THE HISTORY OF THE HAVANESE
Some of the Names of Havanese
Bichon Habanero Havana Silk Dog
Bichon of Cuba Little Silk Dog
Bichon Tenerife (Extinct) Silk Dogs
Blanquito Cubano (white Cuban) Spanish Silk Poodle
Habanero (from Havana) Havanese Cuban
The Caniche (poodle/thick curly hair) The Little Dog of Havannah.
The Cuban Shock Dog The Cuba-dog
Toy Havanese Le Havanais (French)
Shock Dog Habanero
Cuban Silk Poodle White Cuban
Bichon Havanese Havanezer
Havi Havana Bichon Havanese
Blanquito de la Habana (little white dog of Havana now extinct)
Bichon Habanero Havanese – meaning: Toddler (mug at Amazon)
The Melita / Maltese (former name of Malta. Refers to Maltese Terrier family)
Bichon Habanero Havana Silk Dog
Bichon of Cuba Little Silk Dog
Bichon Tenerife (Extinct) Silk Dogs
Blanquito Cubano (white Cuban) Spanish Silk Poodle
Habanero (from Havana) Havanese Cuban
The Caniche (poodle/thick curly hair) The Little Dog of Havannah.
The Cuban Shock Dog The Cuba-dog
Toy Havanese Le Havanais (French)
Shock Dog Habanero
Cuban Silk Poodle White Cuban
Bichon Havanese Havanezer
Havi Havana Bichon Havanese
Blanquito de la Habana (little white dog of Havana now extinct)
Bichon Habanero Havanese – meaning: Toddler (mug at Amazon)
The Melita / Maltese (former name of Malta. Refers to Maltese Terrier family)
IN THE BEGINNING
Havanese Began in the Canary Islands
Havanese are believed to have descended from the Tenerife Dog. These dogs lived on the Tenerife island which is part of the Canary Islands. The Tenerife dogs produced the Barbet bloodline. The Barbet appeared to be small in size and weight. The Barbet descendent, the Barbichon (shortened to Bichon), is a group of white, small dogs with long curled tails, wavy or curly hair. Their descendants, the Havanese, have a long, double coat but the outer coat is soft and flowing rather than being coarse and thick. The Havanese are also considered hypoallergenic or non-shedding. Larger dogs were found on the Grand Canary Island and have a very different ancestry than the Barbets. Due to Spanish restrictive trade practices concerning Cuba and Tenerife, it was easy to see the captain’s logs showing these dogs’ origin reflecting a limited gene pool. Today the Tenerife dog or Bichon Tenerife is now extinct. Its’ descendent is the Blanquito de la Habana (now extinct) who bred with other Bichon dogs which resulted in what is known today as the Havanese.
The Bichon family also produced other breeds such as the Portuguese Water Dogs, Barbet, Poodle, and more. Some references list the Tenerife, Havanese, Bolognese and Maltese as the four types of Bichon. Coton De Tulear may be counted as a fifth bichon.
Bichon, (Middle French from biche) means “lap dog” commonly used as such a dog in Europe describing ‘little white dog’. There is the breed of dog known as a Bichon Frise, a descendent (perhaps) of the Bichon from Bichon Tenerife. It is a small white dog, too, with a similarly complicated history as the Havanese - not examined here - in French ‘frise’ means ‘curly.’ What was considered from the Bichon family comes in many colors today including Havanese.
Just to totally confuse the issue: For a Havanese ‘beard’ refers to the longer hair on the muzzle. In French ‘Barbet’ means “beard”. The breed, Barbet, is an ancient French water dog that has a beard, and the bearded Barbet of the Canary Islands is a bird. Furthermore, the islands are named after dogs (Latin canarius from canis), and the birds (Canary) are named after the islands!
Origin Theories Abound
The Bolognese and Maltese origins include Italy and Malta (one theory). Another possibility is that the Havanese are descendants of the Italian Bolognese bred with the South American Poodle when the Italians sailed to Argentina (Fiorenzo Fiorone). An expert opinion by Zoila Portuondo Guerra of Cuba states that there were two breeds. The first breed is the ‘Blankito (Blanquito) de la Havana’ that existed in Cuba during the 1600s- 1700s and it was very small. In the 1800s immigrants from the mainland came with their little lap dogs and poodles. These dogs bred with Blankito and a larger, second breed - Havanese - in varied colors began. A different theory is that Havanese have descended from Maltese when Spaniards brought them to the West Indies. The last theory here is the Havanese resulted from when the Tenerife dogs bred with the Maltese and Poodles. It is obvious there is no definitive version to the origin question. Dorothy Goodale felt the Mediterranean and the Bichon group were the most valid part of Havanese origin.
Havanese are believed to have descended from the Tenerife Dog. These dogs lived on the Tenerife island which is part of the Canary Islands. The Tenerife dogs produced the Barbet bloodline. The Barbet appeared to be small in size and weight. The Barbet descendent, the Barbichon (shortened to Bichon), is a group of white, small dogs with long curled tails, wavy or curly hair. Their descendants, the Havanese, have a long, double coat but the outer coat is soft and flowing rather than being coarse and thick. The Havanese are also considered hypoallergenic or non-shedding. Larger dogs were found on the Grand Canary Island and have a very different ancestry than the Barbets. Due to Spanish restrictive trade practices concerning Cuba and Tenerife, it was easy to see the captain’s logs showing these dogs’ origin reflecting a limited gene pool. Today the Tenerife dog or Bichon Tenerife is now extinct. Its’ descendent is the Blanquito de la Habana (now extinct) who bred with other Bichon dogs which resulted in what is known today as the Havanese.
The Bichon family also produced other breeds such as the Portuguese Water Dogs, Barbet, Poodle, and more. Some references list the Tenerife, Havanese, Bolognese and Maltese as the four types of Bichon. Coton De Tulear may be counted as a fifth bichon.
Bichon, (Middle French from biche) means “lap dog” commonly used as such a dog in Europe describing ‘little white dog’. There is the breed of dog known as a Bichon Frise, a descendent (perhaps) of the Bichon from Bichon Tenerife. It is a small white dog, too, with a similarly complicated history as the Havanese - not examined here - in French ‘frise’ means ‘curly.’ What was considered from the Bichon family comes in many colors today including Havanese.
Just to totally confuse the issue: For a Havanese ‘beard’ refers to the longer hair on the muzzle. In French ‘Barbet’ means “beard”. The breed, Barbet, is an ancient French water dog that has a beard, and the bearded Barbet of the Canary Islands is a bird. Furthermore, the islands are named after dogs (Latin canarius from canis), and the birds (Canary) are named after the islands!
Origin Theories Abound
The Bolognese and Maltese origins include Italy and Malta (one theory). Another possibility is that the Havanese are descendants of the Italian Bolognese bred with the South American Poodle when the Italians sailed to Argentina (Fiorenzo Fiorone). An expert opinion by Zoila Portuondo Guerra of Cuba states that there were two breeds. The first breed is the ‘Blankito (Blanquito) de la Havana’ that existed in Cuba during the 1600s- 1700s and it was very small. In the 1800s immigrants from the mainland came with their little lap dogs and poodles. These dogs bred with Blankito and a larger, second breed - Havanese - in varied colors began. A different theory is that Havanese have descended from Maltese when Spaniards brought them to the West Indies. The last theory here is the Havanese resulted from when the Tenerife dogs bred with the Maltese and Poodles. It is obvious there is no definitive version to the origin question. Dorothy Goodale felt the Mediterranean and the Bichon group were the most valid part of Havanese origin.
CANARY ISLANDS MYTH AND MYSTERY
Ancient History
Even though 1000 B.C. maritime history is ancient it was a very exciting and busy time in the Mediterranean. In the Atlantic the warm water of the Canary current pushed the ocean current away from the Mediterranean Sea southward from Portugal toward the equator along the African coast. The Phoenicians established early maritime trade routes throughout the Mediterranean. Those routes expanded to include the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands with much to offer. These maritime trade routes were well established by the time of Julius Caesar (100 B.C. - 44 B.C.).
The ancient Canary Islands were recorded by the early sailors in 999 B.C. when the Arabs traded for goods on the Gran Canaria island. Homer (Greek@900 B.C.) also mentioned the Canary Islands by the name Elysium or the Elysian Fields. There is more documentation about ancient trade and sailing in the area by the Phoenicians, Arabs, and Greeks.
Hanno the Navigator and his brother, Himilco, (500 B.C. Carthage) left Carthage or what is known today as Tunisia (northern, coastal Africa) and mentioned the Canary Islands on his westward voyage lasting 35 days. They took 60 ships or more (a mix of cargo and war vessels) and 30,000 people to explore the western coast of Africa looking for spices, purple dye (lichen) with a plan to colonize the region. Greece had just defeated the powerful Persians (490 B.C.). The Golden Age of Greece began when Athens ruled the seas until it fell to the Persians and Sparta (405 B.C.).
After Hanno, Plato (@ 460 B.C.) wrote about the Canary Islands. The islands were a lush landfall for travelers. Accordingly, Tenerife rivaled the Garden of the legendary Hesperydes (Daughters of Evening-nymphs- also called Atlantides) or Tenerife may have been the actual place the legend was based upon. In addition, Hesperydes were the daughters of Atlas. Atlas, his daughters, and the dragon, Ladon, who guarded the Tree of Golden apples were all part of the islands’ mythology. A very real bounty of fruit and vegetables existed. Bananas, apples, almonds, avocados, potatoes, lemons, and ancient dragon trees grew naturally. Tenerife has one of the world's deepest harbors with beautiful beaches.
Juba II* (Roman/50 B.C. - 20 A.D.) named the Islands “Insula Canaria” (Latin) which means ‘Island of the Dogs,’ indicating there were many dogs on the islands. The story goes that the Gran Canaria had very large dogs and Tenerife had smaller, white dogs with long, curled tails, soft wavy hair with double coats. Trade winds created separate, microclimates. These islands were also established as part of Macaronesia. Macaronesia included the archipelagos of Cape Verde, Canary Islands, Azores, and Madeira. Another Greek name for the Canary Islands was the Fortunate Islands or Isles of the Blessed (see Greek mythology). On the Canary Islands, the natives were called the Canarri. They may have been related to the Canarri tribe of North Africa.
From the earliest of pre-historic times and in other cultures down through history dyes were important including the red dye found on Tenerife, orchil lichen (orchilla) dye and other dyes from various Canary Islands. Purple dye was highly prized by the Romans (27 B.C. - 476 A.D.). Only the Roman Patricians (upper class) and emperors were allowed to wear purple but particular dyes and their sources, in general, were highly sought-after commodities. Dyes and textiles were strongly tied to the Spanish conquest of the islands.
* Juba II is a fascinating historical figure. He was raised by Julius Caesar and married Queen Cleopatra's VII daughter, Cleopatra Selene II (of Syria). He was born to King Juba I of Numida, taken to Rome when he was two, and eventually returned to rule Mauretania (200 B.C. - 44 A.D.) which was a north African coastal kingdom running from about Casablanca (Morocco) to Algiers (Algeria). Juba II is worth reading about. He was a warrior, scholar, and much more. He was stolen into one infamous family only to marry into another notoriously known family.
Tenerife
Tenerife, formerly Teneriffe, means ‘white mountain’ but it was also known to the Romans by ‘Nivaria’ meaning ‘snow’. All total there are seven large volcanic islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, and La Palma) with smaller nearby islands in the Canary Island archipelago (chain). Tenerife is only about 785 mi² or the size of Maui. Tenerife was the unique home to the Tenerife dog who differed in size compared to dogs from the other Canary Islands and ancestral home of the Barbet bloodline.
