Overview
Havanese dog is a small, cheerful, and affectionate toy breed that holds a special place in history as the only dog breed native to Cuba. Once a beloved companion of Cuban aristocracy, today the Havanese has become a family favorite worldwide.
They are instantly recognizable by their silky, flowing double coat, friendly expression, and deep brown eyes that sparkle with curiosity. Often described as “velcro dogs,” they stick close to their humans and thrive on attention and affection. Whether you live in a busy city apartment or a suburban home, the Havanese adapts well as long as they are surrounded by love and companionship.
Key Characteristics of the Havanese dog
- Size: A sturdy but small toy breed, standing 8.5–11.5 inches tall and weighing 7–13 pounds.
- Coat: Long, soft double coat that can be straight, wavy, or slightly curly. Their silky coat comes in a wide range of colors. It doesn’t shed much but does need regular grooming to avoid tangles.
- Temperament: Playful, intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please. Known as “velcro dogs” for their loyalty and closeness to their owners.
- Personality: Curious, lively, and social. They love kids, other dogs, and even cats when socialized early. Not suited for long hours of alone time as they can develop separation anxiety.
- Watchdog Ability: Alert and vocal but too friendly to be a guard dog.
Personality and Temperament
The Havanese dog is known for being a true companion breed. They bond deeply with their families and love being included in daily life. Playful and curious, they are natural entertainers and thrive in homes where they can interact often.
Unlike some toy breeds, they are not overly yappy or nervous if trained properly. Their affectionate and gentle nature makes them wonderful with children, while their adaptable temperament allows them to get along well with other pets.
Because of their people-focused personality, they don’t tolerate being left alone for too long. A lonely Havanese may bark excessively or develop anxiety-related habits. This breed is happiest when surrounded by love and activity.
Grooming and Care
The most eye-catching feature of the Havanese dog is its luxurious coat. Depending on the type, it may be silky straight, wavy, or curly. While the coat is low-shedding and hypoallergenic, it does require consistent grooming.
- Brushing: Several times a week to prevent mats and tangles.
- Bathing: Every 2–3 weeks with gentle dog shampoo.
- Haircuts: Many owners choose to keep their Havanese in a “puppy cut” for easier maintenance.
- Dental Care: Regular brushing is a must since toy breeds can have dental issues.
- Exercise: Moderate – daily walks and playtime are enough.
Health and Wellness
The Havanese dog is generally healthy with a lifespan of 14–16 years, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions.
- Joint Issues: Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps), hip dysplasia, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.
- Eye Conditions: Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
- Other Concerns: Deafness, heart murmurs, and liver shunts.
Responsible breeders test for these conditions, but regular vet checkups and preventive care are essential for a long, happy life.
Best-Suited For
The Havanese is perfect for:
- Families with children
- Seniors looking for a gentle, loving companion
- Apartment dwellers (as long as they aren’t left alone too long)
- Homes with other pets
They’re adaptable, affectionate, and always ready to cuddle or play, making them one of the most versatile companion breeds.
Lifespan of a Havanese
On average, a Havanese dog lives between 14 and 16 years. With proper care, balanced nutrition, regular grooming, and preventive veterinary visits, many even live beyond that. Their long life expectancy makes them a wonderful long-term family member.
Try our Dog Age Calculator to find out your Havanese’s age in human years.
Most Searched Havanese Mixes & Terms
Havanese Poodle Mix (Havapoo)
A cross between the Havanese and Poodle, this hybrid is playful, affectionate, and hypoallergenic. Known as the Havapoo, it’s a perfect choice for allergy-sensitive families.
Havanese Adoption
Many Havanese dogs are available through rescues and shelters. If you’re considering adoption, check the Havanese Rescue Inc. to give a dog a loving home.
Golden Havanese
This mix between a Golden Retriever and Havanese is rare but highly affectionate. They inherit the friendliness of a Golden and the charm of a Havanese, making them loyal and family-friendly.
Havanese Breed Traits
Havanese are playful, intelligent, adaptable, and affectionate. They’re known for being excellent therapy dogs due to their gentle and comforting nature.
Havanese Brown
Brown is one of the many coat colors of the Havanese. Their silky hair can also come in black, cream, silver, sable, and even multi-colored patterns.
Havanese Short Hair
While Havanese naturally have long coats, many owners opt for a short “puppy cut” that makes grooming easier while keeping their dog comfortable and stylish.
Havanese Adult
Adult Havanese usually weigh between 7–13 pounds and stand 8.5–11.5 inches tall. Their personalities become calmer and more affectionate with age while still retaining their playful side.
Havanese and Shih Tzu Mix (Havatzu)
This mix combines the Havanese with the Shih Tzu, resulting in a small, affectionate, and social dog. The Havatzu is friendly, playful, and thrives in family settings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Havanese Dogs
Q1: Do Havanese dogs shed?
No, Havanese are a low-shedding breed, making them a great choice for allergy-prone families.
Q2: Are Havanese easy to train?
Yes! They are intelligent and eager to please, responding well to positive reinforcement.
Q3: Can Havanese be left alone?
Not for long. They crave companionship and can develop separation anxiety.
Q4: How much does a Havanese dog cost?
The price varies, but typically between $1,000 and $2,500 depending on breeder and lineage.
Q5: Do Havanese bark a lot?
They may bark to alert you, but they’re not excessive barkers with proper training.
Q6: Are Havanese good with children?
Yes, they’re playful, gentle, and patient, making them excellent family pets.
Q7: What is the lifespan of a Havanese?
Most live 14–16 years, making them one of the longer-living toy breeds.
Q8: What are the cons about Havanese?
Some downsides include their need for frequent grooming, tendency for separation anxiety, and higher price compared to other breeds.
Q9: What two dogs make up a Havanese?
The Havanese originated from the Bichon family of dogs and is closely related to breeds like the Bichon Frise and Maltese. They were developed in Cuba as a unique companion breed.
Q10: How much does a Havanese dog cost?
On average, a Havanese costs $1,000–$2,500 depending on breeder, lineage, and location. Adoption may be less expensive.
Q11: Is a Havanese a high-maintenance dog?
Yes, in terms of grooming. Their long, silky coat requires frequent brushing to prevent mats. However, their exercise needs are moderate and easy to manage.
Final Words
The Havanese dog is a joyful, loving, and loyal companion. With their hypoallergenic coats, playful nature, and affectionate temperament, they’ve earned their place as one of the most popular toy breeds worldwide. Whether you’re considering a purebred Havanese or exploring mixes like the Havapoo or Havatzu, one thing is certain: this breed brings endless joy and companionship.
For more details on breed standards and official recognition, visit the American Kennel Club (AKC) Havanese Page.