The Havanese
dog is part of the
Bichon canine family of small breeds which probably originated in the
Mediterranean area in pre-Christian times. All Bichons are descended
from the same bloodlines that produced the Barbet, or water spaniel; the
Poodle; the Portuguese Water Dog; and others. The Barbet or "Barbichon"
- later shortened to Bichon canine family - consists of several distinct
breeds, including the Havanese. In order of popularity in the U.S.,
these breeds are: 1)Maltese, 2)Bichon Frise, 3)Havanese, 4)Lowchen,
5)Coton de Tulear, and 6)Bolognese.
During the days of the Spanish
empire, Bichons traveled to Cuba with sea captains who used them as
presents for the women of Cuban households. By gaining entry into
wealthy Hispanic homes, which were otherwise closed to outsiders, the
captains were able to establish lucrative trading relationships with
rich Cuban families.
Once in Cuba, the Havanese
dogs (Habeneros
in Spanish) lived exclusively in the mansions of the highest social
class of people. Havanese dogs were never raised commercially or sold, but
were sometimes given as precious gifts to a friend or someone who had
performed a valuable service. Like the Victorian-age wealthy Hispanic
women who owned them, the dogs were not seen in the streets or public
areas. They lived in the rooms and interior courtyards of their
tropical homes and occasionally rode in carriages with their owners.
The Havanese
dog found its way to
Europe where it became very popular and was recognized by the European
Kennel Club. It was known in England as the "White Cuban". Queen Anne
is said to have admired a troupe of performing Havanese dogs that danced to music
in almost human fashion.
As happened to many other dog
breeds, the Havanese' popularity waned over the course of time. For
awhile they were used in circuses as trick dogs throughout Europe, but
eventually they became almost extinct - even in their native Cuba. Only
three families were known to have left Cuba with their Havanese
dogs during
the political turmoil of the 1950s and 1960s. It is assumed that by
that time there might not have been very many of these dogs kept by
anyone. These three exiled families worked alone in Florida and in
Costa Rica for over a decade to preserve the breed.
After raising Irish Wolfhounds
and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers for many years, Dorothy and Bert
Goodale of Colorado began looking for a small breed to raise which would
have the calm temperament and intelligence they cherished in the larger
breeds. After a few years of investigation, elusive references to the
Havanese dog had
drawn their attention, but no one knew where the Goodales might
obtain them.
In the mid 1970s, they chanced
upon an advertisement which resulted in the purchase of six pedigreed
Havanese dogs; a mother, four daughters, and an unrelated young male.
Completely enchanted with the outgoing, intelligent, and affectionate
nature of the breed, they endeavored to locate more of the little exiles.
Mrs. Goodale placed
advertisements in Latin papers in Miami offering to purchase Havanese.
After several months, she had received only one response. A Florida man
wrote to say that a friend of his had five Havanese
dogs that he wished to
sell. Mr. Eziekiel Barba had fled Cuba and settled in Costa Rica.
Because of failing health, he had decided to move to Texas to live with
his daughter and could no longer care for his "brood" of Havanese.
The Goodales arranged to
purchase Mr. Barba's five dogs. This second Group had the same look and
gentle temperament as the first. This gave the Goodales two new
bloodlines to work with. Both the first and second group of dogs
displayed the same look; sweet gentle temperament and were of similar size
(as adults, averaging 10 to 12 lbs and 9 to 10 inches tall). Using the 1963 FCI Breed Standard (the only standard available), Mrs.
Goodale began a breeding program to prevent the extinction of this
breed. We who have come to know and love the Havanese breed, will be ever
grateful to Dorothy Goodale for her efforts.
Havanese dogs are also making a
comeback in its native Cuba. The Bichon Habanero Club is working from a
foundation stock of approximately 15 dogs and is closely supervising the
breeding program. In 1997 the first Havanese dog was exported from Cuba to
the Netherlands.
Related Breeds
Maltese
Phoenician traders
probably brought this ancient breed to Malta more than 2000 years ago.
The Maltese of today is one of the sweetest of the toy breeds. It is a
very sweet-natured, good tempered, lively little dog that is full of
fun. Much of its physical appeal comes from the startk contrast of
large dark eyes and a black button nose set off against an immaculate
floor-sweeping pure white silky coat.
Bolognese
Though this breed
may have been developed in Southern Italy, it takes its name from the
northern Italian city of Bologna where it was especially popular.
Descriptions of this breed have been recorded since the 1200's. The
Bolognese closely resembles the Maltese and served a similar role of
companion among the ruling families and aristocracy of Renaissance
Italy. Its stocky, compact body is covered with a soft white cottony
curly coat. Like all bichon breeds, it is very sweet, affectionate and
devoted to its family. The bolognese is a somewhat serious little dog
who is slightly more docile than its more popular cousin the Bichon
Frise. It is quite rare today, even in its native Italy.
Bichon Frise
This breed
originated in the Mediterranean in the middle ages. By the 14th
century, sailors had introduced it to the island of Tenerife, and by the
15th century it was a royal favorite. It is a small, sturdy powder
puff of a dog with a merry, happy-go-lucky temperament. Masses of pure
white, soft corkscrew ringlets provide the perfect backdrop for its dark
almond eyes and jet black nose. The Frise is a very happy, lively,
bouncy companion.
Coton de Tulear
Related to the
French Bichons, and the Italian Bolognese, the Coton arrived in
Madagascar in the 1600's with French troops or with the administrators
that followed. There it developed into a distinct breed. Many of the
physical characteristics of the Coton are similar to the Bichon Frise.
For centuries it was the favored companion of the wealthy residents of
Tulear in Southern Madagascar. It is often known as the "Royal Dog of
Madagascar". The Coton is covered with a light-textured cotton-candy
fluffy white coat. Unlike its all-white European cousins, the Coton may
have lemon or black patches or tipping. Its popularity is growing in
Europe and America.
Lowchen
The Lowchen's origins
lie in the Mediterranean in the 14th century. It has progenitors
through the countries of Southern Europe most notably France, Spain and
Italy. It is often referred to as "The Little Lion Dog" because of
it's traditional clip that gives the dog the appearance of a small lion.
It's coat comes in an assortment of colors. The modern Lowchen is the
enigma of the Bichon family. Though it does exhibit some of the
typical Bichon traits, a number of other characteristics are unique to the
Lowchen and not found in any of the other related breeds. It's square
body, semi-harsh outer coat and spunky boisterous nature seem to suggest a
strong terrier influence. To further confuse the issue of
classification, there is evidence that a lion-type trim was frequently used
on many dogs other than the Lowchen (including the Maltese).