The volcano on Tenerife, Teide, occasionally has snow on it. Most recently it erupted in 1909 for 10 days but it is considered a dormant volcano and sits on the African Plate. Teide is one of the three largest volcanoes in the world from its base and has the highest elevation of any of the islands or in the rest of Spain. In 2017 there was Teide seismic activity noted. On Tenerife, there are at least 8 other smaller volcanoes dotting the island. Some have been active in the last 400 years. The caldera on Lanzarote was formed 1730-1736 and later erupted again 1824 but it is considered dormant. La Palma erupted in 1949, 1971. In October 2021, La Palma erupted and destroyed about 100 homes. For two weeks it continued to spit out lava. In 2017 there was a Teide seismic activity for 4 days with epic warnings in the press.
Tenerife, formerly Teneriffe, means ‘white mountain’ but it was also known to the Romans by ‘Nivaria’ meaning ‘snow’. All total there are seven large volcanic islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, and La Palma) with smaller nearby islands in the Canary Island archipelago (chain). Tenerife is only about 785 mi² or the size of Maui. Tenerife was the unique home to the Tenerife dog who differed in size compared to dogs from the other Canary Islands and ancestral home of the Barbet bloodline.
The volcano on Tenerife, Teide, occasionally has snow on it. Most recently it erupted in 1909 for 10 days but it is considered a dormant volcano and sits on the African Plate. Teide is one of the three largest volcanoes in the world from its base and has the highest elevation of any of the islands or in the rest of Spain. In 2017 there was Teide seismic activity noted. On Tenerife, there are at least 8 other smaller volcanoes dotting the island. Some have been active in the last 400 years. The caldera on Lanzarote was formed 1730-1736 and later erupted again 1824 but it is considered dormant. La Palma erupted in 1949, 1971. In October 2021, La Palma erupted and destroyed about 100 homes. For two weeks it continued to spit out lava. In 2017 there was a Teide seismic activity for 4 days with epic warnings in the press.
The Guanches
The oldest known people of Tenerife were the aboriginal Guanches, hunter-gatherers, and the scientific material regarding them is mixed. The word 'Guanches' comes from 'guanchinet,' (Guan + Achinet or Chinech), meaning " person or man of Tenerife." There is a fair amount of information regarding these early people. DNA confirms these people came from the northern Africa area. Their cave paintings, pottery, etc., still exist today. It was suggested these people first landed on the island around 1000 B.C. . One theory is that they brought seeds for crops, goats, sheep, and dogs from North Africa. The island did not have iron for tools, therefore, they did not work with metals but used basalt and obsidian to make tools. Interestingly, when Hanno the Navigator arrived @ 400 B.C., he found no people, only ruins. There may have been some sort of mass extinction event at one time regarding this location and these people but their civilization was well established (again?) 250 years later (150 B.C.), when a well structured society with a monarchy was recorded. Juba II visited the islands before his wedding 29-27 B.C. and told the story to Pliny the Elder. There are many habitable caves on the island. Some of the Guanches' descendants (Guans) live on Tenerife today.
In 2017 recent genome data confirmed the Guanches had brown eyes, dark hair, lactose intolerant with light to medium skin coloring. It was believed they may have been exceedingly tall, light skinned, and blonde. A 2019 DNA based study stated the Guanches were very similar to today's Berbers with olive tinted skin. Their origin is in North Africa, specifically Berber (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, Egypt, and Libya). The timeline in relation to Berbers is unclear. The Guanches’ language was spoken until the 1600s by the Guan and was also known as Island Amazigh (Berber) or Canarian Berber. Why the Guanches traveled to Tenerife is conjecture.
The oldest known people of Tenerife were the aboriginal Guanches, hunter-gatherers, and the scientific material regarding them is mixed. The word 'Guanches' comes from 'guanchinet,' (Guan + Achinet or Chinech), meaning " person or man of Tenerife." There is a fair amount of information regarding these early people. DNA confirms these people came from the northern Africa area. Their cave paintings, pottery, etc., still exist today. It was suggested these people first landed on the island around 1000 B.C. . One theory is that they brought seeds for crops, goats, sheep, and dogs from North Africa. The island did not have iron for tools, therefore, they did not work with metals but used basalt and obsidian to make tools. Interestingly, when Hanno the Navigator arrived @ 400 B.C., he found no people, only ruins. There may have been some sort of mass extinction event at one time regarding this location and these people but their civilization was well established (again?) 250 years later (150 B.C.), when a well structured society with a monarchy was recorded. Juba II visited the islands before his wedding 29-27 B.C. and told the story to Pliny the Elder. There are many habitable caves on the island. Some of the Guanches' descendants (Guans) live on Tenerife today.
In 2017 recent genome data confirmed the Guanches had brown eyes, dark hair, lactose intolerant with light to medium skin coloring. It was believed they may have been exceedingly tall, light skinned, and blonde. A 2019 DNA based study stated the Guanches were very similar to today's Berbers with olive tinted skin. Their origin is in North Africa, specifically Berber (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, Egypt, and Libya). The timeline in relation to Berbers is unclear. The Guanches’ language was spoken until the 1600s by the Guan and was also known as Island Amazigh (Berber) or Canarian Berber. Why the Guanches traveled to Tenerife is conjecture.
There are several pyramids on Tenerife. Six (Guimar) pyramids are connected to the summer and winter solstices and there are more pyramids. The word “Atlantes or Atlantica" in legends is connected to Tenerife (see Gulf of Cadiz/Spartel/tsunami/1600 B.C.). One ancient Guanches legend claims their royal ancestors came from a place far away. Unfortunately, the pyramids were recently dated to the early 1900s but they may have been built on top of much older sites on top of the Cueva del Vient (Caves of the Winds). The Cueva de Vient is the largest volcanic tube in Europe and ranked the world's 6th largest lava tube. It is over 10 miles long with an unknown number of underground caves which preserve some of the Guanches artwork.
The oldest of Guanches written records are dated about 500 B.C. Their society was polytheistic and they also practiced mummification. The moon and sun were also worshipped. There was a God named Achamán with many stories. Dogs were holy animals, worshipped, embalmed, and mummified, too. There is perhaps a connection to the Egyptian God Anubis. The wolf is the basis of multiple Egyptian Gods, folklore, magic, cultural culinary wonders, and was used in ancient Moroccan medicine. The wolf has a home in Berber legends (Morocco). An ancient solstice celebration of washing the goat exists today. By 150 B.C. a Guanches kingship existed. Guanches kings held their councils near a Dragon Tree or "Drago Milenario". The tree's resin was used in an embalming solution and for healing. A more modern take on it reports the antioxidants it has and when mixed with Anise Hyssop it aids with heart attacks. It turns red upon contact and was known as Dragon Blood. It was also used as a dye and incense. One of the many dragon trees which exist today may be one of the oldest trees on the planet (600-3000 yrs. old). It is a famous tourist attraction on the island. Tenerife and the Gaunches have tantalizing truths, legends, myths and mysteries.
Beginning from around the fall of Rome (476 A.D.) Tenerife had little serious contact with the outside world until the 1400s as if they had been forgotten or chose to be left alone. In 1150 A.D. an Arab geographer wrote about the island and mentioned how beautiful the women were. In 1312 A.D. the Portuguese established a Catholic mission on Lanzarote (part of the Canary Islands). The first time Tenerife was on an actual map was in 1339 A.D. and soon others came. When the Spanish first arrived the island existed as nine kingdoms under nine Menceys (kings). These nine kings were brothers and sons of Tenerife the Great, Hero, and King of all of Tenerife. ‘Guanches’ was the name of the people inhabiting Tenerife, but it was extended to include all the people of the Canary Islands almost generically.
Sailors were drawn to search the area in the 1300s for the River of Gold (Rio de Oro) which was a river inlet at Al-Dakhla on the African coast. It spilled out of the African coastline near Tenerife and was associated with the infamous African gold trade. African locals traded there in gold dust. A map shows a picture of the King of Mali (1375) handling a gold nugget illustrating the famous gold mines and trade.
Today sugarcane and tobacco are still primary exports for the Canary Islands along with tomatoes, bananas, and potatoes. Tourism is a big business, too.
The history of Tenerife is tied directly to the origin of the Havanese and their journey to Cuba.
The oldest of Guanches written records are dated about 500 B.C. Their society was polytheistic and they also practiced mummification. The moon and sun were also worshipped. There was a God named Achamán with many stories. Dogs were holy animals, worshipped, embalmed, and mummified, too. There is perhaps a connection to the Egyptian God Anubis. The wolf is the basis of multiple Egyptian Gods, folklore, magic, cultural culinary wonders, and was used in ancient Moroccan medicine. The wolf has a home in Berber legends (Morocco). An ancient solstice celebration of washing the goat exists today. By 150 B.C. a Guanches kingship existed. Guanches kings held their councils near a Dragon Tree or "Drago Milenario". The tree's resin was used in an embalming solution and for healing. A more modern take on it reports the antioxidants it has and when mixed with Anise Hyssop it aids with heart attacks. It turns red upon contact and was known as Dragon Blood. It was also used as a dye and incense. One of the many dragon trees which exist today may be one of the oldest trees on the planet (600-3000 yrs. old). It is a famous tourist attraction on the island. Tenerife and the Gaunches have tantalizing truths, legends, myths and mysteries.
Beginning from around the fall of Rome (476 A.D.) Tenerife had little serious contact with the outside world until the 1400s as if they had been forgotten or chose to be left alone. In 1150 A.D. an Arab geographer wrote about the island and mentioned how beautiful the women were. In 1312 A.D. the Portuguese established a Catholic mission on Lanzarote (part of the Canary Islands). The first time Tenerife was on an actual map was in 1339 A.D. and soon others came. When the Spanish first arrived the island existed as nine kingdoms under nine Menceys (kings). These nine kings were brothers and sons of Tenerife the Great, Hero, and King of all of Tenerife. ‘Guanches’ was the name of the people inhabiting Tenerife, but it was extended to include all the people of the Canary Islands almost generically.
Sailors were drawn to search the area in the 1300s for the River of Gold (Rio de Oro) which was a river inlet at Al-Dakhla on the African coast. It spilled out of the African coastline near Tenerife and was associated with the infamous African gold trade. African locals traded there in gold dust. A map shows a picture of the King of Mali (1375) handling a gold nugget illustrating the famous gold mines and trade.
Today sugarcane and tobacco are still primary exports for the Canary Islands along with tomatoes, bananas, and potatoes. Tourism is a big business, too.
The history of Tenerife is tied directly to the origin of the Havanese and their journey to Cuba.
SPAIN
Unification
The Moors (711 A.D.) flourished under Islamic Umayyad rule on the Iberian Peninsula or Iberia known today as Spain and Portugal for almost 781 years but before the Moors arrived there were the Romans, and the German tribes resulting in the establishment of multiple kingdoms. Well before 650 A.D. - 1500s slavery existed from the Iberian peninsula crossing the Sahara desert (northern Africa) known as the Trans-Saharan trade.
