Havanese Dog Breed Information: Traits, Facts, Care & More
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Havanese
Havanese are cheerful, affectionate, and intelligent toy dogs known for their silky coats, playful nature, and friendly disposition. As the national dog of Cuba, the Havanese was originally bred as a companion dog for Cuban aristocracy and has since become a beloved family pet worldwide. These dogs thrive on human companionship and are often described as “Velcro dogs” because of their strong attachment to their owners. Despite their small size, Havanese are sturdy and adaptable, excelling in apartment living as well as larger homes. They are quick learners who respond well to positive training and enjoy activities like agility, tricks, and interactive play. Their outgoing personality makes them excellent with children and other pets. These lively charmers make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike, offering a mix of playfulness, loyalty, and affection in a small yet resilient package.
- Breed popularity ranking: 25 of 202
- Club: Havanese Club of America
- Population: 300,000+ (estimated in the U.S.)
- Price: $1,000 – $2,500
Weight
7–13 lbs
Height
8.5–11.5 inches
Lifespan
14–16 years
Breed Group
Toy Group
Havanese Growth Chart
History and Origin
The Havanese, Cuba’s only native breed, traces its ancestry back to the Mediterranean region, where small Bichon-type dogs were brought by Spanish settlers in the early 1500s. These dogs adapted to the tropical Cuban climate and developed into the Havanese, named after Havana, Cuba’s capital. Bred as companion dogs for the Cuban aristocracy, Havanese became treasured lapdogs known for their affectionate temperament, lively spirit, and distinctive silky coat.
Unlike many breeds created for work or sport, the Havanese was always intended as a devoted companion. Their playful personality, adaptability, and gentle nature made them well-suited for family life and social gatherings. Their unique coat, which is light and airy, helped them stay comfortable in the Cuban heat while maintaining their elegant appearance.
The breed nearly vanished after the Cuban Revolution, but a small number were brought to the United States by Cuban families in the 1960s. Dedicated breeders worked to preserve and revive the Havanese, leading to its official recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1996. Today, the Havanese is beloved worldwide as a charming family dog, admired for its affectionate nature, trainability, and joyful personality.
Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body Build | Small, sturdy, and slightly longer than tall; flexible topline and lively, springy gait |
| Coat Type | Long, silky, and lightweight double coat; wavy to curly; low-shedding |
| Coat Colors | White, cream, fawn, gold, black, chocolate, sable, brindle, parti, Irish pied, black & tan, and mixes |
| Facial Features | Full beard and mustache; expressive face with abundant facial furnishings |
| Chest | Deep and well-developed; coat often fuller on the chest; small white patches acceptable |
| Tail | High-set, plumed, and carried over the back in a loose arch with flowing hair |
| Ears | Drop ears of moderate length, set high, with silky feathering |
| Eyes | Large, dark, almond-shaped; soft, gentle expression |
| Nose | Black preferred; brown allowed in chocolate coats; well-pigmented |
| Feet | Small, compact, and well-arched; neat, well-furred toes |
| Overall Expression | Friendly, cheerful, and intelligent; playful and people-oriented |
Havanese Characteristics
The further out a point is along a spoke, the stronger that trait is in the breed (on a scale of 1 to 10).
| Trait | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | 9 | Sunny, affectionate, and people‑oriented; thrives on companionship and gentle play. |
| Sociability & Friendliness | 9 | Very friendly with family and polite with strangers; usually great with kids and other pets. |
| Intelligence | 7 | Smart and observant, learns routines quickly though not as driven as working breeds. |
| Trainability | 8 | Responds well to positive reinforcement; consistency helps, especially with house‑training. |
| Energy Level | 6 | Moderate energy; enjoys daily walks and play but is content to relax with the family. |
| Shedding Level | 2 | Low shedding; hair grows continuously and needs routine brushing and periodic trims. |
| Protective Instinct | 3 | More of a greeter than a guardian; may alert, but not protective by nature. |
| Loyalty | 9 | Deeply attached to their people; often a Velcro‑style companion who follows you around. |
| Barking Level | 7 | Can be vocal when excited or alerting; early training helps keep it in check. |
| Adaptability | 9 | Excellent apartment dog; adapts well to travel and new environments with proper socialization. |
Exercise & Activity Breakdown
Havanese are cheerful and lively toy dogs with a strong need for companionship and play. While they don’t require the intense physical activity of larger breeds, they do thrive on daily walks, interactive play, and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, anxiety, or unwanted behaviors like barking or chewing.
- Puppy (0–12 months): At this stage, Havanese puppies are curious and eager to bond. Short walks, gentle play sessions, early training, and plenty of socialization are key. Activities like fetch, tug toys, and interactive games help build good habits, focus, and confidence.
