The breed has been recongized by the F.C.I since 1963, currently is exhibited in Canada in the C.K.C Miscellaneous Class, and is designeated by both orginizations as the Bichon Havanais. It is estimated that 1,500 Havanese are owned in the United States today, and another 7,000 throughout the rest of the world.

The American Kennel Club approved the status of the Havanese as a Miscellaneous Class breed effective february 1, 1996, and its move to the Toy Group effective January 1, 1999.