The Joyful Havanese

A Small Dog With A Big Personality

Below is a profile of the Havanese I wrote originally for the Feb 5 post of A Million Dogs’ Substack, The Doggo Daily, a positive, informative romp through dog-related news. Republished here with permission.

The Havanese, sometimes known as the Havana Silk Dog, is a small, agile breed known for its playful and affectionate personality, intelligence, and distinctive gait. With roots on the isles of the Mediterranean, the Havanese belongs to the Bichon family and is related to the Bichon Frisé and the Maltese.

Spanish traders likely brought the Havanese’s smaller ancestors to Cuba in the 1700s.  There, they were called the Blanquito de la Habana (‘Little White Dog of Havana’). Over the years they were selectively bred with other dogs - including French poodles - for temperament and color variation. Long darlings of the Cuban elites, the dogs became more broadly popular in the early 20^th century.   

Following political upheaval in the 50s, a few owners brought their Havanese to the United States, where a handful of breeders worked to build the population. In 1991 the Havanese earned recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC). Today an estimated 4,000-5,000 live in the U.S., where they have a deeply loyal following.

True to their companion dog heritage, Havanese form deep bonds with their owners, and don’t like to be alone. Breeders often place Havanese as therapy dogs, especially for the elderly and those with conditions like autism, due to their exceptionally loving and tactile nature.

An author and former diplomat, I have two Havanese, and have written a memoir of my travels with my now nearly 17-year-old Havanese, Newton, excerpts from which I’m posting to my Substack, under the section “Dogmender”:

https://ethanchorin.substack.com/s/the-dogmender