The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, developed from the now extinct Blanquito de la Habana. The Blanquito descended from the also now extinct Bichon Tenerife. It is believed that the Blanquito was eventually crossbred with other Bichon types, including the Poodle, to create what is now known as the Havanese.

By the mid-eighteenth century, the Havanese was so popular that it was owned by such celebrities as Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens. Ernest Hemingway fell under the Havanese spell during his 20 years in Cuba. The Havanese became known as the dog of the aristocratic class of sugar barons in Cuba.

The Havanese dog has become more popular through the years. They are in the toy group. Life expectancy is between 14-16 years. The Havanese are between 8.5 – 11.5 inches tall, and weight is 7-13 pounds at maturity (on average).

Distinctive features of the Havanese include a curled-over tail and a gorgeous soft and light coat in texture. The coat is double without the harsh standoff guard hair. The long hair is abundant and, ideally, wavy. An ideal coat will not be so profuse nor overly long as to obscure the natural lines of the dog.

Their small but sturdy bodies, adaptable nature, and social skills make Havanese an ideal city dog, but they are content to be anywhere that they can command the attention of admirers, young and old alike. Havanese are smart and trainable. Extroverts with the comic instincts of a born clown, they are natural trick dogs. Havanese are also excellent watchdogs and take the job seriously, but will usually keep barking to a minimum.