The Havanese (Habaneros in Spanish) are also known as the Havana Silk Dogs. They are believed to be from a crossing of the Bichon and Maltese families. During the days of the Spanish Empire they were brought to Cuba by sea captions to be sold to wealthy Cuban families as well as gifts to win the favor of the wealthy senoras who would influance their husbands to then do business with these sea captians. They are thought to have developed without outside influence and into what they are today, due to the cuban climate. They are a very heat-resistant dog, because of their unique coat, which feels like raw silk, and is very light and soft. This coat insulates against the tropical sun and is never trimmed for this reason. They also love the water and enjoy swimming. During the Cuban revolution, the Havanese began to die out except for a handful of them who made it to the United States with their owners. All of the Havanese in the world today, except for those from the "iron curtain" counties, and those remaining in Cuba, stem from the 11 original ones that made it out with their owners, and have remained practically unchanged from that of the dogs of the 18th century.

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