We are a family of 6 and all 4 of our children are boys all with their names starting with D, This is how we decided on our kennel name Dz Havanese :o)
ABOUT US Where we got our start...
We decided that we wanted a second dog and preferrably one that I could show...I started looking at all sorts of breeds when one of my clients suggested that I research Havanese. When reading about their history and breed standard described as 'a sturdy little dog' I thought, YES!! This is the breed for us. They have been described as the ideal family pet. So we started meeting the breed in person and fell in LOVE...While I said I would never own a little dog, these guys are WONDERFUL!! I like to describe them as the Golden Retriever of little dogs...
Havanese are not a 'new' or 'designer' breed. They have been the National dog of Cuba for over 300 years and its only native breed. They are a part of the Bichon family refered to by some as a Cuban Maltese, I like to think Havana=Havanese. As part of the Cuban Revolution, few Cubans that fled to the United States were able to bring their dogs. I find it fascinating to read the stories about those 11 dogs that started the US gene pool and their owners that played a role in eventually gaining AKC status.
Not only are they great companion dogs, they are wonderful therapy/service and performance dogs. They are Versitile, happy go lucky little clowns. You will see them in more than just the conformation ring. They are in Rally, Obedience, Agility, Tracking, and much more....They have been used in the public as Therapy dogs in hospitals, as Hearing impaired signal dogs, diabetic service dogs, emotional health dogs, Detection of mold and termites and have been said to be herding dogs as well.
No matter what 'job' you give your Havanese, he will not only bring hours of laughter and joy to your life, he will do it with a SMILE!!
References for Havanese History and breed standards: American Kennel Club, Havanese Fanciers of Canada, Wikipedia, and books listed under Education
