Havanese

A "harlequin" between the bichon

The havanese is the only bichon colored. He also belongs to the first section of Working Group IX Company of Dogs FCI classification but, unlike the white cloaks of fris?, coton, Maltese and Bolognese, the havanese usually has a wide range of colors, from the most subtle cream, brown, beige, cream, ivory, champagne comes to tobacco, chocolate and even black, but rarely white, as, indeed, its cognates.

The special feature of the mantle at the time labeled as the "silk-coated dog" helped him also to protect themselves from the high temperatures, a light coat but at the same time insulating (like "sari" of Indian women) to protect it from UV of the sun. For this reason, never picked up the tuft on the eyes (which protects against excessive light) and never cut the hair (even the current standard requires the dog presented with the mantle intact without trimming).

The origin of this breed there are many beliefs, but no certainty, apart from the fact that they were very popular among the wealthy families of Cuba
However, it was rare to see him move in the streets or other public places because it was kept in the villas and courtyards of the estates.
On special occasions or on hot sunny afternoons Sunday, the wealthy high society ladies in the carriage crossed the streets of Havana, accompanied by their young companions, known as "Perritos de la Falda" (Dogs of the skirt) because they are small enough to be hidden under the skirts of the Caribbean fashion.
Their cheerful and at the same time docile and quiet made him (and this feature is very popular even today) an adorable dog, very sophisticated.
During the period of greatest splendor in Cuba Havanese was bred, but never sold.
Each junction was carefully studied and designed and the pups were given as special signs of appreciation only dear trusted friends.

Over the years the popularity of the Havanese has undergone a slow decline culminated in recent days to us: the Cuban revolution of the '60s led to exile the majority of rich Cuban families, in a few hasty escape brought with them their own specimens, leaving them mostly by friends and relatives.
He lost the ranks until 1979 when, thanks to fans was established a registry in the United States, now recognized dall'AKC and in 1991 in Cuba was formed Bichon Habanero Club
The havanese is widespread today, albeit in a content, throughout the world.