The Havanese is a royal pup, and he has a touch of luxury about him. It’s easy to see why many Havanese owners worldwide fall head over (Cuban) heels in love with him. His beautiful silky locks and adoring personality that places his owner on a pedestal are just a few of the many traits that we love about him. He is an energetic and intelligent breed that makes him a fabulous companion and a top tier entertainer.
Although they are wonderful family companions, they aren’t suited for every owner. They are quite needy and can suffer from anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. As a hypoallergenic breed, they are great for allergy sufferers and are also easy to manage in a multi-pet household.
So, whether you’re increasing your knowledge of all things dog, or conducting some serious research for a Havanese housemate, this breed guide has everything you need. Let’s jump in and find out if this happy little pup is the perfect canine companion for you and yoru family!
Weight7-13 pounds- Height8 -12 inches
- Lifespan14-16 years
- ColorsWhite, Black, Tan, Sable, Silver, Red, Fawn, Brindle, Chocolate
History
The Havanese is another breed from the ancient Bichon family ancestry, a genetic family of small white dogs. These types of pretty, lively lap dogs were exported around the world by sea merchants. They proved extremely popular with royalty and upper classes who owned dogs that served no operational purpose, just as a show of wealth.
It is thought that the initial ancestors were brought to Cuba by Spanish colonizers who claimed Cuba for themselves in the 1600s. Quickly gaining popularity with the Cuban Sugar Barons, they were bred with other small, aesthetically pleasing pups. Such as Poodles, which refined the breed into the dog we know and love today.
In the 1959 Cuban revolution, those fleeing the communist takeover by Fidel Castro fled to the United States with their lap dogs in tow. It is now thought that the majority of Havanese in America have descended from just 11 dogs brought from Cuba. This means the gene pool is very tight.
Along the way, the breed has picked up a few different names, such as ‘Blanquito de la Habana’ or the Havana Silk Dog if you don’t speak Spanish. Or a more telling nickname is the Velcro dog due to his loyal and clingy nature that bonds it to its owner like, well, Velcro! He makes an awesome family pet. And according to the American Kennel Club, he regularly ranks in the top 30 dog breeds in America.
Temperament
The Havanese is truly man’s best friend. They have a gentle and very affectionate personality that thrives on and craves human contact and interaction. So, if you’re after a doting doggy that loves to follow you around and allow you to fuss him at every opportunity, you’ve found him. He’s a versatile family dog that has something for everyone.
You might think of him merely as a pretty lapdog, but do not make this mistake. This is an extremely intelligent breed that will benefit from structured interaction and stimulation. Not just a cuddle and fuss. This is great for you and the family, though, as he will be happy to entertain you with his goofy and fun behavior all day long.
If it’s an independent dog that you want to allow you to get on with your day, this is not the breed for you. Left for too long on his own or put out in the yard for hours on end, he will quickly become anxious and stressed. Most Havanese will suffer from separation anxiety if left for longer than a few hours at a time. He is intensely needy, hence the Velcro nickname.
The Havanese is friendly with everyone. This makes him a great family companion. They are fantastic with children, too. So, if you’re too busy completing adult chores, he will happily join in with the kids for a game of ‘hide and seek.’ You still need to supervise dogs with children, but his size makes him ideal for kids of all ages.
These pups can be quite vocal about people in the yard, such as the delivery person or other animals passing by outside. Giving you a heads up as to who’s lurking about. Just don’t expect him to pounce on any intruders, as he’s more likely to roll over and ask for a belly rub. This is a terrible guard dog, but a pleasant canine neighbor.
Size & Appearance
Classified as a toy breed by the AKC, Havanese are small in stature. Weighing in at just 7 to 13 pounds, he doesn’t weigh much more than a small dumbbell. In stature, he measures only 8 to 12 inches tall. When fully grown, his long hair untrimmed can fall down to his feet or be thick and curly. This gives him the appearance that his body is fuller than it is. But he is quite tiny under all that hair.
His breed standard details an expression of softness, intelligence, and mischief. But with his eyes being large, dark brown, and almond-shaped, he’ll likely get away with murder. The ears are long, floppy and below the jawline with the tail arched forward and up over the back. He has a springy gait and carries his head with pride.