The Visigoths were from Germany and converted to Christianity around 360 A.D. and eventually took over most of the land. They went through a period when they were "Romanized". About 415 A.D. the Visigoths were converted to Catholicism. Vikings visited the Kingdom of Galacia and other parts of Iberia near the Pyrenees around 844 A.D.. During the 900's (- 1031 A.D.) the city of Cordoba (also known as Cordova) - in the south - became one of the most extraordinary and largest cities in Western Europe. It grew to be the capital of Cordoba province ruled by the first caliph, Umayyad emir (prince) Abd al-Rahman III. Remarkably, three cultures peacefully occupied the city during this golden period. There were significant cultural exchanges, and a huge library, the largest Mosque (the Mezquita) in the world and Church existed in one building. Cordoba became well known for culture, beautiful architecture, leather goods and silver works.
The "Reconquista" covers the centuries of long wars with Christian kingdoms trying to reclaim the land from the Moors (711- 1492). El Cid or Ruy, Diaz de Vivar (1043-1099), was a legendary Castilian Knight famous for his fighting strategy against the Moors. In the 1200s the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon were the two major kingdoms which would eventually become one as Spain. The kingdom of Aragon was next to Castile and stretched to the eastern coast. The marriage of Princess Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, Oct. 19, 1469, established the unification of Spain. The term, "Catholic Monarchs" was the joint title used for Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II. Pope Alexander VI bestowed upon them the title "Catholic King and Queen" and they were also known as the "Catholic Kings" (1494). By 1492 Granada was the last of the Moorish territories to fall. It was the same year Columbus made his historic voyage.
Reconquista to Golden Age
From 1492 Spain roared to become a global empire controlling vast overseas territories with its sovereignty reaching halfway around the world. It was also called the "Empire of the Sun" in the late 1400s, a title the British later claimed in the 19th century. Japan was known as the Empire of the Rising Sun since the 7th century. Within Spain and all her colonies there also existed a social hierarchy with multiple social classes. Spain and Portugal raced to be first to reach the Americas and the Far East for new territory, riches and to win more international trade. During the 1500s - 1600s Spain became the world's powerhouse with the world's most powerful Navy and Army. It was the richest country in the world harvesting about 1.5 trillion dollars in gold and silver from what was known as 'New Spain' consisting of all Spain's new territories and colonies overseas (see map). This period was also considered Spain's Golden Age in her literary history. Spain dominated much of the world over the next 350 years but eventually by 1814 it had destabilized.
The European Age of Exploration or Discovery
The Age of Exploration is also known as the Age of Discovery during the 1400s - 1600s when Europe sent her ships out into the world. New trade routes were created, new lands and people were found, and much more. Classically this period begins with the Portuguese discovering the archipelagos (island chains) of Madeira in 1419. Madeira is 250 miles north of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic. The Canary Islands are in the Atlantic, south of Spain off the western coast of Africa and 62 miles southwest of Morocco, and almost directly west of the Mediterranean in the Canary ocean current. The return to and the location of the Canary Islands was very important for multiple trade routes going east and further west, north and south. Tenerife is part of the western group of islands with a very good port. It is interesting the nearly mirrored roles Tenerife and Cuba played in their relationship to Spain. They were similar in beauty, destinations, ports, people, resources, etc. They were both islands with their own indigenous people at one time, history, and their locations had major influences in our Havanese history.
Spanish Conquest of the Canary Islands
The Castilian ‘Reyes Catolicos’ (Catholic Kings) conquest of the Canary Islands began in early 1400’s and took several years. In 1492 Columbus came to the islands Aug - Sept. to restock his western bound ships and brought sugar cane. Juan Ponce de Leon sailed with Columbus on his second voyage in 1493.
As of 1492 Tenerife was the last island to yield to the Spanish. King Bencomo (1438-1494) was the king (mencey) of Taoro, one of the nine kingdoms on Tenerife. He led the Guanche revolt and had a great victory against the Castilians but it was not enough. Four of the Tenerife kingdoms held out for two years after the other kingdoms had made treaties with Spain. He was 70 when he surrendered near Mounte de Tigaiga and the Canary Islands officially recognized Spanish sovereignty (1494). Bencomo's daughter, Princess Dacil, married a Spanish Captain who was an ambassador for Spain. She was considered the 'Pocahontas' of the islands. For a year (1495-1496) Bencomo's son, Bentor, was the last king of Tenerife. Tenerife was a very important and profitable land with a significant port for Spain beginning with Spanish King Ferdinand II (1475-1504) .
King Alfonso V (1432-1481) of Portugal signed the Treaty of Alcacovas (1479) with Spain. This treaty did many things. It ended a five year civil war over the Castilian Succession. The Spanish recognized Portugal's sovereignty of the Azores and Portugal acknowledged the Canary Islands as Spanish territory and dealt with other issues practically dividing the Atlantic Ocean along the 27th parallel and lands yet to be discovered between them. The islands’ strategic location near Africa, Europe and Asia to the East with the New World/Americas to the West inspired his son, King John II (1481-1495) of Portugal, to attempt to seize control the Canary Islands as did Admiral Nelson for the British some 300 years later.
King John II worked to find the best maritime route into India (spice) discovering the Cape of Good Hope and the passage to Ethiopia. He explored Asia and Africa. He tried to hide some of his discoveries from Spain. He worked to move into the spice trade and much more. He eventually revised the Treaty of Alcacovas with Spain. During King John III's rule (1521-1557) the Portuguese colonized Brazil (gold and diamonds), and made 1st European contact with Japan. He strengthen his trade with Baltic Sea Region, Western Germany, monopolized the Maluku Island spice trade (cloves and nutmeg) and he improved his holdings in India and China controlling major trade routes as Portugal rivaled Spain.
Reconquista to Golden Age
From 1492 Spain roared to become a global empire controlling vast overseas territories with its sovereignty reaching halfway around the world. It was also called the "Empire of the Sun" in the late 1400s, a title the British later claimed in the 19th century. Japan was known as the Empire of the Rising Sun since the 7th century. Within Spain and all her colonies there also existed a social hierarchy with multiple social classes. Spain and Portugal raced to be first to reach the Americas and the Far East for new territory, riches and to win more international trade. During the 1500s - 1600s Spain became the world's powerhouse with the world's most powerful Navy and Army. It was the richest country in the world harvesting about 1.5 trillion dollars in gold and silver from what was known as 'New Spain' consisting of all Spain's new territories and colonies overseas (see map). This period was also considered Spain's Golden Age in her literary history. Spain dominated much of the world over the next 350 years but eventually by 1814 it had destabilized.
The European Age of Exploration or Discovery
The Age of Exploration is also known as the Age of Discovery during the 1400s - 1600s when Europe sent her ships out into the world. New trade routes were created, new lands and people were found, and much more. Classically this period begins with the Portuguese discovering the archipelagos (island chains) of Madeira in 1419. Madeira is 250 miles north of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic. The Canary Islands are in the Atlantic, south of Spain off the western coast of Africa and 62 miles southwest of Morocco, and almost directly west of the Mediterranean in the Canary ocean current. The return to and the location of the Canary Islands was very important for multiple trade routes going east and further west, north and south. Tenerife is part of the western group of islands with a very good port. It is interesting the nearly mirrored roles Tenerife and Cuba played in their relationship to Spain. They were similar in beauty, destinations, ports, people, resources, etc. They were both islands with their own indigenous people at one time, history, and their locations had major influences in our Havanese history.
Spanish Conquest of the Canary Islands
The Castilian ‘Reyes Catolicos’ (Catholic Kings) conquest of the Canary Islands began in early 1400’s and took several years. In 1492 Columbus came to the islands Aug - Sept. to restock his western bound ships and brought sugar cane. Juan Ponce de Leon sailed with Columbus on his second voyage in 1493.
As of 1492 Tenerife was the last island to yield to the Spanish. King Bencomo (1438-1494) was the king (mencey) of Taoro, one of the nine kingdoms on Tenerife. He led the Guanche revolt and had a great victory against the Castilians but it was not enough. Four of the Tenerife kingdoms held out for two years after the other kingdoms had made treaties with Spain. He was 70 when he surrendered near Mounte de Tigaiga and the Canary Islands officially recognized Spanish sovereignty (1494). Bencomo's daughter, Princess Dacil, married a Spanish Captain who was an ambassador for Spain. She was considered the 'Pocahontas' of the islands. For a year (1495-1496) Bencomo's son, Bentor, was the last king of Tenerife. Tenerife was a very important and profitable land with a significant port for Spain beginning with Spanish King Ferdinand II (1475-1504) .
King Alfonso V (1432-1481) of Portugal signed the Treaty of Alcacovas (1479) with Spain. This treaty did many things. It ended a five year civil war over the Castilian Succession. The Spanish recognized Portugal's sovereignty of the Azores and Portugal acknowledged the Canary Islands as Spanish territory and dealt with other issues practically dividing the Atlantic Ocean along the 27th parallel and lands yet to be discovered between them. The islands’ strategic location near Africa, Europe and Asia to the East with the New World/Americas to the West inspired his son, King John II (1481-1495) of Portugal, to attempt to seize control the Canary Islands as did Admiral Nelson for the British some 300 years later.
King John II worked to find the best maritime route into India (spice) discovering the Cape of Good Hope and the passage to Ethiopia. He explored Asia and Africa. He tried to hide some of his discoveries from Spain. He worked to move into the spice trade and much more. He eventually revised the Treaty of Alcacovas with Spain. During King John III's rule (1521-1557) the Portuguese colonized Brazil (gold and diamonds), and made 1st European contact with Japan. He strengthen his trade with Baltic Sea Region, Western Germany, monopolized the Maluku Island spice trade (cloves and nutmeg) and he improved his holdings in India and China controlling major trade routes as Portugal rivaled Spain.
The Canary Islands offered beauty, bananas, coffee, oranges, sugarcane (via Columbus), tobacco, dates, wine, in addition from Tenerife, our Tenerife dogs. Through various periods of raiding by Europeans and the Spanish invasion the islanders suffered plagues, taxes, and slavery. Slaves were shipped to Spain and Spanish holdings around the world for many years. Jewish immigrants fled from Spain and Portugal because of the Inquisition after 1492 seeking refuge in the Canary Islands. By the latter half of the 1550s the first Spanish Sugar Plantation was established in the Canary Islands. There was a migration of people from Italy, Spain, Britain, Portugal, and France to Tenerife and Gran Canaria during the early 1550s.
A banker started a village (1496) and called it Garachico. It was on the northwestern coast of Tenerife and became the most important port on the island and an unusually beautiful town. In 1566 The Port of Garachico was the only authorized port of exportation under Spanish law open to Cuba. Sugar and Malmsey Wine were exported to America and Europe. Merchandise exchanges were also a major part of port activity. 150 years later in 1706, the Golden Period for the town and The Port of Garachico ended with a bang. Less than 5 miles south of Garachico the volcano, Trevejo, erupted May 5. The major eruption lasted for 9 days ending May 14 and was called the eruption of the Arenas Negras (Black Sands). It continued to spew rock and lava for 40 more days. Seven lava flows buried much of the town. Its haciendas, opulent churches, palaces, majestic houses, and wealthy convents stand as a preserved window into the town’s past similar to Pompeii. The monastery that belonged to nuns was untouched. Unlike Pompeii, everyone survived. The port trade as such moved across the island to a small fishing village called Santa Cruz on Tenerife's northeastern coast. Later in 1833 Santa Cruz became the capital.
In 1797 Admiral Nelson heard of Spanish galleons filled with gold and silver from the Americas arriving in Santa Cruz on Tenerife. This attack by the superior British force is known as the Battle of Santa Cruz. Not only was Nelson served a humiliating defeat, he also lost his right arm which eventually ended up interred in the Cathedral of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Annually on July 25 there is the Recreation Gesta when Tenerife celebrates winning the Battle of Santa Cruz.
