History of the Havanese

The exact origin of the Havanese is shrouded in the mists of antiquity. There are as many opinions as there are authors. However, all seem to agree that they must have originated in the Mediterranean area. Centuries ago, they were found in the southern parts of France, Italy, and Spain.

Cubans believe that the Havanese, once called the "Havana Silk Dog," was first brought to their homeland by Italian sea captains who traveled to and from Cuba during the days of the Spanish Empire. The sea captains carried them on board their ships for entertainment and to further their personal trade.

The Havanese adorned and enlivened the homes of aristocratic Cubans during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. At the turn of the twentieth century, due to changes in fashion, taste, interests and influences, the Havanese was dismissed from the mansion but readily accepted in more modest homes. It continued to be bred in Cuba all through the twentieth century because it remained the preferred dog of the Cuban family. During the last quarter of the twentieth century, however, its breeding has been notably increased and, it has become not just a companion but a valued show dog, enjoying great success because of its grace and happy disposition.

After the Socialist Revolution in Cuba many wealthy Cubans migrated from the island to the Southern United States. Some of them took along their dogs, including the Havanese as a lively reminder of their native land. A U.S. breeder named Dorothy Goodale learned of the existence of the Havanese. Intrigued and fascinated, Mrs. Goodale began to seek more information on the canine breed she had never heard of before. Mrs. Goodale succeeded in acquiring 11 Havanese. Using the breed standard published by the Federation of Cynologique Internationale, her first Havanese lines emerged. They were an immediate success and attracted other breeders. In 1974 Dorothy Goodale, her husband and a group of collaborators founded the Havanese Fanciers Club of America for those interested in breeding and owning Havanese.

In 1991, the United Kennel Club in the U.S. announced its recognition of the Havanese and accepted any dogs registered by the Goodales. The original club split. Dorothy Goodale and some friends reformed as the Original Havanese Club of America.

In 1996, the Havanese Club of America was granted recognition from the American Kennel Club. In 1999, the Havanese was fully accepted as a Toy Breed in the American Kennel Club.

All the Havanese in the world today, save those from the "iron curtain" countries and those remaining in Cuba, stem from those 11 little immigrants. To preserve the breed now and for the future will be the challenge.



Portions of the information found on this page was written from two sources. To read the history of the Havanese in its entirety you can refer to the books listed below.
The Bichon Havanese written by Zoila Portuondo Guerra, a Cuban Havanese breeder and the founder of Cuban Club of the Bichon Havanese.
The Havanese-A Complete and Reliable Handbook, written by Dorothy Goodale, the founder of the wonderful Havanese we all love.