Coat & Colors
As a pedigree, the Havanese has a long coat that is silky, straight, and very soft to the touch. Different varieties of the breed can have short curly coats like the Poodle or even a wavy, wiry coat like a terrier. Long coats will have feathering hair on the ears, neck, legs, and tail, forming an all-around curtain of sorts. They can even develop into cords. When it comes to showing, any coat other than the long straight jacket is a disqualification.
Contrary to popular belief and appearances, his long silky coat is not built for warmth. It is a natural protection against heat and UV rays. Historically the breed has been acclimatized to hot, humid climates like that found in Cuba. So his long coat is necessary and should not be trimmed.
When it comes to color, they will give you as much choice as you want. He could come in white, black, black and tan, sable, gray, and pretty much every color in between. The color of his coat is of no importance when showing. All colors and patterns are permissible. The most common color is white and other light colors.
Exercise Requirements
This dog contradicts his small stature. Unlike many toy breeds, the Havanese has a moderate exercise need, meaning 30 to 60 minutes of walkies and playtime per day. The good news is that his tiny size means he can get that exercise at home, the yard, as well as out and about. Plus, a good-natured game of chase, fetch, or a little rough and tumble will exercise him without it being time-consuming.
His adaptability to play and exercise anytime at any place makes him a great choice for families. Whether you are a couple on the go all the time or a young family with a busy schedule. Or even a retired couple with time on your hands, the Havanese will fit your lifestyle. When the weather is bad, or you really don’t have the energy to leave the house, having some interactive toys on hand will keep your pup busy.
Living Conditions
The Havanese is a great choice for apartment dwellers too. Compact and content with a calm environment and lots of cuddles, he doesn’t require a large yard or lots of outside time. As long he’s near you and gets the fuss he feeds on tap, he’ll do well in an apartment. If you do have a yard, be sure to make it escape-proof. Although he is not prone to stray far from his beloved master, he does have a strong prey drive and will chase small furry things.
His calm and playful nature means he will love children and is small enough not to pose too much of a risk when it comes to knocking them over. Be sure to supervise children so that the Havanese doesn’t get squished or pushed around too much. Some say that he is only suited to older children, but some say that he is quite a sturdy toy dog. This is down to personal preference and the excitability of your children.
He will also live well with existing pets. Eager to please, he will want everyone to be his friend, whether that is a cat or dog. Just be mindful of his high prey drive if you have small animals such as gerbils or hamsters. He might think they are fair game for a chase and chomp session.
Training
The Havanese thrives on human interaction, which makes him a master pupil. With his curious and intelligent mind, he is eager to learn and impress his master. He is a fast learner, happy to partake in simple commands such as sit, lie down, and rollover. As well as performing acrobatics such as dancing, walking, and jumping. He is also more than capable of taking on agility training, where he will undoubtedly excel.
This aspect of his character makes him a great choice for newbie pup parents. Be careful, though, because the Havanese can be a ‘sulky-sue’ if scolded. So always use the positive reinforcement method as your primary training style. He will be motivated by toys, treats, and praise, so be sure to mix it up to avoid him from becoming a potbellied Havanese.
Training isn’t just about tricks – socialization with other fur friends is a must. It will teach him how to behave with other dogs and build his confidence so that he isn’t scared of his own shadow. The big wide world can be very daunting for a toy breed if they aren’t exposed to it and shown that it is theirs to explore and enjoy. Choose different dog breeds and sizes to be his friend so that he is used to all eventualities. But maybe don’t pair him with a Mastiff!
The Havanese will likely to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone. So you have to account for this in his training. Start by leaving him alone for short periods as a pup. And then build your absence up slowly to a few hours so that he gets used to enjoying his own company. Crate training is another great way to give him his own space and calm his anxiety.
Health
The expected lifespan for a Havanese is 14 to 16 years. So, be gratefully prepared for him to be with you for a long time. The best way to ensure he stays healthy is regular veterinary health checks, adequate exercise, and a good diet. And making sure he is a happy bunny helps too!
Overall, he is relatively healthy as a breed, with just a few common health problems. Below are the most common health conditions that affect the Havanese breed. This list is not exhaustive, but it is a great place to start.
