The charming little
Havanese is a member of the long-haired Bichon family of dogs, which includes the Bichon Frise,
Maltese, Bolognese and Coton de Tulear. Originally bred in pre-Christian Europe as lap dogs for the aristocracy, long-haired Bichons were brought to Cuba by Spanish sea captains as presents for wealthy Cuban women. Eventually these dogs became what we now know as the "Havanese," small fluffy companions who also sometimes doubled as herders for the family poultry flock.
