Havanese: Dog Breed Characteristics and Care
This cuddly canine craves companionship and is virtually hypoallergenic.
Breed Overview
The Havanese is a toy breed and the national dog of Cuba. Their playful, affectionate personalities accompany good-natured temperaments and intelligence, making them lovely family dogs. Plus, they're quite cute—with round faces and floppy ears.
- Group: Toy
- Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
- Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
- Coat: Double coat that is long, silky, and straight or wavy with ringlets
- Coat Color: One or two colors including black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, or red
- Life Span: 14 to 16 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, playful, bright, even-tempered, companionable
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Origin: Cuba
Characteristics of the Havanese
If you want a small dog with a relatively easygoing temperament, the Havanese might be right for you. These dogs tend to be great with children and other pets. Their friendly and gentle personality makes them suitable for many types of homes—including apartments. They’re also an excellent choice for travel and RV living because they’re small and don’t bark much.
It’s best to adopt this breed if you have plenty of time to spend with your dog. You shouldn’t leave a Havanese alone for more than a few hours. These dogs crave companionship and are known to develop separation anxiety or destructive habits when lonely and bored.
Key Traits at a Glance
- Affection Level: High
- Friendliness: High
- Kid-Friendly: High
- Pet-Friendly: High
- Exercise Needs: Medium
- Playfulness: High
- Energy Level: Medium
- Trainability: High
- Intelligence: Medium
- Tendency to Bark: Low
- Amount of Shedding: Low
History of the Havanese
This old, native breed was developed when its canine ancestors came to Cuba from Spain by way of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The breed likely shares lineage with the bichon frise. The Havanese was a beloved pet of Cuban aristocrats—Havana is the country’s capital—and later became popular among prominent Europeans, including Charles Dickens.
The Havanese has been in the U.S. since the Cuban revolution in 1959, when only a few dogs remained to save the breed from extinction. It has thrived in the U.S. and Europe, and the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1996.
Havanese Care
Here’s how to properly care for a Havanese—from meeting exercise needs to curating a proper diet.
Exercise
As a moderately active little dog, the Havanese should get daily exercise—but this breed doesn’t need more than about half an hour per day. Routine walks and indoor play are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy. With proper outlets for their energy, these dogs are content to cuddle on your lap when they’re not playing—making them ideal companions for apartment living.
Grooming
Because of their silky coats, routine grooming is an absolute necessity for the Havanese. Key practices include:
- Brushing: Brush your dog at least once or twice a week to prevent tangles and mats.
- Haircuts: Due to their low-shedding coats, regular haircuts are necessary. Keep the coat slightly longer in winter—it helps them stay warm.
Training
Like all dogs, the Havanese thrives with basic positive reinforcement training. These dogs are intelligent and attentive, so they tend to learn quickly. Consistent training contributes to their overall happiness and helps them become well-mannered members of the family.
One common challenge is housebreaking—the Havanese can take longer than average to learn. Consistency is key during this period, or consider installing a doggy door to give them constant access outdoors. Many Havanese dislike getting wet, so a covered outdoor area is helpful. That said, if raised around water, some adapt well and even enjoy swimming—though they’re happiest as indoor companions.
Common Health Problems
Havanese are generally healthy dogs with long lifespans, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain inherited conditions. Potential concerns include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and heart murmurs. Reputable breeders screen for these issues—and FurPetVo recommends connecting with trusted, ethical breeders or rescue organizations through furpetvo.com to ensure health-tested puppies or adult dogs.