Legg-Perthes disease: This is a deformity of the hip ball joint. Decreased blood supply to the femur bone causes it to die and then collapse. This causes deformity, pain, and sometimes lameness in the legs. It remains unclear if this disease is inherited or injury-related, but it can be treated.
Patellar luxation: This, essentially, is the term for a dislocated knee, and it can be common in toy and small-sized dogs. The patellar is the scientific name for the knee. During movement, the kneecap floats in and out of place, which can be very painful.
Eye conditions: The breed is prone to a variety of eye concerns. The most common conditions to affect them are progressive retinal atrophy, which is slow onset blindness. And cataracts, which are cloudy spots that reduce vision.
Cardiac conditions: The most common concern is mitral valve disease. Affected dogs develop a heart murmur. Over time, the valve thickens and causes reverse blood flow back into the heart. This reduces the heart’s efficiency and eventually leads to heart failure.
Nutrition
The Havanese will consume approximately a half to one cup of food every day, dependent on size and weight. In addition, you should also account for his exercise levels. If he is a live wire, he could need as much as twice the food of a Cuban couch-potato counterpart. Every dog is different, so be sure to consult his food packaging for tailored advice and read our Havanese dog food guide.
While dry and unappetizing to us, a high-quality kibble will offer a well-balanced diet that meets his nutritional needs. Always buy kibble that is specifically designed for a toy or small breed dog, especially as a small breed puppy. The crunchy bite-size pieces also help to break down plaque on his teeth and massage his gums to prevent disease. If he gets bored of kibble at any point, and Havanese are known to be a little fussy! Try adding a little warm water or low-sodium broth to create a gravy for added flavor and moisture.
The Havanese has a healthy appetite for a small dog and is prone to obesity. Many of them lead a lap dog lifestyle and do not get enough exercise. Plus, they don’t have the self-control to say no or regulate their own food intake. So be sure to limit them to their recommended food allowance instead of free-feeding them.
Grooming
If you go for the pedigree long-haired Havanese, be prepared to become a grooming expert. Or at least shell out for one. Their long silky locks will need brushing daily to prevent knots and matting. Brushing can easily be done at home with a slicker brush, which stimulates hair follicles and promotes the natural oils that keep it glossy. On the fun side, the fringe of a Havanese can be bunched above the eyes with a clip to avoid eye irritation. Plus, it looks super-cute!
Short-haired varieties of the Havanese will only need a quick brush twice a week. Brushing not only makes their coat shiny, but it also helps to remove dead hair and dirt. Whether long or short, the Havanese will be a light shedder, so fewer furballs to clear away throughout the year. This is another appeal of his. Many owners will elect to shave their pups down with clippers during the summertime.
When it comes to bathing your Havanese, every 8 to 12 weeks should be ideal. They are relatively clean pups anyway, so unless they are smothered in mud or have rolled in something unsavory, avoid bathing too frequently. Otherwise, you wash away the natural coat oils that no amount of expensive shampoo can replace.
If you start your Havanese’s grooming routine at an early age, you should be able to clip his nails at home without any trouble. If active enough, his claws should wear down naturally, but if you hear them tapping on hard floors as he walks, it means they are too long. Brush his teeth several times a week to keep periodontal diseases at bay.
Breeders & Puppy Costs
The Havanese is a popular breed in America, so tracking a pup down for your family shouldn’t be too difficult. The key is to find a reputable and trustworthy breeder well in-advance of when you want your Cuban companion. If they are as good as they say they are, they will likely have a waiting list. The average price of a Havanese puppy from a reputable breeder is $1,000.
Good communication is a telltale sign of a breeder with experience. After the initial contact to order a puppy, they should talk you through the entire process from now, to the birth and collection of your new pup. It is good practice to meet the parents and the puppies so that you can get a feel for your new pup’s likely temperament. Trusted breeders will also provide health certificates to evidence the health of their puppies. A great place to start your search is with the AKC’s list of registered Havanese breeders.
A poor breeder, or worse, a puppy mill, will try and entice you with low prices and be sketchy with the pups’ and parents’ details. Pressurized sales, poor communication, and tales of higher bids from other customers to bump up the price are all signs of irresponsible breeders. Please do not be tempted to buy a pup from a mill. You won’t be saving a life, but you’ll be getting a poorly doggy and fuelling the puppy mill business. Make sure you are prepared to bring your dog home with the perfect Havanese name.
