In the Encyclopedia of Dogs by Jones & Hamilton, they write that the ancestors of the Havanese traveled to Cuba during the days of the Spanish Empire. The Lampton's Observers Book of Rare Breeds says the following "Toy Havanese-sometimes described as a spaniel. A member of the Bichon group. Essentially a toy dog, long-coated and spirited. Believed by some to be a descendant of the Maltese and Teneriffe Dog. They are for the most part companion and trick dogs."

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In spite of all this history, the Cubans seem to feel that these little dogs were first brought to their shores by the sea captains. Many sea captains, in addition to their company's cargo, carried precious items aboard their ships to give to the senoras who were married to wealthy business men. One of these precious gifts were these cute little Havanese puppies.

The most dedicated Cuban breeder of the Havenese was a very wealthy lady named Catalina Laza. She raised these tiny dogs for her own pleasure and to present as gifts to her wealthy friends. She was the wife of "Barro," a wealthy and famous sugar mill baron.

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For the most part, these little dogs were seen in the palaces and country estates of the very wealthy families.

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The Havanese, like their anchestors were becoming extinct when first brought to the United States by Cuban families relocating as much as 30 years ago. Two of these families who brought their little dogs with them were the Perez family and the Fantasio family. Combining their forces, they endeavored to preserve the breed from extinction. The dogs were registered with the Havanese Club of America , and in 1996, became a recognized breed of the American Kennel Club