The Havanese is part of the Bichon canine family of small breeds which probably originated from the Mediterranean area in pre-Christian times. All Bichons are descended from the same blood lines that produced the Barbet, or water spaniel; the poodle; the Portuguese water dog; and some 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: Maltese, Bichon Frise, Havanese, Lowchen, Coton de Tulear, and Bolognese.

During the days of Spanish empire, Bichons traveled to Cuba with sea captains who used them as presents for the women of Cuba 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, (Havaneros in Spanish) lived exclusively in the mansions of the highest social class of people.

Havanese were never commercially 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 homes and interior courtyards of their tropical homes and occasionally rode in carriages with their owners.

The Havanese found its way to Europe where it became really popular and was recognized by the European Kennel Club. It was known to England as the “White Cuban”. Queen Anne is said to have admired a troupe of performing 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 a while they were used in circuses as trick dogs throughout Europe, but eventually they became almost extinct, even in their native Cuba. Only three families are known to have left Cuba with their Havanese during the political turmoil of the 1950s and 1960s. It was assumed 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 over a decade to preserve the breed.