A banker started a village (1496) and called it Garachico. It was on the northwestern coast of Tenerife and became the most important port on the island and an unusually beautiful town. In 1566 The Port of Garachico was the only authorized port of exportation under Spanish law open to Cuba. Sugar and Malmsey Wine were exported to America and Europe. Merchandise exchanges were also a major part of port activity. 150 years later in 1706, the Golden Period for the town and The Port of Garachico ended with a bang. Less than 5 miles south of Garachico the volcano, Trevejo, erupted May 5. The major eruption lasted for 9 days ending May 14 and was called the eruption of the Arenas Negras (Black Sands). It continued to spew rock and lava for 40 more days. Seven lava flows buried much of the town. Its haciendas, opulent churches, palaces, majestic houses, and wealthy convents stand as a preserved window into the town’s past similar to Pompeii. The monastery that belonged to nuns was untouched. Unlike Pompeii, everyone survived. The port trade as such moved across the island to a small fishing village called Santa Cruz on Tenerife's northeastern coast. Later in 1833 Santa Cruz became the capital.
In 1797 Admiral Nelson heard of Spanish galleons filled with gold and silver from the Americas arriving in Santa Cruz on Tenerife. This attack by the superior British force is known as the Battle of Santa Cruz. Not only was Nelson served a humiliating defeat, he also lost his right arm which eventually ended up interred in the Cathedral of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Annually on July 25 there is the Recreation Gesta when Tenerife celebrates winning the Battle of Santa Cruz.
CUBA
Cuba was an untouched, beautiful island paradise in 1492. It has over 4000 islands and low areas around the main island which is 780 miles long (42,426 mi² or similar to the size of Tennessee). It is the largest island in the Caribbean. The highest elevation in Cuba is almost equal to the Tennessee Smokey Mountains (6644 ft.). There were at least three major groups of indigenous people (people native to Cuba). They were the Tainos, Ciboneys (Siboney), and Guanahatabeyes who inhabited the island. The Indians fished, caught small game, and gathered fruit and nuts. Taino Indians are part of the American Indians found in northeastern South America - the Arawak Indians. The Ciboney were also considered smaller, western neighbors of the Taino and part of the Tainos as well.
Columbus (Cristobal Colon) arrived in Cuba in 1492 with three ships: La Pinta, La Nina, and La Santa Maria and sugar cane. He noted the natives would make “fine servants” [Smithsonian]. The natives were welcoming but shortly enslaved for Spain. Colonization began immediately. It is estimated there was a population of 50,000 to 300,000 in 1492 but by 1562 (70 years later) these people counted only about 5,000. Diseases such as smallpox, slavery, intermarriage, and Spanish brutality devastated the Indians. The Spanish Colonial period is considered from 1492-1832. Post-Colonial time is roughly 1850-1950.
Slavery for Spain was a raging issue throughout these years due to labor requirements for sugar and tobacco production, and especially the profitability and power primarily throughout all of its' growing colonies and territories. Conflicting politics and domination via wars, etc., were also continuing problems for the region, and later, America, Cuba, and the Soviet Union. The Trans-Saharan trade existed until the 1400's when the "Atlantic Slave Trade' or the 'Transatlantic Slave Trade' began (1400s-1800s).
Cuba was an untouched, beautiful island paradise in 1492. It has over 4000 islands and low areas around the main island which is 780 miles long (42,426 mi² or similar to the size of Tennessee). It is the largest island in the Caribbean. The highest elevation in Cuba is almost equal to the Tennessee Smokey Mountains (6644 ft.). There were at least three major groups of indigenous people (people native to Cuba). They were the Tainos, Ciboneys (Siboney), and Guanahatabeyes who inhabited the island. The Indians fished, caught small game, and gathered fruit and nuts. Taino Indians are part of the American Indians found in northeastern South America - the Arawak Indians. The Ciboney were also considered smaller, western neighbors of the Taino and part of the Tainos as well.
Columbus (Cristobal Colon) arrived in Cuba in 1492 with three ships: La Pinta, La Nina, and La Santa Maria and sugar cane. He noted the natives would make “fine servants” [Smithsonian]. The natives were welcoming but shortly enslaved for Spain. Colonization began immediately. It is estimated there was a population of 50,000 to 300,000 in 1492 but by 1562 (70 years later) these people counted only about 5,000. Diseases such as smallpox, slavery, intermarriage, and Spanish brutality devastated the Indians. The Spanish Colonial period is considered from 1492-1832. Post-Colonial time is roughly 1850-1950.
Slavery for Spain was a raging issue throughout these years due to labor requirements for sugar and tobacco production, and especially the profitability and power primarily throughout all of its' growing colonies and territories. Conflicting politics and domination via wars, etc., were also continuing problems for the region, and later, America, Cuba, and the Soviet Union. The Trans-Saharan trade existed until the 1400's when the "Atlantic Slave Trade' or the 'Transatlantic Slave Trade' began (1400s-1800s).
From Tenerife to Cuba
The two classes of people who came from Tenerife to Cuba were farmers and the aristocrats who brought their dogs, Bichon Tenerife. Aristocratic second sons came to create and oversee the development of sugar plantations and other lucrative pursuits. A great number of people emigrated from Tenerife to Cuba later in the 1800s but early immigrants contributed to successful crop cultivation and settlement purposes to rebuff French colonists. During the 1500s multiple ships’ logs noted the Tenerife dogs were brought to Cuba. These dogs’ descendants eventually lived a life of privilege for a while. They were kept indoors or in the inner courtyard. They were lap dogs and even indulged with ribbons in their hair, too! Captains also gave these dogs as presents to the wives of wealthy Cubans to encourage goodwill in trade contracts. The support of the aristocratic businessmen was pivotal to the success of trade and financial security for the captains and their backers.
The two classes of people who came from Tenerife to Cuba were farmers and the aristocrats who brought their dogs, Bichon Tenerife. Aristocratic second sons came to create and oversee the development of sugar plantations and other lucrative pursuits. A great number of people emigrated from Tenerife to Cuba later in the 1800s but early immigrants contributed to successful crop cultivation and settlement purposes to rebuff French colonists. During the 1500s multiple ships’ logs noted the Tenerife dogs were brought to Cuba. These dogs’ descendants eventually lived a life of privilege for a while. They were kept indoors or in the inner courtyard. They were lap dogs and even indulged with ribbons in their hair, too! Captains also gave these dogs as presents to the wives of wealthy Cubans to encourage goodwill in trade contracts. The support of the aristocratic businessmen was pivotal to the success of trade and financial security for the captains and their backers.
Havana in the 1500’s was also the only authorized port of entry in Cuba under Spanish law. It was very significant because Havana had the largest natural harbor in the Caribbean. Most importantly, Havana was the only drydock available to repair vessels and restock with readily available supplies in the area, so, it was a major harbor for all travelers.
Cuba had naturally growing tobacco. Cubans rolled the leaves of the ‘Cohiba’ plant and then wrapped them in corn or palm leaves that had been soaked in seawater. Voila - cigars! By 1528 Cuban cigars and tobacco were throughout Europe and Spain. Tobacco was the first cash crop in the Jamestown colony (1612). The cigarette or "little cigar" was developed in 1865 in North Carolina. The first tobacco factory was established in Seville, Spain in 1676. |
A famous painting in 1529 is a Portrait of Federico II Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua (Italian) by Titian showing an aristocrat with a small cream dog, a Havanese. In one reference it was suggested the dog was only a symbol of “faithfulness”.
In 1544 the first open-pit copper mine began. Later the mines were abandoned. The Canary Islands, Cuba, and several ports along the coastal property of the Spanish Main were attacked by Huguenot pirates. In 1555, the Huguenot pirate Jacques de Sores was paid by the French to go to Cuba. He looted, burned, and destroyed Havana. He killed many and desecrated churches. Havana was rebuilt and became the capital of Cuba in 1592. |
1700’s The Beginning Rise of Havanese Popularity
Cubans were imitating the fashions of Europe such as having a small, white lap bichon-like dog and the other fashions of the day. It is this petite dog that would have found his way to Europe. They accompanied their owners from Cuba as they vacationed in Europe and became more recognized. After Britain’s Queen Anne (1665-1714) saw the Havanese in a circus performance for British court, she acquired two for herself. She is also the earliest easily recognizable owner of Havanese on record in England or Europe. European aristocrats flocked to Havana for vacation because Havana became the cultural center for the New World - Spain’s crown jewel. It offered theater, opera, and wonderful Palacios with its warm climate, white sand beaches with turquoise water, waterfalls, new beautiful buildings, and more. Don’t forget the cigars!
In France, Havanese were clipped like poodles and at least one was found in Louis XVI’s court (1754-1793). The aristocrats returned to their courts in France, Spain and England. Standard Poodles were the dominant pet in Spain, during this time as toy poodles were the favored pet in France. Another first (perhaps) painting of the Havanese was by Jacques Bachelier in 1768. The English left the Havanese coat au natural and called them ‘The White Cuban’. Havanese traveled in coaches and carriages. They were only bred as special gifts and considered social status symbols. Havanese were found among the aristocracy and bred to be an affectionate lap dog. Their unique non-shedding, silky coat just added to their appeal with their sunny disposition and playfulness.
Unfortunately, there was some confusion about the little dog. Cuba wrongly referred to its little ambassador as a “Maltese” while the same dog was referred to as a “White Cuban” in Britain. On the continent it is was known as “Havanese” from Havana or “Havana Silk Dog” due to the silkiness of its coat. This confusion is still illustrated today in the profusion of names this little dog has to its credit.
In 1762 Havana fell to the British during the Colonial Wars but a year later Spain recovered the island. From 1784-1797 Spain allows no outside trade with Cuba. Several operas were reportedly performed between 1810 to 1832 perhaps in celebration of open trade. The Cuban mines were reopened in the early 1830s. Since 1523 there were working sugar plantations. Cuban sugar plantations became the world sugar producers in the 1800s. In 1790 sugar production was about 14,000 tons. Only fifteen years later over 34,000 tons of sugar were produced in Cuba. From 1838 to 1880 the Cuban sugar industry became the world’s most mechanized industry using steam to power its mills. Cuba was once known as the 'Sugar Bowl' of the world but no longer. Today Brazil produces about 41% of the sugar for the world.
Tobacco plantations thrived. In 1717 the Crown took further control of tobacco production in Cuba and created a monopoly, Factoria, to control trade until 1817. The Royal Tobacco Factory was the second largest building in Spain built in Seville. Building began in 1728 but it was not until 1758 when production actually began. Tobacco auctions began in 1763. There were over a thousand men employed. Tobacco came from all of Spain's colonies including tobacco from Virginia. The factory had a massive amount of equipment and over 200 horses to work with the 170 mills that ground the tobacco. The inscription on the pillars of the building recorded it being finished in 1770. It is interesting to note that while Cubans were making cigars long before 1492, it was not until 1810 when the first Trade Mark Registration occurred in Cuba many years after production began in Spain. Today some of the world's premium cigars are still made in Cuba. A working factory built before 1845 by D. J. Partagas still exists and tours are allowed.
Many Europeans immigrated to Cuba. The Germans, French, and Belgians especially came to Cuba bringing their lapdogs such as poodles, etc. These dogs bred were with the Blanquito de la Habana resulting in a little larger dog, new colors other than white and a new breed. This is probably the Havanese of today.
