Owning a Havanese is often described as affordable because it’s a small dog—but that assumption can be misleading. While Havanese dogs don’t eat much and usually cost less to house than large breeds, their grooming needs, veterinary care, and long lifespan can make the total cost higher than many first-time owners expect.

This section gives you a clear financial picture before we dive into details. The goal is simple: help you understand what a Havanese really costs, not just to buy, but to care for properly year after year.

A Havanese typically lives 14–16 years, which means even “small” monthly expenses add up to a serious long-term commitment. The first year is almost always the most expensive due to setup and medical care, while later years become more predictable—but not cheap.

Below is a quick snapshot to help you understand the overall financial range before we break everything down.

Quick Cost Snapshot (Average Estimates)

Cost Category	Estimated Range
First-Year Cost	$2,000 – $4,500
Average Monthly Cost	$120 – $250
Average Annual Cost (After Year One)	$1,500 – $3,000
Estimated Lifetime Cost (14–16 years)	$20,000 – $40,000+

These numbers assume responsible care, including routine vet visits, proper grooming, quality food, and basic prevention. Costs can be higher if:

• You rely heavily on professional grooming
• You live in a high-cost urban area
• Your dog develops allergies, dental issues, or chronic conditions
• You travel often and need boarding or pet sitting

Just as importantly, costs can be lower if you groom at home, avoid emergencies through good preventive care, and budget consistently.

One-Time and First-Year Costs for a Havanese

The first year with a Havanese is usually the most expensive. This is when you pay for getting the dog, early vet care, supplies, and grooming tools. After the first year, costs become more steady and easier to plan.

Below is a clear breakdown so you know exactly where the money goes.

Buying or Adopting a Havanese

How you get your Havanese makes a big difference in cost.

• Adopting from a rescue is usually cheaper
• Buying from a breeder costs more, especially for puppies

Option	Typical Cost Range
Adoption (rescue/shelter)	$200 – $600
Breeder puppy	$1,000 – $3,000+

Breeder prices vary by location, bloodline, and demand. A higher price does not guarantee lower future costs.

Initial Veterinary Costs (First Year)

New dogs need several vet visits in the first year. Puppies cost more than adult dogs because they need more vaccines.

Vet Service	Estimated Cost
Initial exams & vaccines	$150 – $400
Spay or neuter	$200 – $500
Microchip	$40 – $75
Deworming & fecal tests	$50 – $150

Skipping early vet care may save money short-term but often leads to higher costs later.

Setup Supplies You Need Right Away

These are one-time items, but they add up quickly.

Item	Estimated Cost
Crate or playpen	$60 – $150
Bed	$40 – $100
Bowls & leash	$30 – $70
Toys & chews	$40 – $100
Basic grooming tools	$50 – $120

Buying durable items once is usually cheaper than replacing low-quality gear.

Grooming Setup Costs (Very Important for Havanese)

Havanese dogs have long hair that needs regular care. Even if you plan to use a groomer, you still need tools at home.

Grooming Item	Estimated Cost
Slicker brush & comb	$20 – $40
Clippers or scissors	$40 – $100
Dog shampoo & conditioner	$20 – $40

Without regular brushing, mats can form and lead to painful and expensive grooming visits.

Puppy vs Adult First-Year Cost Comparison

Cost Area	Puppy	Adult Dog
Vet care	Higher	Lower
Training	Higher	Lower
Grooming setup	Same	Same
Total first-year cost	Higher	Lower

Puppies are fun but cost more in the first year. Adult dogs are often easier on the budget.

First-Year Cost Summary

Category	Estimated Total
Dog acquisition	$200 – $3,000
Vet care	$400 – $1,000
Supplies & setup	$250 – $500
Grooming setup	$100 – $200
Total First-Year Range	$2,000 – $4,500

These numbers explain why many new owners feel surprised by first-year costs.

Ongoing Monthly and Annual Expenses

After the first year, Havanese costs become more regular and predictable. You will not buy big setup items again, but you will spend money every month on food, grooming, health care, and basic needs.

This section shows what most owners spend each month and each year.

Food and Nutrition Costs

Havanese dogs are small, so they do not eat a lot. Still, good-quality food is important for their long-term health.

Food Type	Monthly Cost
Standard quality food	$20 – $35
Premium or fresh food	$35 – $60

Treats and supplements may add another $5–$15 per month.

Routine Veterinary Care and Preventatives

Even healthy dogs need regular vet visits.

Vet Expense	Average Cost
Annual checkup & vaccines	$150 – $300
Flea, tick & heartworm prevention	$120 – $250 per year
Basic medications or supplements	$50 – $150 per year

Emergency vet visits are not included here and can be much more expensive.

