Hava-Welsh

The Hava-Welsh is hybrid breed made up of a combination of a Havanese and a Welsh Terrier, the latter believed to be the oldest existing dog breed in the United Kingdom. Also known as a Welshie, the Welsh Terrier originated in Wales but also lived in several areas of the UK in the 19th century. It is believed the breed may have been one of the first Terriers and was bred for hunting fox, otters and badgers. The Old English Black and Tan Terrier is thought to be one of the Welsh Terriers ancestors. The breed was originally shown as an Old English Terrier but in 1885 was classified as a Welsh Terrier by the Kennel Club of England. The breed arrived in the United States in 1888 the same year they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. Caroline Kennedy was fond of the breed and had a Welsh Terrier named Charlie. The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba even though it was nearly wiped out there during the Cuban Revolution in 1959. Once called the Havana Silk Dog, the Havanese is thought to have been developed from crossing the now extinct Blanquito de la Habana with other Bichon types. They are thought to have been brought to Cuba on board ships during the Spanish Empire and were taken in by Cuban aristocrats. They were kept as companion pets and adored by their owners who often gave them as gifts to other gentry. In the mid-1800s they became popular in Europe and were kept by royals including Queen Victoria who had a pair. Both world wars and later the Cuban Revolution ended up in the breed almost becoming extinct. A handful of dogs made it to the United States and they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996. Other names for the breed include the Havanese Cuban Bichon, the Bichon Havanês, Havaneser, Havanezer and Bichon Habanero.