Having a Mediterranean root the havanese is recognized to be a member of the bichon family. Although the origin of the havanese is yet unknown, many believe that the havanese breed ancestors traveled to Spain and Italy, and were later taken to Cuba by sailors where they could be sold to wealthy families. In time, sailors developed commerce relationships with the wealthy Cuban families, and in this way the havanese puppies made their entrance into the mansions of aristocrats.

From there on, the havanese breed evolved and was named after the capital of Cuba, Havana.
In 1950, the political chaos created by the Cuban revolution almost led the havanese breed to extinction. The ones that wanted to save the havanese breed were the Americans who, in 1970 made their first approach. With a controlled breeding process and a great deal of dedication a successful improvement was achieved for the havanese breed and, in  2004, the United States registered an increase of 42% compared to 1970.

The havanese dogs are known to be very patient around children and, although they often get hurt while playing they never respond in an aggressive manner, as they are  known to be very calm in any situation. The havanese is an intelligent, cheerful, gracious, faithful and attached to family dog. He is the most popular dog in Havana. For centuries the havanese dogs have been used as circus dogs due to their brilliant minds, as they are easy to train and always anxious to learn new tricks.

Also being very curious, the havanese dogs love to sit up on top of chairs, couches and beds in order to observe any action that is taking place around them. They are also very sensitive when it comes to harsh behavior and angry voice tones. A havanese dog will never be nervous or aggressive around anybody for he is known to be an obedient dog.

Daily physical exercises are very important in having healthy havanese puppies, and since they only need a small amount of it, three short walks a day will make them very happy.
The havanese dogs are known to use different tricks in order to be in the center of attention and they love performing for their owners. Loving and devoted, known to have a very calm and friendly temperament, the havanese interacts very well with other dogs, cats, other humans, even young children.

The havanese dogs are also known as havanese silk dogs or havanese toy dogs. The bichon havanese dogs are an elegant breed with bodies covered by a distinguished fur aspect. Their small faces are round and bright covered by silky fur. The fur is especially abundant on the head and is usually tied up with a ribbon. 
Due to its joyful and sociable behavior the havanese breed is often used in activities involving human interactions. The havanese dogs have been known as good assistants for people with hearing difficulties. There are also methods of therapy that include havanese dogs because of their quality to distract people in positive ways.