Rescues & Shelters
If you’ve never owned a dog before or are not sure about buying a puppy, you should also consider the ‘adopt and don’t shop’ approach. You could find a middle-aged Havanese that would not require the puppy-training investment of time. As well as giving an older pup a loving home.
If you are thinking about rescuing a Havanese, first visit your local rescue shelters. Even gorgeous pedigree breeds can end up here if someone has made an impulse purchase and regretted it. If there aren’t any locally, make friends with the staff, and they may be able to help you find a Havanese from another shelter. There are also dedicated Havanese shelter charities that specialize in rehoming Havanese. Rescue websites such as Havanese Rescue and Havanese Org are a great place to begin.
As Family Pets
- Havanese are suitable for all types of families.
- He is happy to kick back or go all out on a short adventure.
- He is an active toy breed who needs 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise.
- Ideally, he needs a home worker or a so he isn’t alone for long periods.
- His nickname is Velcro and will be your shadow everywhere you go.
- He is great with kids and in multi-pet households.
- The Havanese is friendly with everyone and is not a guard dog.
- He is intelligent and trainable, making him a great option for first-time owners.
- He is well suited to apartment living.
Final Thoughts
The Havanese is a people pleaser that lives for fuss and cuddles and a true lap dog that will unconditionally follow you anywhere. Whether you are a couple looking for your first fur baby or a family looking to complete your pack. Or a retired couple with time on your hands, this pup will fill that void seamlessly.
But, if you prefer your dogs to be less needy, this is not the breed for you. There is nothing independent about the Havanese breed. They have oodles of love to give and will smother you in it in exchange for just a small amount of food, company, and fun exercise. As an entertaining and gentle family pet, he is perfect. It’s clear to see why he became the lapdog of choice for so many people, and still is popular today.
Lyda Simmons
May 9, 2022 at 12:18 pm
My dog is 15 inches tall. My groomer says he cannot possibly be a Havanese. Is she right?
wendy bornstein
May 4, 2022 at 8:04 pm
I love my havanese and they are the best companions. Great article !!!
Shirley Nielsen
February 15, 2022 at 6:55 pm
I adopted my Havenese last year. She had been a breeding dog for five years then adopted by a women who kept her indoors and made her use doggie pads. The women had to go into a rehab and couldn’t take care of her. I had lost my Pekingese a few months earlier and my groomer asked me if I was ready to adapt yet. I met her and took her. It difficult. She seems to be afraid of many things including me. She’s friendly with most outsiders. She wants to stay on the back of the sofa and bark at anything that moves. How can I stop this other then moving the sofa? She sleeps on the corner of my bed and that goes fine except she won’t sleep near me. When she eats I have to pretend to add three separate things to her food bowl while she is looking. It has to be three, not two or one. As if she could count. Maybe they made her wait at the breeding kennel while they added supplements? She doesn’t like for me to hold her. She seems to be afraid of other dogs and ignores my cat like she’s not there. She’s a pretty little thing and very sweet when she lets me get near her. Any suggestions about what I can do to make her feel secure and able to accept my love.
Debbie Gendron
December 22, 2021 at 12:12 pm
My Havanese is Lillian Louise, we call her Lily Lou for short. She has been a joy to our family. Her and my grandson grew up together and they are still the best of buddies. Even though he's not here every day when he does come over that is her favorite person. They even fought over the same baby toys when they were little. She is now two and a half years old. This summer we lost our cat Mr. Jack Kat to a blood clot he was only 5 years old. Lily mourned him to the point where we had to feed her by hand to get her to eat. She was so sassy with him she would chew out his whiskers and eyebrows off and he would let her. He was just a 20 lb baby. We just got a new kitten Moses Malone Mo for short 3 weeks ago. They are getting along pretty well except for Mo wants to nurse and Lily is not excited about that it's the first time I've ever heard her growl. I've taken to put a onesie on her so that he leaves her alone. Never a dull moment
Norma Bensor
November 1, 2021 at 11:01 pm
We have a little Havanese and just love her. She is 12 now and still full of energy.
She is just the sweetest and loving dog. Still wants her playtime. She is very smart, was very easy to train. We trained her to go outside but also to use a pad if we are not going to be home for awhile. Little one has never gone on the floor from day one.
