A Havanese sunning himself

[SlimJimmy]

6. Yes, they are actually descendants of the Bichon Frise.

First bred in Cuba, then brought to this country. Pure love buckets for both breeds if you ask me.

The Havanese is one of the Barbichon (later shortened to Bichon) family of small dogs originating in the Mediterranean in ancient times. Spanish traders brought some of these dogs with them as gifts for Cuban women, allowing them to establish trading relationships. In Cuba, the little dogs were pampered as the special pets of the wealthy ... Eventually the breed declined in numbers to such an extent that it was almost extinct not only in Europe but also in its native Cuba. A few remained in Cuba, however, and three families with their Havanese left Cuba for the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Most present-day Havanese descend from these dogs.

https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/havanese/