Grooming Costs (Ongoing)

Grooming is one of the biggest long-term costs for a Havanese.

Grooming Method	Monthly Cost
Home grooming only	$10 – $20
Professional grooming	$60 – $120
Mix of home + professional	$30 – $60

Most owners use a mix of home brushing and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.

Training, Enrichment, and Miscellaneous Costs

Even adult dogs need mental and physical activity.

Expense	Monthly Cost
Training refreshers or classes	$10 – $30
Toys & enrichment items	$10 – $25
License or registration	$5 – $10

Average Monthly Cost Breakdown

Category	Monthly Range
Food & treats	$25 – $60
Grooming	$30 – $80
Vet & preventatives	$25 – $60
Miscellaneous	$15 – $40
Total Monthly Cost	$120 – $250

Average Annual Cost (After First Year)

Expense Type	Annual Cost
Food	$300 – $700
Grooming	$400 – $1,000
Routine vet care	$300 – $700
Miscellaneous	$200 – $500
Total Annual Cost	$1,500 – $3,000

These numbers explain why Havanese dogs are not cheap, even though they are small.

Major Cost Drivers and Why Havanese Costs Vary

Not every Havanese costs the same to care for. Two owners can have very different expenses, even with the same breed. This section explains what changes the cost the most and why your budget may be higher or lower than average.

Grooming Is the Biggest Long-Term Cost

Havanese dogs have long, growing hair. This means grooming is not optional.

Grooming Choice	What It Means for Cost
Home grooming only	Lowest cost, but needs time and skill
Professional grooming only	Highest cost, easiest for owners
Mix of both	Most common and balanced option

Owners who skip brushing often face extra grooming fees due to mats and tangles.

Veterinary Costs: Routine vs Emergency

Routine vet care is predictable. Emergency care is not.

Vet Care Type	Typical Cost Range
Routine annual care	$300 – $700
Dental cleaning	$300 – $800
Emergency vet visit	$800 – $3,000+

A single emergency can cost more than a full year of normal care.

Living Situation and Lifestyle

Where and how you live affects your total cost.

• Apartment living may increase grooming and walking services
• Busy work schedules may require dog walkers or daycare
• Frequent travel adds boarding or pet-sitting costs

Lifestyle Factor	Cost Impact
Apartment living	Medium
House with yard	Lower
Frequent travel	High

One Dog vs Multiple Dogs

Some costs double with a second dog, others do not.

Expense Type	Cost Change
Food & grooming	Doubles
Vet care	Increases
Toys & supplies	Slight increase

Multi-dog homes save on some items but spend more overall.

Location and Regional Pricing

Costs are higher in cities and lower in rural areas.

Area Type	Cost Level
Large city	High
Suburban area	Medium
Rural area	Lower

Grooming and vet prices can vary a lot by location.

Budgeting, Hidden Costs, and Smart Ways to Save

Many Havanese owners plan for food and grooming but forget about extra and surprise costs. This last section helps you plan smarter so dog ownership stays fun, not stressful.

Hidden and Often Forgotten Costs

These costs do not happen every month, but they matter.

Hidden Cost	Typical Cost Range
Boarding or pet sitting	$30 – $75 per day
Travel fees (airlines, hotels)	$100 – $500 per trip
Dental cleanings	$300 – $800
Replacing chewed items	$100 – $300 per year
Emergency fund	$500 – $1,500+

Dental care is one of the most missed costs for small dogs like the Havanese.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Havanese

Budget Item	Monthly Amount
Food & treats	$40
Grooming	$50
Vet & preventatives	$40
Toys & supplies	$20
Emergency savings	$25
Estimated Monthly Total	$175

This example shows a realistic and safe budget, not the cheapest possible one.

Smart Ways to Save Without Hurting Care

Saving money is good, but cutting the wrong corners can cost more later.

Good ways to save:

• Brush your dog at home between grooming visits
• Buy quality food to reduce vet visits
• Prevent dental problems early
• Build a small emergency fund

Bad ways to save:

• Skipping vet visits
• Ignoring grooming
• Buying very cheap food
• Avoiding training

Final Reality Check

A Havanese is loving, friendly, and great for many homes—but it is not a “cheap” dog. Over a lifetime, costs can reach $20,000 to $40,000 or more.

If you can plan ahead, budget monthly, and handle surprise costs, a Havanese can be a wonderful and manageable companion.

For more general guidance on budgeting, veterinary care, and responsible pet ownership, you can also review the dog cost resources provided by American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which offer helpful benchmarks for ongoing dog care

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