| After reading through an article that contained the list | | | | Havana, Cuba. Developed from the Bichon Tenerife, it |
| of the 10 most popular dogs of 2007 from the | | | | was introduced to the Canary Islands and to other |
| American Kennel Club, I came upon a little dog I had | | | | islands and colonies of Spain. Even though the |
| never heard of before. Of course, it didn't make the | | | | Havanese are known as the "Little Dogs From |
| Top Ten, in fact it was way down the list, but | | | | Havana", they briefly became popular in Europe during |
| apparently gaining in popularity through publicity from | | | | the 19th century as a circus and trick dog and a court |
| their celebrity owners like Barbara Walters. Maybe you | | | | companion. And after the revolution in Cuba, the little |
| haven't heard of them either. I'm talking about the | | | | dog almost died out because their upper class Cuban |
| Havanese. | | | | owners had to flee and seldom were able to take their |
| This little dog (7 to 14 pounds) sounds like an ideal dog | | | | dogs with them. As they were one of many symbols |
| for many people and families. Even those in | | | | of the aristocracy, needless to say no one was |
| apartments may be able to have one of these little | | | | interested in maintaining the breed in Cuba. |
| dogs as a companion for themselves and their families, | | | | Their comeback in this country started with only 11 |
| for they seldom bark and are known to be good | | | | dogs in the 1970's and through dedicated breeding they |
| apartment dogs. Another plus for the Havanese, | | | | have been recognized by many major kennel clubs |
| though long haired, is that they are said to be | | | | and now is one of the fastest growing registration of |
| non-shedding, hypo-allergenic, just like Poodles and | | | | new dogs in the American Kennel Club. |
| Bichons. But, it does catch dander in their coat and | | | | The three types of the Havanese coat are the |
| needs to be brushed out regularly. | | | | smooth, the curly, and the wavy, which is the preferred |
| The Havanese are great little dogs for the whole | | | | coat type and the type most uniquely Havanese. Their |
| family because, unlike many small dogs, they don't get | | | | hair is long, soft, and full. The Havanese can be in all |
| nervous and upset around children. In fact, they are | | | | coat colors and patterns, but must have a black nose |
| known to be great around kids, as well as adults. | | | | and eyerims, except in chocolate colored dogs, where |
| They are healthy little dogs, that are great with children, | | | | brown coloration is allowed. |
| when obtained from a reputable breeder which is | | | | Because this little dog is rather energetic, short walks |
| always the best way to find your new dog, no matter | | | | twice a day with his plumed tail curled over his back |
| what breed. If you want a small, purebred dog, this one | | | | should be enough exercise for him. |
| sounds like a winner to me. | | | | If you are like me and had not heard much about the |
| Though the Havanese dog originated in the western | | | | Havanese, you may want to look into this breed as |
| Mediterranean regions, it is most associated with | | | | your next "best friend". |