Where the Havanese came from
The Havanese is often called the national dog of Cuba. They descend from the Blanquito de la Habana, an extinct dog that came from the also extinct Bichon Tenerife. Spanish colonists in Cuba valued these small dogs as companions, and Cuban nobility admired them.
After the Cuban Revolution, many upper-class Cubans fled to the United States, but few could bring their dogs. By the 1970s the American gene pool was down to only 11 dogs. Dedicated breeding and imports from abroad restored the breed.
The AKC recognized the Havanese in 1996. It became one of the fastest-growing breeds by registrations, reaching 25th in U.S. popularity in 2013.
- Colonial era Spanish settlers' small dogs are developed into the Blanquito de la Habana in Cuba
- After 1959 Upper-class Cubans flee and a few dogs reach the United States
- 1970s Only 11 dogs remain in the American gene pool
- 1996 AKC recognizes the Havanese
The job a Havanese was bred for
The job was being a lively family companion. That shaped a friendly, clever dog who wants to be near people. At home they are playful and can be clingy.
Sports that fit a Havanese
- Agility. Fun
- Trick dog. Good
- Scent work. Good
- Rally. Fun
- Therapy work. Friendly
Training tips for a Havanese
- Use food and play and keep sessions fun.
- Teach alone time early to prevent separation stress.
- Start grooming practice young.
- Teach tricks, since they love to learn.
Body and health
Small. Watch knees.
Fun fact. By the 1970s the American gene pool for Havanese was down to only 11 dogs.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Havanese is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
Looking for a different breed? See what 75 breeds were bred to do.