The Havanese is one of the Barbichon (later shortened to Bichon) family of small dogs originating in the Mediterranean in ancient times. Spanish traders brought some of these dogs with them as gifts for Cuban women, allowing them to establish trading relationships. In Cuba, the little dogs were pampered as the special pets of the wealthy. They became known as Habeneros, and eventually some found their way back to Europe, where the breed was called the "white Cuban." They became quite popular, not only as pets of the elite but also as performing dogs. Their popularity as pets waned, however, and their stronghold remained in the circus, where they performed throughout Europe as trick dogs. Eventually the breed declined in numbers to such an extent that it was almost extinct not only in Europe but also in its native Cuba. A few remained in Cuba, however, and three families with their Havanese left Cuba for the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Most present-day Havanese descends from these dogs.

Appearance
Havanese are the Cuban representatives of the Bichon family of breeds, (all small, long coated and drop eared), which are prized as devoted companion dogs. Havanese coat colors are extremely varied. Havanese appear rectangular from the side, being much longer from front to rear than they are tall. Havanese are light framed but sturdy dogs that convey a sense of refinement without appearing fragile. Males are slightly more muscular than females.

Character
The Havanese is a very people oriented dog. They often have a habit of following their humans around the house, even to the bathroom, but do not tend to be overly possessive of their people, and do not usually suffer aggression or jealousy towards other dogs, other pets or other humans.

The Havanese's love of children stems back to the days when it was often the playmate of the small children of the households to which it belonged. Unlike most toy dogs, who are too delicate and sometimes too nervous or aggressive to tolerate the often clumsy play of children, the Havanese, with care, is a cheerful companion to even younger children, and this is no small part of its growing popularity around the world.

The Havanese have been known to only eat when they have company in the same room. If one is eating and their person leaves the room, it is likely the dog will grab a mouthful of food and follow their "person", dropping the food and consuming it one morsel at a time in the room their person goes to.
 

Temperament
The Havanese is gentle and responsive and enjoys pleasing people. They become very attached to their families. Havaneses are social and cheerful and get along with everyone including dogs, cats and other pets. This breed is very affectionate and intelligent and learns well.

Havanese are true "dogs", loving to play in an aggressive manner, not wanting to be the "loser" of whatever game they are playing. That being said, they calm down quickly when prompted to do so by their owners. The Havanese is one of the smartest, most astute breeds there is, watching their owner intently, taking every cue from them. They love attention, but are quite happy to rest quietly next to their human family. If they are feeling playful, they will go get a toy and bring it to a family member to throw, hide or play keep away with.

Havanese have excellent noses and are easily trained to play "find it" where the owner hides a treat and the Havanese sniffs it out, never giving up until the treat is discovered. This is a highly trainable dog.

Exercise/Training
Although energetic, the Havanese can have its exercise needs met with a short walk or a good play session. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Havanese will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
Though there is some argument on whether the original Havanese were all white or of different colors, modern Havanese are acceptable in all coat colors and patterns, with allowances made in every breed standard for their unique colorful nature. The only restrictions is that every Havanese must have a black nose and eyerims, except in chocolate colored dogs, where brown coloration is allowed. Popular colors include fawn, white, and black, and parti-colored Havanese are as well regarded as solids. The color of a Havanese puppy may change color as an adult, called "silvering" as the most usual case is a black puppy turning silvery-grey with age. This is not to be confused with "sable", which is a lighter color at the roots with dark, often black tips; in some sables, these tips grow out with age and they eventually appear to be only the lighter color. If you are concerned about the color you may want to ask the breeder for the family history, as silvering or fading has a strong genetic component.

Grooming
Coat care for the Havenese entails brushing two to four times a week. This is a non-shedding dog, which means that loose hairs are caught in the outer hairs, tending to tangle, unless they are combed out. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Havenese as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Havenese should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.