- Adult (1–6 years): Adult Havanese benefit from daily walks, indoor play, and mentally engaging activities. Puzzle toys, basic obedience training, and canine sports suitable for small dogs—such as agility or rally—help keep them sharp and active. Regular playtime with their owners is especially important due to their social nature.
- Senior (7+ years): As they age, Havanese may slow down, but they still enjoy gentle walks and short bursts of play to maintain their mobility and health. Low-impact brain games and a consistent routine support both their physical well-being and emotional stability.
Havanese Daily Activity Breakdown
Nutrition
Havanese need a high-quality diet that matches their life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior). As a small breed with a lively personality and moderate energy needs, it’s important to feed them food specifically formulated for toy or small breed dogs to support their energy, coat health, digestion, and overall well-being.
These diets should include a balanced mix of nutrients to support their long, silky coat, skin health, dental care, and immune system. Since Havanese can be prone to weight gain if overfed, portion control and nutrient-dense, small-bite formulas are key. As they age, a diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and joint-supporting nutrients can help maintain mobility, eye health, and cognitive function. Read our “Best Havanese Dog Food” guide to explore targeted nutrition tips and top food recommendations.
Nutritional Breakdown by Activity Level for Havanese
Common Health Issues
Most Havanese are healthy, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Common health concerns include:
*DD: Dental Disease
*SZS: Seizures
Recommended Health Tests for Havanese:
Proactive health measures, attentive care, and regular veterinary visits can help ensure your Havanese lives a happy and healthy life as your loyal companion.
💡 Due to this breed’s high proclivity to health issues, we recommend getting pet insurance for financial protection against unexpected medical emergencies, ensuring your pet receives the best possible care without the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses. Check out our best pet insurance guide to find a suitable plan for your pet.
Care Requirements
| Grooming Task | Recommended Frequency | Importance | Tools Needed | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brushing | Daily | Prevents mats and tangles, removes loose fur, and promotes healthy skin | Slicker brush, de-shedding tool, grooming mitt | Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Dog Brush (View on Amazon) |
| Bathing | Every 3–4 weeks | Keeps coat clean, reduces odor, and helps control shedding | dog-safe shampoo, conditioner, towel, hair dryer (optional) | OUAI Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo (View on Amazon) |
| Nail Trimming | Every 2–3 weeks | Prevents overgrowth, pain, and potential injury while walking | dog nail clippers, nail grinder, styptic powder | Coastal Pet Safari Nail Clipper (View on Amazon) |
| Ear Cleaning | Every 1–2 weeks | Prevents ear infections, especially in floppy-eared breeds | Ear cleaning solution, cotton balls or pads (no Q-tips) | Zymox Ear Cleanser (View on Amazon) |
| Oral Care (Brushing Teeth) | Daily | Reduces plaque and tartar buildup, prevents gum disease and bad breath | Dog toothbrush, enzymatic toothpaste, dental chews | Greenies Dental Care Chews (View on Amazon) |
Havanese Dog Trainability
Havanese are intelligent, eager-to-please, and affectionate companion dogs. Known for their gentle temperament and sociable nature, they typically respond very well to training, especially when it involves positive reinforcement. Consistent, reward-based training that uses praise, treats, and play works best. Their sensitivity means harsh methods should be avoided, as they thrive in environments where learning feels fun and encouraging. They are quick learners and enjoy participating in obedience training, agility, and even trick training, thanks to their playful personality and adaptability. Early socialization and structured guidance are crucial in helping them develop into well-mannered adults.
When compared to other breeds, Havanese excel with patience, gentle direction, and interactive learning. Their intelligence, combined with their strong desire to bond with their owners, makes them highly trainable. With consistency and positive reinforcement, they grow into confident, adaptable, and delightful companions.
Intelligence
According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren (author of The Intelligence of Dogs – View on Amazon), dog intelligence can be broken down into three types:
- Instinctive Intelligence – What a dog is bred to do (herding, guarding, retrieving).
- Adaptive Intelligence – A dog’s ability to solve problems and learn from the environment.
- Working & Obedience Intelligence – How quickly a dog learns commands and obeys them.
IQ Comparison
Havanese are known for their sharp intelligence and eagerness to please, thriving in environments where interaction, attention, and positive reinforcement are present. Ranked among the smarter toy breeds, they excel at learning new commands quickly and retaining them with consistency. Their curious minds and playful energy make them excellent at trick training, agility for small dogs, and performing routines, often enjoying opportunities where they can engage and bond with their families.
Havanese shine when training is kept fun and interactive. While their sensitive nature means they respond best to gentle, positive methods, they are quick learners who adapt well with patient guidance and consistent routines. Their awareness, adaptability, and strong desire to connect with their owners allow them to excel in obedience and intelligence rankings far beyond what their small size suggests.
