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A truly endearing canine companion, the Havanese breed makes a wonderful family pet and is gaining in popularity worldwide. Given their loving nature, calm disposition and low energy requirements, it is easy to see why this dog breed is such a firm favourite among both new and experienced dog owners.
This comprehensive guide discusses the Havanese in great detail, highlighting both their physical attributes as well as their general disposition. We take a closer look at their overall health, exercise requirements and their grooming needs. If you’re considering getting a new furry friend, this is the perfect read to discover more about the Havanese.
Lifespan
14 - 16 years
Size
Small/Toy-Sized
Weight
7-13 pounds
Height
8.5-11.5 inches
Colors
White, Black, Chocolate, Cream, Fawn, Gold, Gold Sable, Black & Tan, Black & Tan
Size of home
Their small size makes them ideal for apartment living. However, they can also thrive in larger homes, provided they receive regular exercise and attention. Havanese dogs are content with frequent walks and games of fetch, so having a large yard is not essential.
Exercise
While they are active and playful, their exercise needs are relatively low, requiring around 30 minutes of exercise per day.
Grooming
Havanese have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming.
Originally bred in Havana, Cuba, the Havanese is now well-known internationally. As they were always destined to be a companion dog, they’ve never had any specific purpose or ‘job’. This makes them an ideal choice for a family pet, particularly in a home where they may not get a huge amount of exercise, or where it would be challenging for the family to give them constant ‘jobs’ to keep them busy.
When you picture a Havanese, your mind tends to jump straight to their silky, wavy coat. These dogs are visually very cute and appealing, and their fur doesn’t tend to shed much. The small price to pay is that they do need very regular grooming and can be prone to matting.
Possibly the biggest selling point of this bundle of fluff is their temperament. Kind, laid-back and calm, these dogs tend to do well around young children. They’re adaptable, and happy to spend time in the company of just about anyone.
For some breed members, they can have a tendency to become over-reliant on their family members, and when not appropriately dealt with, there is the potential for them to develop separation anxiety.
Within Havana, the capital city of Cuba, this dog was developed between the 1600’s 1800’s. Its ancestors were brought from the Spanish island of Tenerife by noblemen and farmers, and its canine ancestors include the Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, Bolognese and Maltese.
As Cuba is an island, and one which has always had quite strict import and export rules, the little breed was relatively isolated for some years after their arrival. This period in time meant a small number of the imported dogs bred together, resulting in what is now known as the Havanese.
A highly sought after and happy dog, the Havanese was owned by local aristocracy and grained a reputation for being a loyal pet. Wealthy international travellers couldn’t help but notice the Havanese when visiting, and some began to export them back home to Europe, America, and elsewhere.
This small yet sturdy dog is surprisingly muscular and carries himself with a confident grace and elegant profile. They are similar in appearance to the Maltese but are far less delicate.
Though densely boned and stocky, this small breed still maintains elegance in its movement. They have relatively short legs and are slightly longer than they are tall.
Their characteristic tail curls above their back, with a plume of fur cascading down. This allows for great expression and plenty of big tail wags!
They weigh anything from 7 to 14 pounds, and breed clubs tend to prefer those in the mid-range. Height wise, they stand at between 8.5 and 10.5 inches tall at the withers.
Their dark brown eyes are expressive and soulful, while their pendulous ears form a gentle fold, framing their face.
Their double coat is lovely and soft, often with a wave or kink which can be loose or tight, sometimes forming into locks. As their long facial fur has a tendency to cover their eyes, many owners will tie the fringe fur back using hair bows or ties. It will take a Havanese between two and three years to develop their full adult coat and, while long, it won’t quite reach the ground.
Any colour is acceptable, though the majority of dogs will be white, black, brown or cream. Many will have two or three coat colours and it is common for their pigment to change as they age.
Some would class the Havanese as a hypoallergenic dog as they do not shed or drool much and as those people with dog allergies often tolerate them well. However, it is important to state that some people with dog allergies will react to any dog, even those deemed as ‘hypoallergenic’. For those with allergies, fostering the breed can be a good idea, to ensure they’re well tolerated.
Calm, quiet, and affable, this truly is a pleasant breed to live with. Still, when excited and in the mood to play, they can be as rambunctious and fun-loving as any dog. Most form a close bond with their owner(s) and will show them love, loyalty, devotion, and affection.
The Havanese seems to believe it is their job to alert their owner of any new person approaching the home, and many are excellent watch dogs, barking at the first sign of something approaching. They are attentive, always keeping watch over their property.
It is not uncommon for these dogs to develop an over-reliance on their human family, and to find it difficult to spend a long time in their own company. This will develop into separation anxiety in some breed members, a fact that has earned them the nickname of ‘Velcro dog’. Some will bond more strongly with one owner than others.
This is a clever dog that enjoys being trained and learning new things. They’re very observant of the person training them and can quickly pick up on subtle cues. They respond well to tasty treats, verbal affirmations and praise, enjoying being in their owners’ good books. They can be taught a wide range of commands and tricks and seem to remember their cues with ease.
