Havanese History

RELATED BREEDS

	MALTESE - Phoenician traders probably brought this ancient breed to Malta more than 2000 years ago. The Maltese of today is one of the sweetest of the toy breeds. It is a very sweet-natured, good-tempered, lively little dog that is full of fun. Much of it's physical appeal comes from the stark contrast of large dark eyes and a black button nose set off against an immaculate floor-sweeping pure white silky coat. The coat was not always white though. His history does have references to coloured dogs as can be seen here in a Maltese Breed History .
	BOLOGNESE - Though perhaps developed in Southern Italy, this breed takes it's name from the northern Italian city of Bologna where it was especially popular. Descriptions have been recorded since the 1200's. As other Bichons, The Bolognese, served a role of companion among the ruling families and aristocracy of Renaissance Italy. Its stocky, compact body is covered with a soft white cottony curly coat. He is very sweet, affectionate and devoted to its family. The Bolognese are lively and intelligent and are totally adoring of their owners, usually following their idol from room to room...truly people dogs. Though the standards indicate that the Bolognese may be somewhat serious little dogs, slightly docile and shy , many are in fact quite lively and vivacious.
	BICHON FRISE - This breed originated in the Mediterranean in the middle ages . By the 14^th century, sailors had introduced it to the island of Tenerife, and by the 15^th century it was a royal favourite. It is a small, sturdy powder puff of a dog with a merry, happy-go-lucky temperament. Masses of pure white, soft corkscrew ringlets provide the perfect backdrop for it's dark almond eyes and jet black nose. The Frise is a very happy, lively, bouncy companion.
	Coton de Tulear - Related to the french Bichons, and the Italian Bolognese, the Coton arrived in Madagascar in the 1600's with french troops or with the administrators that followed. There it developed into a distinct breed. Many of the physical characteristics of the Coton are similar to the Bichon Frise. For centuries it was the favoured companion of the wealthy residents of Tulear in Southern Madagascar. It is often known as the " Royal Dog of Madagascar". The Coton is covered with a light-textured cotton-candy fluffy white coat. Unlike it's all-white European cousins, the Coton may have lemon or black patches or tipping though these often fade as maturity. Its popularity is growing in Europe and America.
	BOLONKA TSVETNAYA - This rarest of the bichon breeds originated in East Germany and Poland and was subsequently developed in Russia. Bolonka means "small dog". Tsvetnaya means "colored". It comes in a variety of colours except white. In appearance, and temperament, the Bolonka is somewhat similar to the Havanese. In size, it is more like the Maltese, weighing just 3 to 6 pounds. Click on the photo and follow the link for more information about this rare breed.
	LOWCHEN - The Lowchen's origins lie in the Mediterranean in the 14^th century, with progenitors throughout the countries of Southern Europe most notably France, Spain and Italy. It is often referred to as "The Little Lion Dog" because of it's traditional clip that gives the dog the appearance of a small lion. It's coat comes in an assortment of colours. The modern Lowchen is the enigma of the Bichon family. Though it does exhibit some of the typical Bichon traits, a number of other characteristics are unique to the Lowchen and not found in any of the other related breeds. It's square body, semi-harsh outer coat and spunky boisterous nature seem to suggest a strong terrier influence. To further confuse the issue of classification, there is evidence that a lion-type trim was frequently used on many dogs other than the Lowchen

Related breeds available in French Translation