The Havanese found its way to Europe where it became very popular and was recognized by the European Kennel Club. It was known in England as the "White Cuban." Queen Anne is said to have admired a troupe of performing dogs that danced to music in almost human fashion.

As happened to many other dog breeds, the Havanese' popularity waned over the course of time. For awhile they were used in circuses as trick dogs throughout Europe, but eventually they became almost extinct -- even in their native Cuba.

Only three families are known to have left Cuba with their Havanese during the political turmoil of the 1950s and 1960s. It is assumed that by that time there might not have been very many of these dogs kept by anyone. These three exiled families worked alone in Florida and in Costa Rica for over a decade to preserve the breed.

Currently, there are approximately 4,000 registered Havanese in the United States.

Credit: Dorothy Goodale, Havanese: A Complete and Reliable Handbook