It is believed that the Blanquito was eventually cross-bred with other bichon types, including the poodle, to create what is now known as the Havanese.

They are sometimes referred to as "Havana Silk Dogs", but this is a separate breed, which has been bred to meet the original Cuban standards.

Renowned for their flashy, lively gait, their strong rear drive and slightly shorter upper arm produce a springy motion rather than a far-reaching one.

When in a standing position, the sternum lines up with the elbows, creating a deep chest.

They arc slightly upward at the base and hang down on the sides of the head without touching the face.

Unlike other double-coated breeds, the Havanese outer coat is neither coarse nor overly dense, but rather soft and light.

[9] A study of over 90,000 dogs attending the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital found the Havanese to be predisposed to portosystemic shunt: 4.35% of Havanese had the condition compared to 0.35% for mixed-breed dogs.

[12] The American Kennel Club (AKC) only officially recognized the Havanese breed in 1996.

[citation needed] The breed standard notes that except for slight trimming around the feet to allow for a tidy foot, they are to be shown untrimmed;[1] any further trimming, back-combing, or other fussing is against type and will not be allowed to the point of precluding placement in dog shows.

The American Kennel Club Standard allows head furnishings above each eye to be held in two small braids secured with plain elastic bands.