In 1762 Havana fell to the British during the Colonial Wars but a year later Spain recovered the island. From 1784-1797 Spain allows no outside trade with Cuba. Several operas were reportedly performed between 1810 to 1832 perhaps in celebration of open trade. The Cuban mines were reopened in the early 1830s. Since 1523 there were working sugar plantations. Cuban sugar plantations became the world sugar producers in the 1800s. In 1790 sugar production was about 14,000 tons. Only fifteen years later over 34,000 tons of sugar were produced in Cuba. From 1838 to 1880 the Cuban sugar industry became the world’s most mechanized industry using steam to power its mills. Cuba was once known as the 'Sugar Bowl' of the world but no longer. Today Brazil produces about 41% of the sugar for the world.
Tobacco plantations thrived. In 1717 the Crown took further control of tobacco production in Cuba and created a monopoly, Factoria, to control trade until 1817. The Royal Tobacco Factory was the second largest building in Spain built in Seville. Building began in 1728 but it was not until 1758 when production actually began. Tobacco auctions began in 1763. There were over a thousand men employed. Tobacco came from all of Spain's colonies including tobacco from Virginia. The factory had a massive amount of equipment and over 200 horses to work with the 170 mills that ground the tobacco. The inscription on the pillars of the building recorded it being finished in 1770. It is interesting to note that while Cubans were making cigars long before 1492, it was not until 1810 when the first Trade Mark Registration occurred in Cuba many years after production began in Spain. Today some of the world's premium cigars are still made in Cuba. A working factory built before 1845 by D. J. Partagas still exists and tours are allowed.
Many Europeans immigrated to Cuba. The Germans, French, and Belgians especially came to Cuba bringing their lapdogs such as poodles, etc. These dogs bred were with the Blanquito de la Habana resulting in a little larger dog, new colors other than white and a new breed. This is probably the Havanese of today.
Cuban 1800’s Havanese Popularity Peaks
In the 1800s the nobility and the aristocracy with all its trappings became extremely important in Cuba. Cubans wanted their cities of Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Matanzas to be the new Paris or Madrid. The Spanish Crown had growing concerns about being seen as weakening by France, Spanish American colonies, and England. Spain commissioned more noble titles in an effort to strengthen loyalties within Cuba. More noble titles were bestowed on Cuban families than anywhere else at the time under Spanish authority. The Catholic Church also imparted titles. Families from Germany, France, and Italy held their European titles through inheritance or marriage. Part of ‘aristocratic’ for Cubans also meant having inherited privileges befitting their station in life. Non-royal titles such as Lord (Senor) or Duke (Duque) often included the family’s location such as Duque de Yumuri. Cuban titles reflected the same titles of continental Europe.
Spain's instability began about 1814 but less than twenty-five years later in 1837, the country was in such a crippling condition fiscally and militarily, Queen Regent Maria Cristina almost sold Cuba to the French for 30 million reals (Portuguese dollars). The negotiations progressed to a certain point when they broke down but in 1848 President James Polk offered $100,000 million for Cuba. The offer was refused. One could wonder about how these things would have affected the Havanese and their journey to America if either sale had come to pass.
Many nobles remained in Cuba after the revolution of 1898, the Spanish American War, but some relocated to other Spanish holdings. For those who remained, their title (and money) was still respected. All in all, there were (in English) 3 Dukes, 57 Marquess, 48 Earls/Counts (Conde), 6 Viscounts and 1 Baron totaling about 115 titles of nobility in Cuba, alone, during this time. Knowing how many were bestowed or pre-existing before all this began is not clear. Evidently there were quite a few new titles.
Searching the internet for ‘antique pictures of Havanese’ or add ‘with girl’ brought up a bounty of old photographs. The oldest was ‘silver’ in 1865. There may be older ones in France. Luisa V. Fumi made a fabulous vintage engraving entitled ‘Havanese Carriage’ showing a carriage with two tremendously large wheels - six feet or better - with an almost delicate and detailed premium place to seat between them. Havanese were crated in a basket in front of the passengers. The driver or coachman of these carriages actually rode on the horse in front of the carriage. The carriages in the 1800s were called, ‘volante’ (Spanish for ‘flying’). It is specifically a Cuban Spanish-styled carriage with an open body and a retractable leather hood or bonnet in case of inclement weather with very large wheels. It was typically in this style of carriage you would find Havanese with their owners when they traveled in Cuba. In the 1500s or earlier, the Spanish brought wagons or drays with them to Cuba to haul freight. Autos arrived in 1898. A characteristically Cuban carriage is still used today.
In the 1800s the nobility and the aristocracy with all its trappings became extremely important in Cuba. Cubans wanted their cities of Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Matanzas to be the new Paris or Madrid. The Spanish Crown had growing concerns about being seen as weakening by France, Spanish American colonies, and England. Spain commissioned more noble titles in an effort to strengthen loyalties within Cuba. More noble titles were bestowed on Cuban families than anywhere else at the time under Spanish authority. The Catholic Church also imparted titles. Families from Germany, France, and Italy held their European titles through inheritance or marriage. Part of ‘aristocratic’ for Cubans also meant having inherited privileges befitting their station in life. Non-royal titles such as Lord (Senor) or Duke (Duque) often included the family’s location such as Duque de Yumuri. Cuban titles reflected the same titles of continental Europe.
Spain's instability began about 1814 but less than twenty-five years later in 1837, the country was in such a crippling condition fiscally and militarily, Queen Regent Maria Cristina almost sold Cuba to the French for 30 million reals (Portuguese dollars). The negotiations progressed to a certain point when they broke down but in 1848 President James Polk offered $100,000 million for Cuba. The offer was refused. One could wonder about how these things would have affected the Havanese and their journey to America if either sale had come to pass.
Many nobles remained in Cuba after the revolution of 1898, the Spanish American War, but some relocated to other Spanish holdings. For those who remained, their title (and money) was still respected. All in all, there were (in English) 3 Dukes, 57 Marquess, 48 Earls/Counts (Conde), 6 Viscounts and 1 Baron totaling about 115 titles of nobility in Cuba, alone, during this time. Knowing how many were bestowed or pre-existing before all this began is not clear. Evidently there were quite a few new titles.
Searching the internet for ‘antique pictures of Havanese’ or add ‘with girl’ brought up a bounty of old photographs. The oldest was ‘silver’ in 1865. There may be older ones in France. Luisa V. Fumi made a fabulous vintage engraving entitled ‘Havanese Carriage’ showing a carriage with two tremendously large wheels - six feet or better - with an almost delicate and detailed premium place to seat between them. Havanese were crated in a basket in front of the passengers. The driver or coachman of these carriages actually rode on the horse in front of the carriage. The carriages in the 1800s were called, ‘volante’ (Spanish for ‘flying’). It is specifically a Cuban Spanish-styled carriage with an open body and a retractable leather hood or bonnet in case of inclement weather with very large wheels. It was typically in this style of carriage you would find Havanese with their owners when they traveled in Cuba. In the 1500s or earlier, the Spanish brought wagons or drays with them to Cuba to haul freight. Autos arrived in 1898. A characteristically Cuban carriage is still used today.
ENGLAND
The Victorian Period (1837-1901)
The Havanese enjoyed great popularity in England during the Victorian Period. England’s first dog show was in Newcastle-on-Tyne (1859) as 'The Sporting Dog Show'. Non-sporting dogs were shown in Birmingham later that year. Havanese were shown at the bigger, second show (1863), The National Dog Show held in Chelsea. The show grew and sold over 20,000 tickets and more than 700 dogs were shown in less than seven years. Westminster Kennel Club’s first show was in 1877 in the States. Black Havanese were not allowed to be shown until after 1900. Queen Victoria (1819-1901) had a friend Lady Ellesmere, Duchess of Sutherland (1759-1839) - the first Duchess of Sutherland. Lady Ellesmere reportedly acquired two Havanese from Havana for her young friend, Victoria. They were named Golia and Chico. Please note Watt’s matching bow in the picture to the right.
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) owned a Havanese named Tim. Could Tim have been inspirational for the name "Tiny Tim" for a Dickens character? He often wrote about all aspects of his dogs in his letters and fiction. His good friend Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), Scottish philosopher, social commentator, and more, also had a Havanese named Nero (another source said Nero was a Maltese). He is buried in Carlyle’s garden. This is a time when literature and written commentary flourish. Dickens and Carlyle and Carlyle’s wife, Jane, wrote a lot about their dogs and referred to them as “Shock Dogs”. Earlier in Alexander Pope’s (1688-1744) ‘Rape of the Lock’, ‘Shock’ was the name of Belinda‘s dog, referred to as a ‘lapdog’. ‘Shock’ was a character embodying all of the multiple clichés of the time regarding lapdogs and the affection lavished on them. The clichés in the satire were about the rivalry between the poet or lady's suitor and the dog for the lady's jealousy desired affections “. . . resting his head gently upon her bosom” or perhaps “. . . she held him close . . .” This was considered tongue and cheek clichés. Later in Europe Havanese popularity faded and they were used more often in circus acts like the one where Queen Victoria first saw them. The United Kingdom's international Crufts dog show began in 1891, headquartered now in Birmingham. Guinness World Records declared Crufts to be the largest dog show of its kind worldwide offering several areas of competition such as conformation, heelwork to music, agility and more. A very large trade show is included.
HAVANESE IN THE 1900s
Catalina Laza One of the most well-known Cuban Havanese breeders was Catalina Laza (d. 1930). She was famously beautiful. She won beauty pageants in 1902 and 1904 in Havana and other beauty contests even after she was married. In a review of an evening at the theater, she is described by Jose Antonio Ramos as “always beautiful, elegant, and triumphant” Laza. For a time, she lived outside of Cuba but returned about 1917. Her second husband, Juan Pedro Baro was a very wealthy landowner and sugar baron. They built a stunningly, elegant Art Deco home which was described as the most luxurious mansion in Havana. |
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She entertained often and held a spectacular housewarming celebrating her new home. Catalina presented Havanese to her friends as gifts. As customary, Havanese were never sold but always presented as gifts through their history. She was a passionate defender of the Havanese and their protector. It is said she was the ‘Grand Dam of the Havanese’. A great love story with Baro was also associated with her.
It was rumored Catalina gave Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) a Havanese. He had one or two Havanese. In 1928 Mr. Hemingway had a 2-day layover in Havana on an ocean liner and began his love affair with Cuba. He fought in the Spanish Civil War. Afterward, IN 1939 he sailed his boat back to Cuba and lived about ten miles outside of Havana. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction (1953) and the Nobel Prize for literature (1954). During the summer of 1960, he returned to the states and died the following year.
It was rumored Catalina gave Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) a Havanese. He had one or two Havanese. In 1928 Mr. Hemingway had a 2-day layover in Havana on an ocean liner and began his love affair with Cuba. He fought in the Spanish Civil War. Afterward, IN 1939 he sailed his boat back to Cuba and lived about ten miles outside of Havana. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction (1953) and the Nobel Prize for literature (1954). During the summer of 1960, he returned to the states and died the following year.
Fidel Castro and the Desperate Exodus (1957 to present. Castro died 2016)
Well before 1957, the Havanese had become a beloved family dog in Cuba. From 1907 Cuba experienced a steady annual average of 2.5% population growth into the late fifties. It had a population of about 6.77 million in 1957 with a large middle class. The average income for an 8-hour day worker was greater than what existed in Germany, Denmark, Belgium, or France at the time. Cuba boasted the second-highest income in Latin America before Castro took office.
