Havanese at a Glance: Quick Facts

To understand the Havanese, it helps to see the big picture. This table provides a quick, reliable overview of their core characteristics, compiled from breed standards and expert observations.

Temperament

Affectionate, intelligent, playful, outgoing, and comical.

Height

8.5 – 11.5 inches.

Weight

7 – 13 pounds.

Lifespan

14 – 16 years.

Grooming Needs

High. Requires regular, often daily, brushing.

Exercise Level

Moderate. Daily walks and playtime are sufficient.

Good With

Families, children, other dogs, pets, and first-time owners.

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Shedding Level

Low. Often considered hypoallergenic, but their coat mats easily without care.

The Soul of a Havanese: Temperament and Personality

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The Havanese personality is pure sunshine. These dogs are born entertainers with a larger-than-life presence that defies their small stature. Often called “Velcro dogs,” they form incredibly strong bonds with their families and want to be involved in every aspect of daily life. Their intelligence shines through in their ability to learn tricks and commands quickly, but it’s their playful spirit and “comedic antics” that truly define them. A Havanese will keep you laughing with their happy-go-lucky approach to life. While they are social butterflies who tend to greet strangers with a wagging tail, they are also surprisingly alert watchdogs. They will be “aware” and bark to let you know someone is at the door, but they are not yappy or aggressive. Their gentle nature makes them fantastic companions for children who have been taught how to interact respectfully with a small dog.
It is crucial to understand that their people-centric nature means they are also quite sensitive. They do not respond well to harsh tones or scolding, which can cause them to become withdrawn. Positive reinforcement, praise, and a gentle hand are the keys to unlocking the full potential of their loving and eager-to-please soul. They are, in every sense of the word, a companion dog who lives to love and be loved.

Is a Havanese Right For Your Family & Lifestyle?

The Havanese is an incredibly adaptable and loving breed, but their specific needs aren’t a perfect match for every single household. It’s important to be honest about your lifestyle before bringing one home.

A Havanese is an ideal companion for:

Apartment Dwellers & City Folk: Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them perfectly suited for urban living.

First-Time Dog Owners: Their intelligence, eagerness to please, and manageable size make them a great introductory breed.

Families with Children: Their playful and gentle nature makes them a wonderful family pet, provided children are taught how to handle them carefully.

Those with Allergies: While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, their low-shedding coat produces less dander, making them a better choice for many allergy sufferers.

People Who Work from Home or are Retired: They crave companionship and thrive when they can be with their person for most of the day.

You might want to reconsider a Havanese if:

You’re Away for Long Hours: Havanese are prone to separation anxiety and can become distressed and destructive if left alone frequently.

You Dislike Grooming: Their beautiful coat is high-maintenance and requires significant, near-daily commitment to prevent painful mats and tangles.

You Want a Hands-Off, Independent Dog: A Havanese needs and demands attention and affection; they will not be happy left to their own devices.

You’re Looking for a Strenuous Activity Partner: While they enjoy walks and play, they are not built for long-distance running or intense hiking and can become overexerted.

Caring for Your Havanese: Needs & Recommendations

Providing the right care is essential for a happy, healthy Havanese. Their needs are unique, particularly when it comes to their famous coat.

Diet & Nutrition

A high-quality small-breed dog food is the best foundation for your Havanese’s diet. Look for formulas with real meat as the first ingredient and balanced nutrients to support their energy levels. Because small dogs are more prone to dental issues, incorporating dental chews or a diet specifically formulated for dental health can be highly beneficial. Always provide fresh water and monitor their weight to prevent obesity, which can strain their small frame.

Exercise Requirements

Despite their history as lapdogs, Havanese have a moderate amount of energy. A daily walk of 20-30 minutes, combined with indoor or backyard playtime, is usually enough to keep them content. They love interactive games like fetch and are surprisingly agile. However, it’s important to watch for signs of overexertion, such as heavy panting. They will try their best to keep up with you, so it’s your job to know when it’s time to stop for cuddles and relaxation.

Grooming

This is the most demanding aspect of Havanese care. Their long, silky coat is gorgeous but requires dedication.
Coat Types: You have three main options.
Long & Natural: Requires daily brushing with a pin brush and comb to prevent mats.
Puppy Cut: Clipped short for easier maintenance, requiring brushing a few times a week. Professional grooming is needed every 6-8 weeks.
Corded: A unique, dreadlock-like style that requires a specific process of separating the hair into cords. This is best done with help from an experienced groomer.
Eyes: Gently wipe the corners of their eyes daily with a damp cloth to prevent the buildup of tear stains, especially on lighter-colored dogs.
Nails & Ears: Trim their nails once or twice a month. Check their floppy ears weekly for dirt or signs of infection, cleaning them as needed with a vet-approved solution.

Training & Socialization

Havanese are a trainer’s dream. Their high intelligence and eagerness to please make them fast learners. Start socialization early, exposing your puppy to various sights, sounds, and people to build a confident, well-rounded adult. Because they are so sensitive, only positive reinforcement training methods should be used. They thrive on praise, treats, and games. Puppy training classes are an excellent way to socialize and reinforce your bond while teaching essential commands.