Anecdotally, these dogs are not so quick on the uptake when it comes to house training. It would not be unusual for a young Havanese to not become fully potty trained until 7 or 8 months old. Still, they are usually ‘almost there’ by the time they reach about six months of age.
As with other dogs, any sort of negative reinforcement or punishment is not going to be successful when it comes to their training. These dogs do best when they’re rewarded for good behaviour and are very eager to please, once they know what you want.
Training the Havanese should start as soon as you take them home, at about 8 or 9 weeks of age. Start small, with simple commands such as ‘Sit’. It is a common misconception that training is only for Havanese puppies, when it should continue for the duration of their life. These guys love to be asked to do something, and to show you just how good they are at doing it!
While alert and sometimes mischievous, this is not a dog that requires several hours of running and hiking each day. They’ll have no issue keeping up with you on a brisk daily walk, but don’t have especially high exercise requirements, particularly in their senior years.
As a rule of thumb, owners should aim for about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day. This can include a mix of walks, hikes or gentle jogs on a soft surface (such as sand or grass). They also tend to enjoy games including fetch, chase, and ‘find it’. Where possible, try to expose them to a range of new places and activities from a young age.
If you or your child is playing nearby, they’re sure to join in. They have a lovely manner about them and can easily play gently with young children, seeming to have an innate knowledge that they shouldn’t play too rough.
Due to the length of their fur, the Havanese could not be called a low maintenance breed. They do need some degree of care each day, to help keep them both looking and feeling good, and to prevent any issues such as matted fur or ear infections.
It is a good idea to get into a routine of daily brushing. The face, armpits, belly, tail and paws get most easily matted, so should be the areas that are focused on. A quick brush takes a matter of minutes, but ensures the coat stays looking neat and tangle free.
Many breed members will have eyes that water a little, leading to ‘gunk’ building up in the medial canthus of the eye every morning. This can be cleaned away each morning using cotton balls and warm water. Similarly, their ‘beards and moustaches’ can be cleaned after each meal, to prevent food from sticking to their fur and discolouring it.
Some Havanese dogs have fur that grows within their canal. If it causes no issues, it can be left alone. Those prone to infections may need their ear fur plucked regularly, to improve ventilation.
Their claws grow quickly, particularly when young and if not walked on hard surfaces. Owners should get them used to claw clipping from a young age, so they see it as part of their normal routine.
They should have one dew (thumb) claw on each front paw that does not touch the ground. This claw needs to be trimmed more regularly, to prevent it from curling around into the skin.
As with other toy breeds, the Havanese can be prone to calculus build up on their teeth, due to their small skull size. The best thing an owner can do to prevent this, is to brush their teeth each day. This can be done with a regular or finger tooth brush and there are canine tooth pastes available that are meat or fish flavoured, making it an enjoyable experience for your Havanese.
As this is a smaller breed, they can be prone to obesity when overfed. Owners should ensure they are not providing too many calories on a daily basis. Typically, this is done by restricting dental sticks, treats and chews so they make up no more than 10% of the daily calorie intake.
As with other toy breeds, the Havanese has moderate protein requirements and does best on a high-quality diet made with whole foods and fresh ingredients. My preference is for a commercially prepared wet food, containing ingredients such as meat, vegetables, legumes, or grains. Try to stick to recipes that list the specific protein source (e.g. ‘chicken’ or ‘salmon’), rather than ones that simply state ‘meat by-products’ or ‘poultry’.
Many breed members do fine with a daily meal once they are adults, but some prefer to continue to eat two meals a day. Most have a small appetite, due to their smaller size. This can mean they sometimes refuse a meal or two, and as long as they have no other signs of being unwell, this should not cause any concern for the owner. Try not to give them human food as an alternative, as this quickly leads to a fussy dog.
Choosing a diet that contains supplements such as probiotics, chondroitin and omega 3 fatty acids can help to bolster the immune system, improve coat quality, prevent joint degeneration, and reduce any ongoing gastrointestinal upset.
The Havanese is generally regarded as being a healthy dog, but there are certain medical issues they can be prone to. By breeders choosing their healthiest stock to breed from, and owners sticking to reputable breeders when they purchase their pup, many inherited diseases can be avoided.
Some of the more common diseases we see in practice would include:
Luxating Patella. This is a condition whereby the knee(s) pops in and out of place, thanks to its shape. Dogs may skip for a few steps, before suddenly walking normally again. This condition is diagnosed via a combination of a physical exam and X-rays. There are 4 grades of luxation, with those that have a grade 3 or 4 luxating patella sometimes requiring surgery to fix it.
Hip Dysplasia. Though more often a problem associate with larger breeds, the Havanese can be prone to hip dysplasia. When the hip joint is not properly aligned, this can lead to rubbing of the bones, arthritis and chronic pain. Signs tend to develop in middle age and are usually managed with a combination of pain relief, nutraceuticals and physiotherapy. X-rays can definitively diagnose hip dysplasia, and would also show up any local arthritis.