In 1959 Fidel Castro (1926-2016) came into power and violently decimated Cuba. Under Castro in January of 1959, there was no more censuses taken. As violence escalated people fled for their lives. Hundreds of thousands left Cuba from 1960 to 1979. By themselves over 14,000 children came to the States between 1960 and 1962. More than 141,000 people were killed until 1987.
Havanese were left behind with friends, families, etc. Their pedigrees and paperwork were lost. The families thought they would be able to soon come back for them, but it was not meant to be. It was very difficult and dangerous to smuggle anything out of Cuba with literally no extra room in the boat. The breed was a reminder of the privileged wealthy and titled. Castro did not like dogs. Life in Cuba became very different. Starving people eventually began to eat cats in desperation. Many Havanese became homeless. Even as late as 1994, living under tightening rationing, poverty-stricken Cubans continued to include cats as a dietary staple. By 2008 Cuba’s economy had become the worst in Latin America except for Nicaragua and Haiti. Cuba produced nothing except cigars and a small quantity of rum. It is a net importer (brings in more than exports) of sugar. Without the support of the United States, other allies, and Venezuela there would be mass starvation (2015).
Only the Perez and Fantasio families were known to have escaped Cuba with their dogs. These families became the first breeders of Havanese in the United States and they worked together to preserve the breed. Their dogs are remembered as the first Havanese in America. Later it was learned Senor Ezekiel Barba had been able to escape to Costa Rica with his dogs. The breed teetered on extinction.
Well before 1957, the Havanese had become a beloved family dog in Cuba. From 1907 Cuba experienced a steady annual average of 2.5% population growth into the late fifties. It had a population of about 6.77 million in 1957 with a large middle class. The average income for an 8-hour day worker was greater than what existed in Germany, Denmark, Belgium, or France at the time. Cuba boasted the second-highest income in Latin America before Castro took office.
In 1959 Fidel Castro (1926-2016) came into power and violently decimated Cuba. Under Castro in January of 1959, there was no more censuses taken. As violence escalated people fled for their lives. Hundreds of thousands left Cuba from 1960 to 1979. By themselves over 14,000 children came to the States between 1960 and 1962. More than 141,000 people were killed until 1987.
Havanese were left behind with friends, families, etc. Their pedigrees and paperwork were lost. The families thought they would be able to soon come back for them, but it was not meant to be. It was very difficult and dangerous to smuggle anything out of Cuba with literally no extra room in the boat. The breed was a reminder of the privileged wealthy and titled. Castro did not like dogs. Life in Cuba became very different. Starving people eventually began to eat cats in desperation. Many Havanese became homeless. Even as late as 1994, living under tightening rationing, poverty-stricken Cubans continued to include cats as a dietary staple. By 2008 Cuba’s economy had become the worst in Latin America except for Nicaragua and Haiti. Cuba produced nothing except cigars and a small quantity of rum. It is a net importer (brings in more than exports) of sugar. Without the support of the United States, other allies, and Venezuela there would be mass starvation (2015).
Only the Perez and Fantasio families were known to have escaped Cuba with their dogs. These families became the first breeders of Havanese in the United States and they worked together to preserve the breed. Their dogs are remembered as the first Havanese in America. Later it was learned Senor Ezekiel Barba had been able to escape to Costa Rica with his dogs. The breed teetered on extinction.
HAVANESE RESCUED IN THE UNITED STATES
Dorothy Goodale (12/6/23 -12/28/2008)
In the United States a lady named Dorothy L. Goodale and her husband, Bert, bred and showed Irish Wolfhounds, Soft-Coated Irish Wheaten Terriers, and other breeds for many years. She also had an interest in rare breeds. She imported and bred Löwchens at one time. Dorothy was respected internationally as a breeder, educator, canine authority, and author. Dorothy and Bert created the Berdot Kennels of Delta, CO. Later their kennel name became Havana Doll House and Berdot Kennels. Eventually Dorothy began looking for a smaller dog in the 1970s with intelligence and quiet temperament similar to her big dogs.
In the mid 70s she happened upon what she was looking for in her dentist’ s office. Amidst the magazines was one Spanish magazine with two white little dogs on the cover page. She knew of the Havanese but had been unable to find a breeder. Now she could trace the dogs to Texas where she learned about their plight. She bought 6 pedigreed dogs: 5 related females and a non-related male. She placed an ad in Latin newspapers in Miami. More than a year later she heard from the daughter of a man in Costa Rica. Senor Ezekiel Barba fled Cuba and became the first Havanese breeder in Costa Rica. Now he was moving to be with his daughter due to his poor health and could no longer care for his five dogs. Dorothy arranged the purchase. The man built the dog crates with great care and carpeted the crate floors. When the dogs arrived, Dorothy had two groups of dogs. Each group reflected the gentleness and appearance of the other. She had almost all she needed to begin a very selective breeding program with four bloodlines.
By 1974 Dorothy still needed an official breed standard. As a guide she had a written pedigree and her own substantial knowledge. She followed the only standard available she could find - the 1963 FCI standard. The FCI is the European international federation for canine registration (Federation Cynologique Internationale) in Belgium. It is similar to our AKC. The Goodales began the remarkable journey of recovering the Havanese breed and preventing its extinction with these 11 dogs. In 1979 she founded the Havanese Club of America (HCA) and began a registry. Over 1060 Havanese were registered in the early 90’s in the States. In 1996 AKC accepted Havanese into the Toy Group. Also, in 1996 Havanese were first shown in America. Dorothy claimed she had more than a 50-year love affair with the Havanese. At one time the lineage of all Havanese could be traced back to those 11 dogs. She is credited with being the American founder of the Bichon Havanese and Bolognese Breeds. She also founded the Bolognese Club of America. She imported the first Bolognese to America from Italy when she had been breeding dogs for about 45 years and she was the sole U.S. breeder of Bolognese for many years. Bert and Dorothy bred only Havanese and Bolognese from 1985 forward. All in all, she spent most of her long life working with dogs, rescuing the Havanese breed from extinction and introduced a few rare breeds to America with distinction. Dorothy Goodale died in 2008. Bert preceded her in death (1997). If you would like to learn more about her go to http://www.boloclubofamerica.org/dorothy.html where her friends offered loving tributes to her. Dorothy's book, Havanese A Complete and Reliable Handbook, should be read by any Havanese owner. It seems as if the Havanese were just waiting for her to find and save them!
In 2017 24/7 Wall St. ranked them 12th among the most popular dog breeds in America. AKC has seen exceptional growth in the Havanese popularity nationwide from obscurity to a very popular breed within only 25 years ! As of February of 2018, there were over 8000 registered AKC Havanese. This year 2 Cute Havanese celebrates Dorothy Goodale's birthday, Dec 6 annually!
Dorothy Goodale (12/6/23 -12/28/2008)
In the United States a lady named Dorothy L. Goodale and her husband, Bert, bred and showed Irish Wolfhounds, Soft-Coated Irish Wheaten Terriers, and other breeds for many years. She also had an interest in rare breeds. She imported and bred Löwchens at one time. Dorothy was respected internationally as a breeder, educator, canine authority, and author. Dorothy and Bert created the Berdot Kennels of Delta, CO. Later their kennel name became Havana Doll House and Berdot Kennels. Eventually Dorothy began looking for a smaller dog in the 1970s with intelligence and quiet temperament similar to her big dogs.
In the mid 70s she happened upon what she was looking for in her dentist’ s office. Amidst the magazines was one Spanish magazine with two white little dogs on the cover page. She knew of the Havanese but had been unable to find a breeder. Now she could trace the dogs to Texas where she learned about their plight. She bought 6 pedigreed dogs: 5 related females and a non-related male. She placed an ad in Latin newspapers in Miami. More than a year later she heard from the daughter of a man in Costa Rica. Senor Ezekiel Barba fled Cuba and became the first Havanese breeder in Costa Rica. Now he was moving to be with his daughter due to his poor health and could no longer care for his five dogs. Dorothy arranged the purchase. The man built the dog crates with great care and carpeted the crate floors. When the dogs arrived, Dorothy had two groups of dogs. Each group reflected the gentleness and appearance of the other. She had almost all she needed to begin a very selective breeding program with four bloodlines.
By 1974 Dorothy still needed an official breed standard. As a guide she had a written pedigree and her own substantial knowledge. She followed the only standard available she could find - the 1963 FCI standard. The FCI is the European international federation for canine registration (Federation Cynologique Internationale) in Belgium. It is similar to our AKC. The Goodales began the remarkable journey of recovering the Havanese breed and preventing its extinction with these 11 dogs. In 1979 she founded the Havanese Club of America (HCA) and began a registry. Over 1060 Havanese were registered in the early 90’s in the States. In 1996 AKC accepted Havanese into the Toy Group. Also, in 1996 Havanese were first shown in America. Dorothy claimed she had more than a 50-year love affair with the Havanese. At one time the lineage of all Havanese could be traced back to those 11 dogs. She is credited with being the American founder of the Bichon Havanese and Bolognese Breeds. She also founded the Bolognese Club of America. She imported the first Bolognese to America from Italy when she had been breeding dogs for about 45 years and she was the sole U.S. breeder of Bolognese for many years. Bert and Dorothy bred only Havanese and Bolognese from 1985 forward. All in all, she spent most of her long life working with dogs, rescuing the Havanese breed from extinction and introduced a few rare breeds to America with distinction. Dorothy Goodale died in 2008. Bert preceded her in death (1997). If you would like to learn more about her go to http://www.boloclubofamerica.org/dorothy.html where her friends offered loving tributes to her. Dorothy's book, Havanese A Complete and Reliable Handbook, should be read by any Havanese owner. It seems as if the Havanese were just waiting for her to find and save them!
In 2017 24/7 Wall St. ranked them 12th among the most popular dog breeds in America. AKC has seen exceptional growth in the Havanese popularity nationwide from obscurity to a very popular breed within only 25 years ! As of February of 2018, there were over 8000 registered AKC Havanese. This year 2 Cute Havanese celebrates Dorothy Goodale's birthday, Dec 6 annually!
The Bichon Habanero
In Cuba Havanese are known as Bichon Havanese or Bichon Habanero. Zoila P. Guerra is a Cuban breeder, researcher and author. Ms. Guerra and Mr. Alfred Sanz Peraza and others began working with only 15 dogs to recover the Havanese breed in Cuba with a carefully handled breeding program. Mr. Peraza's knowledge of genetics and love of the breed determined which breedings took place with his dog, Pupi, who possessed exemplary genetics and beauty. They are also founders of the Club Cubano del Bichon Habanero (Cuban Havanese Club) in 1991. Ms. Guerra is also credited as the founder of the Cuban Kennel Club (Federacion Cinologica de Cuba) and wrote two books including, Bichon Havanese (1999).
A Havanese appeared in 1992 on Cuban postage stamps. "This stamp commemorating the Bichon Havanese in Cuba features my Cachita's grandsire, Cuban CH Pupi (Puppy). His son escaped from the island with his humans and my Cachita was born in Miami!" - Alicia Vidaurreta. Pupi (1988-2002) was the first Bichon Havanese Champion of Havana, Cuba. He is sire to CC, GCC Bonita de la Giraldilla and he is listed as Cuba CH 'Puppy' in the Havanese Gallery. In 2012 Mr. Peraza was the only active founder still in the club. His FCI kennel is under the name Sanz Peraza. He held the offices of President and Vice-President. In 1993 the Havanese officially became the National Dog of Cuba and the only recognized native breed of that country.
