Havatzu 1366 Girl

The Hava tzu is a relatively new breed, beginning in the 1990s, and while the exact origin is not known, its parent breeds, the Havanese and the Shih Tzu, can be traced back to Cuba and China.

The Havanese can be traced back to Cuba in the 1400s when Spanish farmers came to settle in the area. These farmers brought the now-extinct Bichon Tenerife dogs with them, which was the ancestor of the Havanese, which was crossed with the also now-extinct Blanquito de la Habana, to eventually get the national dog of Cuba, the Havanese.

The Hava tzu is an affectionate companion dog bred from the people-pleasing Havanese and the lovable but stubborn Shih-Tzu beginning in the 1990s. This adorable, devoted, and playful pup is excellent with children—they can keep one another entertained for hours! They are happy to greet everyone who approaches them, even strangers.

The Shih Tzu excited in China as early as 1,000 years BC but they actually originated in Tibet and were considered to be royalty. It is believed that Tibet gifted these dogs to Chinese royalty, who then bred them with Pekingese or Pugs to get the Shih Tzu we have today.