The Poovanese is a cross between the Havanese, a native breed from Cuba and considered its national dog, and the Poodle, a German breed originally used for hunting and retrieving in and around bodies of water.
The Havanese is believed to have been originally brought over from Spain, and is part of the Bichon family. Cuban nobles were very partial to the Havanese, and some were taken with their fleeing owners to the US at the height of the Cuban Revolution. To date, this wonderful companion breed is still considered rare, although interest and popularity are growing.
The Poodle tests as one of the most intelligent breeds today, despite their frequent portrayal in the media as being the opposite. Small but impressive in appearance as well as in its various talents, the Poodle enjoys the distinction of being a "fashionable" dog and has adorned the laps and arms of several celebrities.