Raj is a Havanese from Columbus, Ohio and a Graduate of Homestead Dogs Basic Dog Training Camp. Rock On, Raj!

Havanese

Havanese are another aristocratic small dog with a riches-to-rags-to-riches story.

Descendant from the French Bichon Frise breed, Havanese have all the entertaining skills of their predecessors and were born to all the best homes the country had to offer. And life was great until the inevitable social upheaval overthrows the government.

But this dog tale didn’t occur overseas. Havanese hail from just off the United States’ shores in Cuba. Soon after its discovery, Spain began to colonize Cuba. Trade routes ensued and, mixed with a little Tenerife and possibly Poodle, and the island of Cuba was cooking up a future national dog.

Havanese did make their way to Europe and were quite popular in many ruler’s castles. But, in the Western Hemisphere, Cuba was getting restive and before Castro’s overthrow of the government, many leaders fled to the United States with their Havanese in tow. Within a few years, American’s had fallen in love with the breed and became one of the more popular dogs in the states.

Dog Train-ability Grade: B-

Havanese respond very well to dog training but can be a little sensitive. As with most breeds, positive, fun reinforcement generates the best results.

For more information on the Havanese dog breed, visit The American Kennel Club and the Havanese Club of America.