Trust me you will never be sorry to get this breed. She is our haby.❤️❤️
Michaela Hemsley
September 14, 2021 at 8:11 pm
Thanks for explaining that Havanese dogs are usually very affectionate and gentle. I would like to get a companion dog soon because I think it would help me feel less lonely and would be good for my mental health. I would like a dog that is affectionate and small, so I will have to look into getting a Havanese soon.
Evelyn
May 7, 2022 at 6:07 pm
I have a Havana dog. He is everything you know about his breed. I temporarily took over his care about 2 years because his owner couldn't keep him.. I love him dearly. I'm moving and can't take him with me. He likes to to mark territory. Could be because he requires more attention or because he's not fixed. I put diapers on him. He is nine years old but is very healthy and energetic.
Christina
September 7, 2021 at 12:09 pm
I am a owner of a black long haired Havanese named JAX. He is fun to watch for sure.
But I have a problem I have yet to solve. He gives my son a hard time. He senses him from a distance and will start barking at him. He will dart after him to the point of snapping at his ankle. He won't listen and he won't stop. It's awful because my son lives with me. I've gotten to the point that a squirt from a water sprayer will get his attention and then he will stop. So, some insight to help manage his behavior would be greatly appreciated.
Apiffany Gaither Billings
September 9, 2021 at 1:43 pm
Have you spoken to a trainer or behaviorist to work on this behavior?
Teresa Sue Baker
September 5, 2021 at 11:34 am
These are ideal things to know for any dog.
Jenette
September 1, 2021 at 3:14 pm
I’m from east of Toronto, Canada. I have being looking for a Havanese dog and I can’t find any. I rescued two cats and they both where 18 when they passed away. I miss them so much.
I thought I would like to have a dog. I am a senior and live in a condo. I would really like if you could. Give me any information where I might have some luck finding a little girl.
Thank you so much,
Jenette Kerr
Susan Sweat
August 28, 2021 at 3:59 pm
Great info! Looking to rescue a young to young adult. Not having a lot of luck.
Michelle Schenker
August 30, 2021 at 11:11 am
Hope you find a sweet baby for you Susan!
Garry
August 13, 2021 at 9:08 pm
We just lost our Havanese (Paris) a week ago. I loved reading, again, about the breed. Our Paris lived for 15 years and really didn’t have any major health issues. We also have two Persian cats and they all got along. One of them was very close to Paris and you can tell that he misses her. I’m sure if we get another pet, a Havanese will be at the top of the list.
Kelly Wilson
August 15, 2021 at 6:43 pm
Sorry for your loss, Gary. Appreciate you taking the time to stop by and share your experience with our readers.
Deb orah Taylor
August 11, 2022 at 3:08 pm
My daughter has a Havanese and wants to find him a new home. My grandbaby and Moo Moo are having problems getting along. I love to speak with you, concerning Moo Moo. If you're interested please reach out.
Thanks
Dana
August 13, 2022 at 3:27 am
Hello Deborah, Curious if you've re-homed Moo Moo?
Ray
October 5, 2022 at 2:10 pm
Garry,
I feel your pain man.
We just lost our Buddy Sunday evening to a Bobcat attack that proved fatal.
He was a black Havanese with a white cross on his chest nearly 5 years old and the smartest, most gentle and loving animal I’ve ever seen.
I’m retired so he way always by my side.
Now he’s gone and I’m lost without him.
I realize how much my world revolved around him.
He knew me better than I did myself. We only had 4 years together but I will never forget just how wonderful some dogs can be.
I feel like I’ve buried my son and it’s killing inside. I don’t see how I could ever replace him. The bar has been set too high and I don’t know if I could love another one like I did my Buddy.
Losing him suddenly has affected me like no other losses I’ve ever experienced. I can’t explain it. God I miss him.
Mary
July 18, 2021 at 4:51 pm
I loved your article, it was very informative, and I learned a lot, I recused a 7-year-old and she had no training none, she doesn't even know how to play, and I have no clue how to train a grown dog, it breaks my heart.
Kelly Wilson
July 19, 2021 at 7:52 pm
Thanks for your comment, and thanks for rescuing, Mary! I appreciate your feedback and I'm confident that your pup will learn the proper way to play if you stay consistent!