Cheenese

There are several theories as to the origin of the parent breed  the Chihuahua. One theory is that the breed came to be in Egypt 3,000 years ago. Another is that the Chihuahua breed originated in China and was brought elsewhere by Spanish traders. It is believed that the dog was then crossed with small dogs that were native to the area. A third theory is that the Chihuahua was came from Central and South America, descending from a native dog called “Techichi”. The Techichi was small and mute and at times was used in sacrificial ceremonies, as it was believed that a small red dog had the ability to guide the soul to the underworld. What is certain is that around 1850 three tiny dogs were found in Chihuahua, Mexico. A small number of the dogs were ultimately brought to America though they received little attention. When Xavier Cugat brought his Chihuahua with him in public regularly, the breed began to get the attention of Americans and became very popular. The Havanese is known as the national dog of Cuba. Related to the Bichon Frise, the breed originated in the Mediterranean and was brought to Cuba by Spanish traders in an effort to encourage trade relations (the dogs were presented to Cuban women) and became a symbol of wealth. Specifically bred for the ruling class, dogs of the breed were never sold, only received as gifts. Some dogs of the breed were trained as performers as they craved being the center of attention. Being seen in performances helped increase their popularity. Wealthy families migrated to the United States during the Cuban Revolution, though many were unable to bring their dogs. In the 1970’s a woman named Mrs. Goodale, a dog breeder, looked for Cuban refugees in Florida who had brought their dogs with them and began breeding them. She was able to continue the breed with six dogs that came to the United States from Cuba along with five dogs that came from Costa Rica. The Havanese was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996.