The Havanese breed is part of the Bichon canine family which includes Maltese, Bichon Frise, Havanese, Lowchen, Coton de Tulear, and Bolognese. The breed is said to have traveled to Cuba with European sea captains who presented the little dogs as gifts to wealthy Hispanic families. The dogs lived in the courtyards of exclsive Cuban homes and were not seen in the streets.

In England during Queen's Anne's time, the breed known as the "White Cuban" performed in dancing dog troupes. Later they were trick dogs in circuses throughout Europe. After the political turmoil of the 50s only a few exiled families kept the breed alive in the United States.