These mischievous, playful little dogs are considered native to Cuba. They take their name from the city of Havana. It’s believed that the dogs were originally brought to Cuba during colonial times from the Spanish island of Tenerife. Trading ships sailing from the Canary Islands brought small dogs to Cuba as early as the 16th century. The little dogs seem to have been popular with the Cuban aristocracy which developed them.

Cuba’s tropical climate played an important role in the development of Havanese dogs. Their coat, in particular, is unique to the breed. It is lightweight and protects him from the heat, but the texture is never wooly or harsh. The Havanese coat has been compared to raw silk. These dogs have been called the Havana Silk Dog and even the Spanish Silk Poodle. The coat is profuse but light and soft. The dog’s head furnishings also protect his eyes from the tropical sun.

The Havanese dog has for centuries been the pampered lapdog of Cuba’s aristocracy but these are hardy little dogs which also make wonderful family pets. Besides their natural role of companion, Havanese have also been watchdogs, playmates for children and even herded their families’ small poultry flocks. Above all, Havanese dogs make a great family dog, a toy dog but sturdy and never fragile.

The popularity of Havanese dogs grew as Cuba prospered. The sweet, intelligent little dogs became trendy in Europe in the 18th century and were later exhibited at dogs shows.

Following the Cuban revolution many people who owned Havanese left Cuba. Some of these dogs ended up in the United States. Almost all Havanese dogs in the world today descend from 11 dogs who were brought out of Cuba following the revolution.