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The Havanese (or Bichon Habanero) is a member of the bichon family of small companion-dog breeds, which are neither spaniels nor terriers. Cubans feel that captains raised these dogs aboard commercial sailing ships and offered them as presents to gain entry to wealthy homes. Afterward, they lived solely in the Havana mansions and country estates of the premiere social class. The dogs were pampered pets and were quite a status symbol. The former employees of wealthy Cuban Havanese owners are responsible for promoting the breed when politics forced a turn of events in Cuba. Today the breed's base is clearly in the United States. Havanese owners rave about their cherished dogs with the easygoing attitude. The dogs are very intelligent and make great watchdogs. Havanese are suspicious of and wary around strangers, yet they can be very comical. Rumor has it that they have performed in European traveling circuses and they are reportedly easy to train. The Havanese is a lovable, friendly dog that is unusually robust. Many breeders have long waiting lists of people wishing to share their lives with the lovable Havanese. Havanese simply cannot thrive in situations where they are excluded from affection and moderate physical nearness. Dogs stand from 8.5 to 10.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 7 and 14 pounds.

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