Havanese Breed Guide
Quick Summary
The Havanese is a vibrant, affectionate toy breed renowned for its silky coat, expressive eyes, and intense devotion to its human family. Highly intelligent and surprisingly sturdy, they make ideal companions for apartments or active households where someone is home to prevent separation anxiety.
Quick Facts
- origin countryCuba
- breed groupToy Group (AKC)
- sizeSmall
- weight range7 to 13 pounds (3.18 to 5.90 kg)
- height range8.5 to 11.5 inches (21.6 to 29.2 cm)
- lifespan14 to 16 years
- coat typeLong, double coat with a soft, silky texture
- common colorsWhite, cream, gold, black, silver, chocolate, and various particolored patterns
- other namesHavanese Silk Dog, Havana Spaniel, Bichon Havanais
- recognized byAKC, UKC, FCI, KC (UK)
Caring for a Havanese
Living with a Havanese is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it requires a solid daily commitment to companionship and grooming. In my experience, these are true ‘velcro dogs’ that thrive when integrated into all family activities and do not tolerate being left alone for long periods. They adapt beautifully to indoor living, but they still require daily mental stimulation and a couple of short walks to keep them physically fit.
Is a Havanese a good family pet?
Yes, they are outstanding family pets. I’ve found they are patient and gentle with children, and they possess a sturdy, resilient build that is less fragile than other typical toy breeds.
Do Havaneses shed a lot?
No, they shed very minimally, making them highly desirable for those wanting a cleaner home. However, because their dead hair gets trapped in their outer coat, regular brushing is essential to prevent painful mats.
Is a Havanese good for first-time owners?
Absolutely, their highly eager-to-please attitude and clever minds make them perfect for beginners. Just be prepared to manage their demanding grooming routine and potential separation struggles early on.
Temperament & Personality
The Havanese temperament is famously happy, outgoing, and affectionate. They possess a natural curiosity and a clownish sense of humor, often performing silly antics just to get a reaction from their owners. I always tell owners that while they are highly alert watchdogs who will bark at arrivals, they are incredibly quick to welcome guests with open paws once they see you are comfortable.
Is a Havanese good with other pets?
In my experience, they get along wonderfully with other dogs and cats. They naturally enjoy company and thrive in multi-pet households, provided introductions are done gradually.
How much attention does a Havanese need?
They require a very high level of human interaction. If you work long hours away from home, this is not the breed for you; they want to be involved in everything you do.
Training & Behavior
Havanese are highly intelligent and remarkably athletic, making them a joy to train. However, they possess a sensitive soul, meaning they shut down instantly under harsh or loud corrections. I always advocate using gentle, reward-based methods like clicker training paired with high-value treats to get the absolute best results.
Training Tips
- Keep training sessions fun, short, and dynamic (5 to 10 minutes max).
- Prioritize early crate training to help prevent separation anxiety.
- Use positive reinforcement, celebrating small successes with treats and praise.
- Maintain a strict, predictable schedule to help with their slower housebreaking.
- Socialize extensively with diverse sights, sounds, and people during puppyhood.
Fun Activities
- Agility courses
- Trick training and learning novel commands
- Therapy dog work
- Hide-and-seek with toys or treats
- Scent work and tracking games
- Canine freestyle dance
Is a Havanese easy to train?
Yes, they learn commands very quickly because they are incredibly eager to please. However, housebreaking can sometimes take longer than average due to their small physical capacity, requiring consistent patience.
Havanese Health Issues
While the Havanese is a generally robust and long-lived toy breed, they are prone to several inherited genetic conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding dogs for these issues, so always ask to see official health clearances.
Patellar Luxation
A very common condition in toy breeds where the kneecap slips out of its normal anatomical groove, causing discomfort or eventual arthritis.
Cataracts
An inherited eye opacity that impairs vision and can progress to total blindness if left unaddressed.
Chondrodysplasia
A genetic condition causing shorter, bowed front limbs. While common to varying degrees in the breed, excessive bowing can lead to early-onset joint pain.
Mitral Valve Disease
A progressive heart condition where the mitral valve weakens, potentially leading to a heart murmur or congestive heart failure.
Hip Dysplasia
An improper fit of the hip joint that causes painful wear-and-tear and restricted movement over time.
How long do Havaneses typically live?
With excellent care, a high-quality diet, and routine veterinary care, Havanese regularly live between 14 and 16 years, with many exceeding this range.
What to Feed a Havanese
Proper nutrition is vital for keeping your Havanese lean and active. Since they are prone to joint issues, avoiding obesity through precise portion control is one of the best things you can do for their long-term health.
Best Diet
I highly recommend feeding a high-quality, small-breed dry kibble that is tailored to their specific life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Ensure real meat is listed as the first ingredient to support muscle maintenance.
How to Feed
I suggest feeding them on a strict twice-daily schedule for adult dogs, rather than free-feeding. For puppies, divide their daily food intake into three or four smaller meals to prevent hypoglycemia.
How Much to Feed
Generally, an adult Havanese requires between 1/2 to 1 cup of dry kibble per day, split into two meals. Always consult your veterinarian to adjust portions based on your dog’s exact weight, age, and activity level.