In Cuba Havanese are known as Bichon Havanese or Bichon Habanero. Zoila P. Guerra is a Cuban breeder, researcher and author. Ms. Guerra and Mr. Alfred Sanz Peraza and others began working with only 15 dogs to recover the Havanese breed in Cuba with a carefully handled breeding program. Mr. Peraza's knowledge of genetics and love of the breed determined which breedings took place with his dog, Pupi, who possessed exemplary genetics and beauty. They are also founders of the Club Cubano del Bichon Habanero (Cuban Havanese Club) in 1991. Ms. Guerra is also credited as the founder of the Cuban Kennel Club (Federacion Cinologica de Cuba) and wrote two books including, Bichon Havanese (1999).
A Havanese appeared in 1992 on Cuban postage stamps. "This stamp commemorating the Bichon Havanese in Cuba features my Cachita's grandsire, Cuban CH Pupi (Puppy). His son escaped from the island with his humans and my Cachita was born in Miami!" - Alicia Vidaurreta. Pupi (1988-2002) was the first Bichon Havanese Champion of Havana, Cuba. He is sire to CC, GCC Bonita de la Giraldilla and he is listed as Cuba CH 'Puppy' in the Havanese Gallery. In 2012 Mr. Peraza was the only active founder still in the club. His FCI kennel is under the name Sanz Peraza. He held the offices of President and Vice-President. In 1993 the Havanese officially became the National Dog of Cuba and the only recognized native breed of that country.
Iron Curtain Havanese
There is little material documenting the Havanese going into the countries of what collectively was known as the “Iron Curtain” (Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Hungria, Poland, Romania, Yugoslavia, and the Soviet Union) although there is mentioned that some of the refugees from Cuba in the late 1900’s who returned to the Soviet Union with their dogs. It is reasonable to assume there were possibly careful breeders through these years somewhere in these countries but there have been some difficulties with the bloodlines, too. However, there is a fabulous article, “History of the Havanese,” by Diane Klumb and Joanne Baldwin, DVM which has more detailed information about Havanese in the Iron Curtain countries as well as a comprehensive Havanese history. 2 Cute Havanese has imported dogs from some of these "Iron Curtain" countries including Serbia and have found the dogs to be denser in bone and muscle than their American cousins. The dogs are also a little longer from hip to shoulder.
Postal Stamps Around the World
Havanese are now found on postal stamps internationally. Just to name a few of the countries: Polska (Poland), S. Tome E Principe (2003) (Sao Tome & Principe islands off the west coast of Africa near Nigeria), The Republique De Guinee (2002) (Guinea) a West African country near Sierra Leone, Madagascar, Mongolia, Oman (Arabian Peninsula), Romania and the Magyar Posta in Hungary. Can you start a Havanese stamp collection?
There is little material documenting the Havanese going into the countries of what collectively was known as the “Iron Curtain” (Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Hungria, Poland, Romania, Yugoslavia, and the Soviet Union) although there is mentioned that some of the refugees from Cuba in the late 1900’s who returned to the Soviet Union with their dogs. It is reasonable to assume there were possibly careful breeders through these years somewhere in these countries but there have been some difficulties with the bloodlines, too. However, there is a fabulous article, “History of the Havanese,” by Diane Klumb and Joanne Baldwin, DVM which has more detailed information about Havanese in the Iron Curtain countries as well as a comprehensive Havanese history. 2 Cute Havanese has imported dogs from some of these "Iron Curtain" countries including Serbia and have found the dogs to be denser in bone and muscle than their American cousins. The dogs are also a little longer from hip to shoulder.
Postal Stamps Around the World
Havanese are now found on postal stamps internationally. Just to name a few of the countries: Polska (Poland), S. Tome E Principe (2003) (Sao Tome & Principe islands off the west coast of Africa near Nigeria), The Republique De Guinee (2002) (Guinea) a West African country near Sierra Leone, Madagascar, Mongolia, Oman (Arabian Peninsula), Romania and the Magyar Posta in Hungary. Can you start a Havanese stamp collection?
AKC
The outer coat sheds water and blocks sunlight while protecting the skin. It has an undercoat that is downy soft whereas the outer coat is shaggy and straight. The outer coat has what is called ‘guard hairs’. Guard hairs are courser, thicker, or considered ‘hard’, and straight. They are longer than the undercoat hairs. Where the coat is great protection against the damp and cold climate the guard hairs also help a dog stay warm or cool down. In Havana, the breeze is allowed to flow through the Havanese outer coat to keep them cool on hot Cuban days.
In the 1980’s German breeders were having short hair Havanese appear in their litters. It is caused by a recessive gene both parents must-have. These dogs are perfectly healthy but are not hypo-allergenic – they shed. The standard for the Havanese coat is an untrimmed, soft, long double coat. It can vary from straight to curly hair including corded, but the short hair is not recognized in the AKC Standard for Havanese or the AKC conformation ring in showing. Names of short hair Havanese: smooth coats, short-coated, short hair (SH), or (nickname) Shavanese. Ethical breeders adhere to breeding Havanese to the AKC Havanese standards. AKC offers complete information regarding the Official Standard of the Havanese.
The only requirement size wise is the height which is 8.5 -11.5 inches at the shoulder with the preference being 9-10.5 inches. In the show arena height under 8.5 at the withers or over 11.5 inches is considered a flaw for disqualification. If the dog (male) or bitch (female) is under a year old the minimum height is waived. Weight is not given a standard but typically 11 - 14 pounds is found in the AKC shows. There is no 'miniature,' toy' or 'teacup' in the Havanese breed. A Havanese should be sturdy, never fragile. Their coloring can vary greatly. Bill Burns, The Kennel at Burns Gardens, has a wonderfully detailed paper:
"What Makes You Think Your Dog is a "Havanese?"- An Extensive List of what the Judges look for -(http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/517940/10729552/1297631825570/havanese_standards.pdf?token=tprejyIe4cRRKOh2nQMlM0MlqqA%3D)
It is serious look at every aspect of the Havanese including similarities and differences between world canine registries such as CKC (Canadian Standard) or UKC (United Kennel Club), etc. It is an education all in itself and should be required reading for any breeder or serious Havanese Fancier. The material may have aged, but the detail and information are invaluable. We have found in the conformation ring there can also be a variety of opinions regarding Havanese beauty. There are also regional as well as national and international preferences for size, color, etc. Outside of the show ring, Havanese vary in size from about 7 pounds or so to beyond 20 lbs. There are many other newer reference sources available as well. Mr. Burn's is one of our favorites. Please check with HCA for any changes.
In the 1980’s German breeders were having short hair Havanese appear in their litters. It is caused by a recessive gene both parents must-have. These dogs are perfectly healthy but are not hypo-allergenic – they shed. The standard for the Havanese coat is an untrimmed, soft, long double coat. It can vary from straight to curly hair including corded, but the short hair is not recognized in the AKC Standard for Havanese or the AKC conformation ring in showing. Names of short hair Havanese: smooth coats, short-coated, short hair (SH), or (nickname) Shavanese. Ethical breeders adhere to breeding Havanese to the AKC Havanese standards. AKC offers complete information regarding the Official Standard of the Havanese.
The only requirement size wise is the height which is 8.5 -11.5 inches at the shoulder with the preference being 9-10.5 inches. In the show arena height under 8.5 at the withers or over 11.5 inches is considered a flaw for disqualification. If the dog (male) or bitch (female) is under a year old the minimum height is waived. Weight is not given a standard but typically 11 - 14 pounds is found in the AKC shows. There is no 'miniature,' toy' or 'teacup' in the Havanese breed. A Havanese should be sturdy, never fragile. Their coloring can vary greatly. Bill Burns, The Kennel at Burns Gardens, has a wonderfully detailed paper:
"What Makes You Think Your Dog is a "Havanese?"- An Extensive List of what the Judges look for -(http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/517940/10729552/1297631825570/havanese_standards.pdf?token=tprejyIe4cRRKOh2nQMlM0MlqqA%3D)
It is serious look at every aspect of the Havanese including similarities and differences between world canine registries such as CKC (Canadian Standard) or UKC (United Kennel Club), etc. It is an education all in itself and should be required reading for any breeder or serious Havanese Fancier. The material may have aged, but the detail and information are invaluable. We have found in the conformation ring there can also be a variety of opinions regarding Havanese beauty. There are also regional as well as national and international preferences for size, color, etc. Outside of the show ring, Havanese vary in size from about 7 pounds or so to beyond 20 lbs. There are many other newer reference sources available as well. Mr. Burn's is one of our favorites. Please check with HCA for any changes.
Today
Today the Havanese is again a family favorite found worldwide. Havanese have been shown in the European international show in London - Crufts - and many other places around the world. In 2019 at Westminster a Havanese won FIRST place in the Toy group. The same dog won RESERVE DOG (2nd Place) over 192 other breeds in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Dog Show in the United States.
The Havanese is a perky, silly and loving little dog with a heart big enough for any family. Havanese serve excellently as Emotional Support Dogs and in other areas of service. Their numbers are increasing in Agility events, of course Conformation and more. They are smart, quick to learn and generally a happy friend more than willing to play or listen. Their favorites are being close to their owners, playing (any paper must be shredded!), and napping. The fact that they are non-shedding and hypo-allergenic just makes this breed more wonderful!
Today the Havanese is again a family favorite found worldwide. Havanese have been shown in the European international show in London - Crufts - and many other places around the world. In 2019 at Westminster a Havanese won FIRST place in the Toy group. The same dog won RESERVE DOG (2nd Place) over 192 other breeds in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Dog Show in the United States.
The Havanese is a perky, silly and loving little dog with a heart big enough for any family. Havanese serve excellently as Emotional Support Dogs and in other areas of service. Their numbers are increasing in Agility events, of course Conformation and more. They are smart, quick to learn and generally a happy friend more than willing to play or listen. Their favorites are being close to their owners, playing (any paper must be shredded!), and napping. The fact that they are non-shedding and hypo-allergenic just makes this breed more wonderful!
Throughout their history Havanese have survived moving to foreign lands, the play of being a pampered social status symbol and living a life of luxury to working as trick dogs in itinerant circuses. They have lived through wars and have been refugees. Havanese have been left behind to the point of near extinction. There are certainly pockets of non-remarkable historical information missing about the Havanese. This little dog has proven to be a survivor of the times via its patrons. Once you own a Havanese it is easy to understand why people have loved these little dogs and tried so hard to protect this breed even to their own peril. It is a breed like no other. Their personality - ‘temperament’ is far too blasé, clinical and inadequate - yes, personality because each of these dogs is such an independent character making them more than mere ‘companion’ dogs. They are laughter, sunshine, solace, and so much more. They are Havanese.