Health & Lifespan: What to Expect

The Havanese is a generally healthy breed with an impressive lifespan of 14 to 16 years. However, like all purebreds, they are prone to certain genetic conditions. At PuppyGuyz, we partner exclusively with breeders who conduct thorough health screenings to minimize the risk of these issues.

Common health concerns to be aware of include:

  • Luxating Patella: A condition where the kneecap dislocates.
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A hip joint disorder.
  • Eye Disorders: Including cataracts.
  • Deafness: Can be congenital.
  • Chondrodysplasia: A form of dwarfism that can affect some lines.

Reputable breeders will screen for these conditions. The Havanese Club of America recommends, at a minimum, a BAER (hearing) test, an ophthalmologist evaluation, a hip evaluation, and a patella evaluation. When you choose a PuppyGuyz Havanese, you can be confident that the parent dogs have been rigorously tested.

The History of the Havanese: From Cuban Aristocracy to Your Home

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The story of the Havanese is one of luxury, revolution, and survival. Once known as the “Havana Silk Dog,” this breed is the only dog native to Cuba. They are descendants of small, white dogs from the ancient Bichon family, brought to the island by Spanish settlers in the 17th century. For hundreds of years, they were the pampered lapdogs of Cuba’s wealthy planters and aristocrats, completely unknown to the rest of the world.

Their fate changed dramatically during the Cuban Revolution in the mid-20th century. As wealthy families fled the country for America, they brought their beloved little dogs with them. From this tiny foundation stock of just 11 dogs, dedicated enthusiasts revived the breed. The Havanese gained AKC recognition in 1996 and has since charmed its way into homes worldwide. Famous owners throughout history, including Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, and Ernest Hemingway, have all fallen for the spell of this irresistible Cuban companion.

Meet Our Available Havanese Puppies

Your search for the perfect Havanese puppy ends here. Below is our gallery of available puppies from our network of pre-screened, ethical breeders. Each puppy is raised with love and care, ready to bring joy to your home. Click on a puppy to learn more about their personality and see more photos!

Rosie female cavapoo
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Cavapoo – Rosie

$2,300.00
Duke Male Siberian Husky
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Siberian Husky – Duke

$2,300.00
Betty Siberian Husky Female
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Siberian Husky – Betty

$2,300.00
fern Female German Shepherd
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German Shepherd – Fern

$2,300.00
Rory Male German Shepherd
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German Shepherd – Rory

$2,300.00
Daisy female Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Daisy

$2,300.00
Harry male Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Harry

$2,300.00
Isabella female Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Isabella

$2,300.00
View all Available Puppies

Find a Havanese Near You

While PuppyGuyz offers safe and convenient nationwide delivery right to your door, we understand some families prefer to start their search locally. We have strong partnerships with ethical Havanese breeders in and around the following states:

Looking for a Havanese puppy in your area? We deliver healthy, well-socialized puppies to families across the United States. Explore our available puppies by state to find the perfect addition to your family:

Pennsylvania

Ohio

New York

Virginia

Florida

Texas

click here to Check all States

Your Comprehensive Havanese FAQ

We’ve gathered and answered the most common questions about the Havanese to provide you with a single, definitive resource.

Do Havanese shed a lot?

No, Havanese are a low-shedding breed. They don’t have a shedding “season” like many dogs. However, their long, silky hair will fall out naturally and get caught in their coat, which is why daily brushing is essential to prevent mats. This low-shedding quality makes them a popular choice for people with allergies.

Are Havanese truly hypoallergenic?

While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, the Havanese is considered one of the best breeds for allergy sufferers. They produce less dander than most breeds, which is the primary trigger for pet allergies.

Are Havanese good apartment dogs?

Yes, they are excellent apartment dogs. Their small size, moderate exercise needs, and friendly-but-not-excessively-yappy nature make them ideal for city living.

How much exercise does a Havanese need?

A moderate amount. A daily 20-30 minute walk plus some indoor or outdoor playtime is typically sufficient. They are playful but not hyperactive.

What health tests should a Havanese breeder perform?

Reputable breeders should, at a minimum, follow the Havanese Club of America’s recommendations: BAER (hearing) testing, an ophthalmologist evaluation, a hip evaluation, and a patella evaluation.

Are Havanese easy to train?

Yes, they are very intelligent and eager to please, making them one of the easier breeds to train. They excel with positive reinforcement methods. Their sensitivity means harsh corrections should be avoided.

Can Havanese be left alone?

They prefer not to be. As true companion dogs, they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long, regular periods. They are best suited for households where someone is home most of the day.

How do I groom a Havanese's different coat styles?

The long coat needs daily brushing. The puppy cut is much easier, needing brushing a few times a week but requiring professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. A corded coat is a major commitment and involves a specific process of separating hair into “organized mats” that should be undertaken with guidance from an experienced groomer.

Did any famous people own a Havanese?

Yes! Their historical fans include literary giants Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemingway, as well as Queen Victoria of England.