HISTORY

The Cuban revolution of 1959 nearly destroyed the breed. Thousands of people fled the island turmoil in great haste, with few of their possessions in hand. Since many fleeing people expected to return in a few weeks or months, their beloved little pets may have been left behind, entrusted to the care of a friend, or faithful servant. Since Havanese were associated with the ruling class, those that remained on the island may not have faired very well. As had occurred following the French and Russian revolutions, the cherished breed of the over-thrown classes may have been actively or passively eliminated. Only three families are known for sure to have taken their Havanese with them when they fled Cuba, including the Fantasio and Perez families. These and perhaps a few other dedicated exiles in Costa Rica and the USA persevered for over a decade to preserve this breed. For years it seemed doubtful if any Havanese remained in Cuba.

In the early 1970's Bert and Dorothy Goodale of Colorado began looking for a small breed to raise which would have a calm temperament and intelligence; attributes that they most cherished in dogs. They had considerable experience raising Irish Wolfhounds and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. After a few years of investigation, elusive references to the Havanese had caught their attention, but no one knew how/where to obtain them. The Goodales chanced across an advertisement that resulted in the purchase of 6 pedigreed Havanese. These included one dam along with four female progeny and a young unrelated male. The Goodales became completely enchanted with the delightful nature of the breed and strove to gather more of the little Cuban exiles. Some months later, through advertisements placed in Spanish language papers came another breakthrough. Ezekiel Barba, an elderly Cuban who had fled during the revolution and subsequently settled in Costa Rica was moving to Texas to live with a daughter. Because of failing health, he could no longer care for his Havanese entourage. He entrusted the Goodales with 5 of his Havanese. This gave the Goodales two new bloodlines to work with. Both the first and second groups of dogs displayed the same look; sweet, gentle temperament and were of similar size ( as adults , averaging 10-12 lbs and 9-10 inches tall). Based on the written pedigree information that came with the dogs , a 1963 breed standard and her years of breeding knowledge, Dorothy carefully began a breeding program to prevent the possible extinction of this delightful toy breed. We, who have come to know and love the Havanese, will be ever grateful for her dedicated efforts.

[FOR MORE OF THE HISTORY INFORMATION, VISIT THE SOURCE:  MIMOSA HAVANESE]