds identified as “Bichons”;  Maltese, Bichon Frise, Havanese, Lowchen, Coton de Tulear and Bolognese, probably all came from the same breed of dog.  But of course without doing expensive DNA testing who knows.  And, let’s be honest.  Through selective breeding and in ancient times, due to limited travel availability, these very individual breeds have become distinctive and special in their own right. 

In the case of the Havanese, the more recent world history seems to come together to declare that this little dogs ancestors came to Cuba by way of  sea fairing captains during that islands early Spanish occupation.  There is little doubt that there may have been some original crossing of breeds.  This may be where some of the Havanese traits come from.  Like the very strong instinct to herd.  At any rate, Cubans themselves, strongly accept the Havanese today as strictly a Cuban breed. 

The Havanese tale gets obscured here, but never lost in it’s native land.  In Cuba they were the almost exclusive property of the “Rich and Famous” of the day.  They became the “added touch” to a well bred lady’s ensemble.  Leaving to go for a carriage ride without your little fur ball would be like going out without your jewelry.  They were only given as gifts.  Never sold. So precious were they to their families.

But history moved on.  When life started to change in Cuba for the wealthy land owners, so to did it change for their little companions.  Many of the wealthy moved to other countries including some to Europe.

And in Europe where they became quite popular for a time they were known as the “White Cuban” or the “Havana Silk Dog”.  The Havanese has been recognized in Europe for quite some time as a purebred dog.  They were also quite popular as a performing dog.  No doubt because of their affable personality and eagerness to please and learn.  However, like so many fads, they did fall by the wayside somewhat in popularity.  And during the early part of this century the European based Havanese is not known to have survived the wars and other trials set before it.

In Cuba in the 1950’s history took another turn for the worse in the Havanese world.  The cultural revolution there made it impossible for the few Havanese owners and breeders to continue with their passion for this little dog.  A few families fled to friendlier countries taking the little dogs along.  These few dedicated people worked to preserve the breed and in 1970 Dorothy and Bert Goodale, already fanciers of purebred dogs, were able to purchase five females and an unrelated male Havanese and started a breeding program to bring the Havanese back from obscurity. 

And they have done quite well.  The breed is becoming known and popular.  This may be an unfortunate twist in the Havanese story.  Everyone knows the pitfalls of popularity.  Many breeds have become hereditary health disasters when the head is not used in breeding programs and the pocketbook is the ruling factor.  I really think most of the Havanese breeders today have the best interest of this little dog in mind.  To keep the breed healthy and alive without “flooding the market”.  And the little Havanese will continue to be the delight it’s been for so many generations.