History:  

The Havanese is a member of the Bichon-type dogs originating from the island of Tenerife, off the Spanish coast. This is the ancestral home for all bichon-type dogs...such as the Bichon Frise and the Maltese.

Spanish traders brought the ancestor of the Havanese to Cuba where they evolved into the Havanese we know today.  They were treasured by the wealthy classes.

But the breed almost became extinct after the 1959 Cuban revolution.  Three families fled Cuba for the U.S. with their Havanese. Most present-day Havanese are descended from these eleven dogs.

Temperament:

This is a curious and busy little dog, always demanding to be the center of attention with its antics. It loves to clown and play.  It is affectionate to children, strangers and other dogs. This small bundle of energy is easy to train if a bit vocal. It’s lively and springy gait displays its happy-go-lucky approach to life. 

The heat-tolerant Havanese 's secret weapon is his flossy coat. The coat may look heavy, but it is amazingly light, like raw silk.

Maintenance:

Like its close relative, the Bichon Frise, this is a non-shedding dog, which means a good breed for allergy sufferers. Because loose hairs stays in the coat, it is important to brush and comb 2-3 times each week.

Weight Range:7-13 lbs.
Avg. Height: 8.5 - 12.5 in.
AKC Group: Toy