Dog Breed Intelligence Comparison
Breeding
Havanese are cherished for their affectionate temperament, intelligence, and playful nature. Like many purebred dogs, however, they can be prone to inherited health conditions such as luxating patella, hip dysplasia, eye problems (cataracts, PRA), heart disease, liver shunt, hypothyroidism, and deafness. This makes responsible breeding essential. Ethical breeders should perform recommended health screenings and genetic testing to reduce the risk of passing on serious conditions. Proper spacing between litters is important to protect the health of both the dam and puppies, and only healthy, well-tempered Havanese should be bred.
- Age: Havanese should not be bred until they are fully mature—typically between 18 and 24 months of age.
- Litter size: A typical Havanese litter includes 4–7 puppies.
- Temperament: Breeding dogs should have sound temperaments—gentle, friendly, and outgoing, without signs of aggression, extreme shyness, or nervousness.
Is The Havanese A Good Family Dog?
If the conditions below align with your lifestyle, personal preferences, and living situation, a Havanese could be a wonderful pet for your family. Otherwise, you may want to consider other breeds.
✅ = Ideal / Strong Match | ⚠️ = Needs Consideration | ❌ = Not Recommended
| Suitability | Category | Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | Family Bonding | 10 | Extremely affectionate and thrives on companionship with family members. |
| ✅ | Child Friendliness | 8 | Great with gentle children; playful yet patient. |
| ✅ | Good With Other Pets | 8 | Generally friendly and sociable with dogs and cats. |
| ⚠️ | Maintenance Level | 8 | Requires daily brushing and frequent grooming to prevent tangles in long silky coat. |
| ⚠️ | Monthly Expenses | 7 | Professional grooming and dental care can add up. |
| ✅ | Home Size Compatibility | 9 | Well-suited for apartments or houses; highly adaptable. |
| ✅ | Lifestyle Match | 9 | Ideal for attentive owners who enjoy cuddling and moderate activity. |
| ✅ | Trainability | 8 | Smart and eager to please; responds well to positive training. |
| ⚠️ | Alone Time Tolerance | 4 | Prone to separation anxiety; dislikes being left alone too long. |
| ✅ | Shedding & Drool Level | 8 | Low-shedding, minimal drool; considered hypoallergenic. |
| ✅ | Hypoallergenic | 8 | Good choice for allergy-sensitive owners due to low dander. |
| ⚠️ | Protectiveness | 6 | Alert watchdog, but not aggressive. |
| ✅ | Mental Stimulation Needs | 8 | Needs games, puzzles, and engagement to stay happy. |
| ⚠️ | Climate Tolerance | 6 | Handles moderate climates best; coat offers little heat protection. |
| ✅ | Life Expectancy | 9 | Lives 14–16 years on average with good care. |
| ⚠️ | Barking Level | 7 | Can be vocal; early training reduces nuisance barking. |
| ✅ | Travel Friendliness | 8 | Compact size and easygoing nature make them great travel companions. |
| ⚠️ | Potty Training Ease | 6 | Can be a little stubborn; consistency helps. |
Average Score: 7.72 / 10
Annual Cost of Ownership
| Category | Estimated Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Food & Treats | $400 – $700 |
| Routine Vet Care | $350 – $600 |
| Vaccinations & Preventatives | $250 – $450 |
| Pet Insurance | $300 – $600 |
| Grooming | $400 – $800 |
| Training & Socialization | $200 – $400 |
| Toys & Enrichment | $100 – $250 |
| Supplies (bed, bowls, leash, etc.) | $150 – $250 |
| Emergency Vet Fund (recommended) | $400 – $800 |
| Boarding or Pet Sitting | $300 – $600 |
$2,850 – $5,450
Best Places to Get A Havanese
Online marketplaces: For pre-screened, healthy puppies, Pawrade and PuppySpot are recommended resources, offering puppies from reputable U.S. breeders.
Rescue shelters: While Havanese are rarely available at local shelters, opportunities can occasionally arise. Check your local animal shelters or dog rescue organizations for information. Online communities, such as Facebook groups, can also be helpful resources.
Breeders: Finding a reputable Havanese breeder can be challenging due to the complex nature of breeding this large, purebred working dog. Start by searching locally within your state. You may need to travel out of state if local options are unavailable. If purchasing from a breeder further away, consider the possibility of shipping the puppy if pickup is not an option. It’s essential to request medical records and health certifications for both parents. The American Havanese Association’s approved breeder list is a trusted resource for finding ethical breeders.
Avoid breeders who:
- Don’t provide health clearances for both parents
- Don’t allow visits to meet the dogs or see their living conditions
- Have frequent litters with no waiting list
- Emphasize appearance over health and temperament
