The Havaton is a recent hybrid breed of dog that has as yet to make its own unique history, but we can look to the parent dogs history to see the characteristics they have shaped over time. The Havanese dogs history begins in Spain. When Christopher Columbus claimed Cuba in the year 1492, settlers from Spain were attracted to this new land and arrived at the island bringing their small companion dogs with them. These dogs were bred with the local island dogs which resulted in the development of the Havanese breed. The new breed had a silky thick coat to protect them from the hot blistering sun. These small dogs became very popular with the rich set in Cuba in the early 1800s and went on to become just as popular with the jet set rich and famous in Europe. In the late 1800s they had lost their popularity and all but disappeared from the breeding circles and were even quite rare back home in Cuba. The breed was re-established after Cubans arrived in America after the 1959 revolution, bringing what remained of the Havanese breed with them. Careful breeding has now saved this affectionate and gentle dog, and he has gained a new place in peoples hearts as a great companion dog. The Coton de Tulear can call the island of Madagascar home, located just off the Southeast coast of Africa. While it is unknown as to how it got to the island or where it came from prior to this time, it is commonly assumed that it may have been a survivor of a ship wreck. While its lineage is unknown, they wandered the streets of Madagascar and became popular with royalty and the general population who took them in and made them companion dogs. It was in the 1970s when a visiting Frenchman took a shine to this attractive small dog and he took some back home with him. From here, they were bred selectively and became established as a genuine breed in their own right. They have now spread around the world and still exist in Madagascar. The Coton de Tulear is a sweet and happy dog with a playful nature and is devoted to its human family.