Legg Calvé Perthes Disease. This is a hip disease that shows up in younger dogs, who will suddenly develop pain and lameness. The blood supply cuts off, resulting in the bone degenerating. For most, a surgery called a femoral head and neck excision offers the best chance of recovery. After surgery, physical therapy is recommended.
Allergic Disease. Havanese dogs can have a range of allergies triggers, including food like chicken or beef, and environmental allergens such as grass and pollen. Signs can include itchy skin, ear infections, or chronic diarrhoea, and we typically see signs developing between the ages of 1 and 4. The key will be in determining what the dog reacts to and in keeping them away from this trigger. Treatment such as steroids (to reduce itching), antibiotics, and medicated washes are often required too.
Mitral Valve Disease. This is a common heart disease of smaller breeds, and we’ll generally notice signs as the dog reaches late middle age. Earliest symptoms include a mild cough and difficulty keeping up when exercising. Diagnosing this heart disease in the earliest stages and starting medication (such as ACE inhibitors and Pimobendan) promptly can help improve both quality of life and lifespan.
Portosystemic Shunt. This liver shunt tends to be congenital (something the pup is born with) and signs in a puppy can include a failure to thrive, nausea, and neurological signs such as tremors and seizures. Some dogs are managed with medicine and a prescribed diet, while those who have more advanced symptoms will require surgery to fix the shunt.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy. An upsetting disease, PRA causes degeneration of the retinas and eventual blindness. This is not a condition that can be prevented or cured. However, it is inherited, so those dogs that are affected should not be bred from.
Dental disease. It is common for middle-aged to older Havanese dogs to have calculus build up and gingivitis (gum inflammation). Indeed, most breed members will require a dental cleaning or two under anaesthetic throughout their lifetime. Signs of periodontal disease include bad breath, visibly red gums, and a change in eating habits. Keep in mind that a dog is not going to stop eating unless in extreme pain, so owners should not assume their dog’s teeth are healthy just because they are eating.
Ear infections. The floppy ears of the Havanese lend themselves to infections (otitis externa) as the canal is poorly ventilated and can become both humid and moist. Those prone to wax build up should have their ears cleared out using a canine ear cleaner every couple of weeks or so, as needed. At the first sign of infection (such as a bad smell, redness or head shaking) a vet should be seen and medication can be issued.
Obesity. While obesity is not a disease in itself, it can lead to a whole host of medical issues and tends to negatively impact a dog’s duration and quality of life. These small dogs are prone to obesity, and it can be prevented by controlling calories and encouraging exercise. Owners should regularly check their Havanese’s Body Condition Score, to ensure it is staying at about a 4 or 5 out of 9.
Allergic Disease. Havanese dogs can have a range of allergies triggers, including food like chicken or beef, and environmental allergens such as grass and pollen. Signs can include itchy skin, ear infections, or chronic diarrhoea, and we typically see signs developing between the ages of 1 and 4. The key will be in determining what the dog reacts to and in keeping them away from this trigger. Treatment such as steroids (to reduce itching), antibiotics, and medicated washes are often required too.
This is a long-lived dog that often survives into its teens. The average lifespan is about 12 to 16 years. Owners can help their dog live a long life by providing a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and avoiding obesity. Dogs should also see their vet regularly and take advantage of routine preventative care including vaccines.
This breed is suitable for novice owners, those with young children, and seniors. Really, this is a great dog for most households! It may not be the best choice if you want a very active or farm dog.
While they make excellent watch dogs, they are too small (and welcoming) to be considered guard dogs.
This dog breed should do well in smaller homes and apartments, though some of the noisier individuals may need a bit of help when it comes to controlling their desire to bark. They do not necessarily need a yard, as long as they can be brought out somewhere for fresh air each day.
The Havanese breed is not a great choice for people who are out of the house a lot, as they will pine for their owner. Those who work away most days should opt for a different breed.
When picking a pup, it is essential you see them in person alongside their mum, so you can be happy they’ve not been puppy farmed. Responsible breeders will encourage at least one visit before a purchase is made.
Ensure they look healthy, and have no worrying symptoms such as crusty eyes, stunted growth, or lameness.
Look for puppies that are alert, playful, and somewhat confident. A Havanese puppy who is cowering away from you or who doesn’t warm up after you’ve been there for 10 minutes or so, may not have been well socialised.
You’re looking at a price of about $650 to $3,000 depending on where you’re located, who is breeding the pup, and what colour you want. You are going to pay more for those who are Kennel Club registered and Havanese puppies whose parents have been tested for the more common genetic health disorders.
It is a good idea to talk to your local vet about breeders in the area, to see if they have any they know and would recommend.
If you’re looking to purchase a smaller breed but aren’t sure the Havanese is the right choice for you, check out our comprehensive article on the top 10 smaller breeds.
Both Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens are thought to have owned Havanese dogs.
This happy dog is the national canine of Cuba (no surprise given its origin)!
Some Havanese dogs were used as circus dogs, thanks to their ability to learn lots of tricks.
The Havanese nearly went extinct just after the revolution in Cuba (1959). Thankfully, they had enough fanciers of the breed dedicated to preventing this from happening, and they are alive in large numbers today.
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