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