References
www.123rf.com // Piramides de Gueimar, . . .
www.123rf.com // Yellow Map of Canary Islands
www.http://www.acseso.org/blog/blog/2015/6/30/canarian-legends
www.alternatehistory.com // Belgian Cuba
www.amazon.com // Bee TeeStore: Bichon Havanero Mug 11 oz
www.ancientdigger.com/2011/09/islands-at-edge-of-world-canaries.html
www.anciet-origins.net//The Mystery of the Guanches and the Pyramids of Tenerife
Arcane Spirit (The Darkland Druids Book 2) pg 108 "Dracaena Cinnabari (Yemen)"
www.barcelo.com/pinandtravel/en/canary-islands-history/
www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53444752
www.blog.tigaiga.com/en/1950/02/25/the-origin-of-the-name-tigaiga/
www.boloclubofamerica.org/dorothy.html
www.Booking.com Tall Ship hotel, San Miguel Tenerife
www.books.google.com//Illustrated London // The Atlantic Economy During the Seventeenth and Eighteen ..., Peter A. Coclanis, Conference the Emergency of the Atlantic . . 2005
www.books.google.com/books?id=iccDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA61&lpg=PA61&dq=when+did+dorothy+goodale+first+show+wheaten+terriers&source=bl&ots=UMS2yVcyuR&sig=ACfU3U0-p3-uDZm5YfdcJEz7wuSUiPkAqA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiLqo2j9IzlAhUREawKHebYBPAQ6AEwAnoECAkQAQ#v=onepage&q=when%20did%20dorothy%20goodale%20first%20show%20wheaten%20terriers&f=false (The perfect Apartment Dog, C. Goldman)
https://books.google.com/books?id=1h9zzSH-
NmwC&pg=PA417&lpg=PA417&dq=did+Spain+respond+to+Havana+being+burned+in+1555&source=bl&ots=SL5jpQ6Ll5&sig=ACfU3U3bNUBdw-BekPzpTQ1Scyx6Cvo-pw&hl=en&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwjWkrPMy6TkAhVIVK0KHYf1CJUQ6AEwC3oECAIQAQ#v=onepage&q=did%20Spain%20respond%20to%20Havana%20being%20burned%20in%201555&f=false
(The Age of Wars of Religion, 1000-1650: An Encyclopedia of Global ..., Volume 1)
www.borgenproject.org // Poverty in Cuba
www.Britannica,com//Berber
www.calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=0000+0000+0105+2074//Nicotiana tabacum; Cultivated Tobacco
www.carlosvstudios.com/post/2018/03/23/prehistory-and-history-of-the-canary-islands
www.cdn.ampproject.org//America's Most Popular Dog Breeds
www.cell.com/current-biology/pdf/S0960-9822(17)31257-5.pdf
www.cia.gov //Central America Cuba-The World
www.clubcanary.com/tenerife-blog-guimar-pyramids/
www.courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-tcc-worldciv2/chapter/transsaharan-slave-trade/
www.cubahurricanes.org//Tropical Storm Erika
www.curacao-travelguide.com/about/where-is-curacao
www.discover.hubpages.com/travel/Tenerife-fruit-and-vegetable-crops
www.dogtime.com//Havanese
www.dogster
www.dreamstime.com //Tenerife Map on Road
www.dreamstime.com // Two Wheels Car Havanese Style (Luisa Vallon Fumi)
www.ebay.com // Havanese International Stamps
www.encyclopedia.com/places/spain-portugal-italy-greece-and-balkans/spanish-and-portuguese-political-geography/canary-islands
www.elmesondepepe.com//History of Havana: The Ultimate Guide- El Meson de Pepe
www.english.elpais.com/elpais/2019/06/06/inenglish/1559833589_664515.html
www.enwikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_in_the_21st_centurywww.
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Saharan_trade
www.en.m.wikibooks.org // Ancient History/Americas/Ancient Cuba
www.facebook//Alicia Vidaurreta. Pupi and Cuban stamp statement
www.fkickr.com // Florida Memory Cassandra Sweeting with her Dog Watt – Tallahassee 1902
www.fineartamerica.com // Luisa Vallon Fumi Art
www.gabriellas2016.wordpress.com › tobacco-todayHistory of Cuban Tobacco The Caribbean Golden Leaf
www.garyfujioka.us/history-of-the-havanese-breed/
www.google.com/search?q=what+root+language+is+bichon+from&sxsrf=AOaemvIepv1ZemA9BqwCVesYrA_RmqlUKA%3A1639595350300&ei=Vj26YePCEcatqtsP6s6DkAk&ved=0ahUKEwjjxbfTwOb0AhXGlmoFHWrnAJIQ4dUDCA4&uact=5&oq=what+root+language+is+bichon+from&gs_l
www.gran-canaria-info.com/en/content/history/the-canary-islands-and-the-atlantis-legend
www.geographynotes.com/oceans/atlantic-ocean/10-main-currents-in-the-atlantic-ocean-geography/2674
www.lib.lsu.edu/sites/all/files/sc/exhibits/e-exhibits/sugar/contents.html//Sugar at LSU: a Chronology
History to 1700s
www.havanesebreed.com//Havanese Breed Magazine: Zoila Portuondo Guerra
www.havana-live.com //The History of the Tobacco in Cuba
www.havaneseabc.com//Havanese ABC’s Everything you need to know
www.havanese.org
www.havaneseworld.org //History of the Havanese Breed
www.hellocanaryislands.com Tenerife|Your’re on . .
www.jstor //Cuban Population Estimates
www.havanesebreed.com/sanz-peraza/
www.independent.co.uk //Millions of Cubans facing starvation: Hunger is fueling an
exodus of desperate refugees, writes Phil Davison from Havana
www.investors.com //The Fidel Castro Myth Debunked: The Death of a Tyrant, Not A Hero
www.k12database.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2012/05/ComparingtheSlaveTrades9
www.keywordbasket.com //Canary Island Map
www.lanzaroteinformation.co.uk/who-were-the-guanches/
www.lonelyplanet.com//History of Canary Islands-Lonely Planet Travel Information
www.montrosepress.com //Dorothy Goodale
www.mydarlingdogs.com/bolognese.html
www.nationalpurebreddogday.com/castro-and-havanese/
www.nationalpurebred,dogday.com//Charles Dickens’ Havanese; Castro and the
Havanese; The National Dog of Cuba
www.owlcation.com//Who Were the Guanches of the Canary Islands?
www://people.ucalgary.ca/~natsci/science311/F10-W11/Atlantis.pd
www.Pintrest-142Havanese //History Paintings (may not be all Havanese)
www.Pintrest-684 Best Catalina Lasa, Main Dining Room
www.piramidasunca.ba/bs/latest-news/item/3338-the-tenerife-pyramids.html
www.placesofpeace.eu/2020/09/04/peace-treaty-of-alcacovas-portugal-was-signed-541-years-ago/
www.populationpyramid.net //Population of Cuba 1957
www.pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology/article-abstract/33/8/685/103804/Destruction-of-Atlantis-by-a-great-earthquake-and
www.quora.com // Spanish Empire of the 16th Century
www.rganghavanese.com //Catalina Laza a great Love Story that Became A Cuban Legend www.rkworldhistory.weebly.com Age of Exploration - Zack . . .
www.rosalie.blogspot.com/2013/05/catalina-en-el-candelero.html
www.ruraltenerife.net//The Mystery of Pyramids of Guimar and the Guanche at Tenerife
www.sciencedaily.com //Aboriginals of the Canary Islands Originated from North Africa, Shows DNA -study
www.skemman.is/bitstream/1946/16925/1/Purple%20Murex%20Dye%20in%20Antiquity.pdf www.smithsonianmag.com //Searching for Cuba’s Pre Columbian-Roots
www.spain-holiday.com-Following in the Footsteps of Christopher Columbus in Las
Palma
www.telegraph.uk.co //Tenerife Slams “irresponsible panic’ . . .
www.tenerife-holiday-home-insider.com/history-of-tenerife.html
www.tenerife-holiday-home-insider.com//History of Tenerife from Guanches until the new millennium
www.tenerife-information-centre.com/dragon-tree.html
www.terrificpets.com//The Cuban Aristocrat
www.thecubanhistory.com//Catalina Laza a Great Love Story that Became a Cuban
Legend
www.thefamouspeople.com>homer 230 //Homer Biography -Facts, Childhood,
Family Life & Achievements of Greeks
www.theleader.info/2017/08/17/story-nelson-lost-arm-smelly-cheese/
www.topuerico.org //Taino Indian Culture Puerto Rico!
www.traceyyeaton.com//Cuba Hounded for Rare Breed
www.truhuenews.com/2015/05/18/story-from-the-other-side-why-travel-to-Cuba-is-over-rated/
www.uh.edu/engines/epi3048.htm
www.volcano.oregonstate.edu//Exploring the Canary Islands
www.VolcanoDiscovery//Canary- Islands
www.walmart.com // Portrait of Federico II Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua c 1525 by Titian
www.webtenerife.co.uk //Volcanic Eruption; also - The Guanche language - Tenerife
www.whattenerife.com/canary-island-history.html
www.wikipedia: // Madeira, archipelagos, Canary Islands, Castile, Opera in Cuba, Malvasia,
Duke of Sutherland, Spanish Nobility Cuba, Alexander Pope,
Ernest Hemingway, Mediterranean Sea, Hano the Navigator, Guanches,
Fortunate Isles, Havanese, muzzle, Federico II Gonzaga, Duke
of Mantua, Demographics of Cuba, Carriage, Tropical Storm Ana (2015)
History of Spain, Moors, Moors in Spain, Spanish Navy, Golden Age in Spain
Caliphate, Cordoba, Emirate, poodle history, Vikings in Iberia, Diaspora,
Tobacco in the American colonies, Austronesian peoples, Ancient_maritime_history,
John_III_of_Portugual#,~:text=John%20III, John-II-of_Portugalh
www.wikiwand.com/en/Bencomo
www.wikiwand.com/en/Menceyato_of_Taoro
www.worldatlas.com/articles/did-you-know-that-the-canary-islands-are-named-after-dogs.html
www.worldlydogs.com//Blanquito de la Habana
www.vindy.com // The Havanese Legacy
www.VolcanoDiscovery//volcanoes//Active, erupting, dormant and extinct volcanoes
Havanese, A Complete and Reliable Handbook, Dorothy Goodale
The Age of Wars of Religion, 1000-1650: An Encyclopedia of Global Warfare...-Cathal J. Nolan-Google
Pictures
Tenerife Hello www.dreamstime.com //Tenerife Map on Road
Canary World www.keywordbasket.com //Canary Island Map
Teide www.telegraph.uk.co //Tenerife Slams “irresponsible panic’ . . .
Tenerife www.hellocanaryislands.com Tenerife|Your’re on . . .
Pyramid www.123rf.com // Piramides de Gueimar, . . .
Canary Islands www.123rf.com // Yellow Map of Canary Islands
Cuba www.cia.gov//Central America #Cuba
Tobacco www://calphotos.berkeley.edu . . . Nicotiana tabacum Cultivated Tob . .
Tall Boat Tenerife www.Booking.com Tall Ship hotel, San Miguel Tenerife
Havanese 1525 www.walmart.com Portrait . . . Duke of Mantua c 1525 by Titian
Havana Harbor www.ebay.com/itm17c-view-of-port-of-Havana . . . 192267079575
Sugar Cane www.lib.lsu.edu // Sugar at LSU Table . . .
Havanese Carriagewww.dreamstime.com // Two . . . Havanese Style (Luisa Vallon Fumi)
Watt 1902 www.fkickr.com // Florida Memory Cassandra Sweeting . . .Watt
Laza House www.Pintrest-684 Best Catalina Lasa, Main Dining Room
Catalina Laza www.rosalie.blogspot.com/2013/05/catalina-en-el-candelero.html
Ernest Hemingway www.Bostonglobe.com //A rare Partnership
Cuba Poverty www.borgenproject.org // Poverty in Cuba
Dorothy Goodale
Cuban Stamp www.123RF.com // Cuba – Circa 1992
Polish Stamp www.ebay.com //Bichon Havanese Dogs Polska MNH stamp
Havanese 2 Cute Havanese
Spain 900AD Spain - Andalus Ki Daastaane Mardaane Hurr 8/15