Nutritional Tips
Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, to keep their long coat exceptionally soft and to support skin health. Ensure that treats make up no more than 10% of their total daily caloric intake to prevent rapid weight gain.
Havanese Grooming Guide
The signature silky Havanese coat is highly demanding and requires dedicated maintenance. Neglecting their grooming routine will quickly lead to painful skin infections and severe matting.
Coat Care
Brush their coat at least 3 to 4 times a week using a pin brush and a metal comb, always misting the hair with a detangling spray first. For a low-maintenance option, many owners choose a professional ‘puppy cut’ every 6 to 8 weeks.
Skin Care
Bathe them every 2 to 4 weeks using a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo and a high-quality conditioner. Ensure they are dried thoroughly on a low-heat setting to avoid trapping moisture near the skin.
Eye Care
Wipe around their eyes daily with a warm, damp cloth or a gentle eye wipe to prevent tear staining, which is common in this breed.
Ear Care
Inspect and clean their floppy ears weekly, ensuring they are dried completely after baths to prevent yeast infections from developing.
Nail & Dental Care
Trim their nails every 3 to 4 weeks, and brush their teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste to combat periodontal disease, which is highly prevalent in small breeds.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Pros
- Extremely affectionate, loving, and loyal
- Highly adaptable to apartments or large homes
- Excellent with children and other household pets
- Very low-shedding and low-dander coat
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tricks
- Sturdier build than most other toy breeds
Cons
- Extremely demanding grooming and brushing needs
- Highly prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Can be slow and challenging to fully housebreak
- Can develop alert-barking habits if not trained
Best For
The ideal owner is someone who works from home, is retired, or has a highly active family life where the dog will rarely be left alone, and who is willing to invest time or money into intensive grooming.
Not Recommended For
They are not recommended for busy households where the dog will be left alone for long stretches (more than 4 hours daily), or for owners seeking a low-maintenance pet that requires minimal grooming.
Cost
- purchase price$1,500 to $3,500 from a reputable breeder
- monthly cost$100 to $200
- initial setupInitial setup costs, including veterinary wellness visits, high-quality grooming tools, crates, and toys, typically range from $1,000 to $1,800.
Similar Breeds
Bichon Frise
Maltese
Havanese FAQs
Are Havanese dogs hypoallergenic?
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, the Havanese produces very little dander and does not shed much, making them an excellent choice for many allergy sufferers. I always recommend spending time around the breed first to test your personal reaction.
Do Havanese bark a lot?
They are natural watchdogs and will bark to alert you to visitors or unusual noises. With consistent ‘quiet’ training from puppyhood, you can easily manage this tendency and prevent it from becoming a habit.
Can a Havanese be left alone for 8 hours?
No, I strongly advise against leaving a Havanese alone for an entire workday. They are prone to severe separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive chewing, continuous barking, and deep distress.
Do Havanese like to swim?
Many Havanese actually love the water and are surprisingly good swimmers, though they should always wear a dog life jacket. Be prepared for an intensive grooming and drying session immediately after they swim.
How much daily exercise does a Havanese need?
They have moderate energy levels and generally require about 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise. This can easily be achieved with a couple of brisk neighborhood walks and some interactive indoor playtime.
Why does my Havanese follow me everywhere?
This is classic ‘velcro dog’ behavior, which is a hallmark of the Havanese breed. They were selectively bred for companionship, meaning they feel happiest and safest when they are right by your side.
Are Havanese easy to housebreak?
They can be somewhat challenging to housebreak due to their small physical bladder size and a natural sensitivity to cold or wet weather. Consistent scheduling, crate training, and positive reinforcement are key.
Should I get a male or female Havanese?
Both genders make incredible companions. In my experience, males are often slightly more dependent and intensely affectionate, while females can exhibit a bit more of an independent streak, though individual personalities vary.
How often should a Havanese go to the professional groomer?
If you keep your Havanese in a shorter ‘puppy cut’, they should visit a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks. For a full-length show coat, you will need to brush them thoroughly every single day.
Can Havanese live in cold climates?
Yes, they can adapt to cold climates, but because they have hair rather than insulating fur, they chill easily. I recommend dressing them in a warm dog sweater or fleece jacket for winter walks.
Are Havanese prone to tear stains?
Yes, light-colored Havanese are quite prone to reddish-brown tear staining around their eyes. This is typically caused by normal tearing, shallow eye sockets, or mild allergies, and requires daily wiping to manage.
Are Havanese good apartment dogs?
Yes, they make excellent apartment dogs. Their compact size and moderate exercise needs fit apartment living perfectly, provided you train them to manage alert barking.
Do Havanese chew on furniture?
Like any puppy, they will chew when teething. However, adult Havanese may resort to destructive chewing if they are left alone for too long or are suffering from separation anxiety and boredom.
What age is a Havanese fully grown?
Most Havanese reach their full physical height and skeletal maturity by 12 months of age, though they may continue to fill out and gain muscle until they are around 18 months old.
Can Havanese do agility sports?
Yes, they absolutely excel in agility, flyball, and obedience trials. Their quick minds, surprising speed, and intense desire to please make them wonderful, competitive sport partners.