Havanese (a bichon type dog) is the national dog of Cuba, developed from the now extinct Blanquito de la Habana ('little white dog of Havana'). The Havanese is considered an ideal family pet and a true companion dog. Length of skull measured from stop to point of occiput is equal to the length of muzzle. The top of the skull is rather flat and the back skull is rounded. They began referring to their dogs as Havana Silk Dogs, claiming them to be a different breed from the Havanese. However, the Havana Silk Dog is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as separate from the Havanese, and many Havana Silk Dogs are also registered under the name 'Havanese' with the AKC. The Havana Silk Dog Association of America is not currently seeking to register their breed with the AKC.