The Havanese dog is a well-known show stopper, famous for his silky coat and affectionate disposition. Clever, funny, and very affectionate, the Havanese is a lapdog, bred for the sole purpose of companionship.
It grows between 8.5 and 11.5 inches tall, and can weigh from 7 to 13 pounds as an adult.
Could it be the dog for you? Let’s find out!
What’s In This Guide
Havanese FAQs
Our readers’ most popular and frequently asked questions about this little breed.
- Are Havanese good family dogs?
- Do they like to cuddle?
- Are Havanese yappy?
- Are they easy to train?
- What health problems do Havanese have?
- Are they really hypoallergenic?
Breed At A Glance
- Popularity: Popular, #24 of 193 in AKC rankings
- Purpose: Companionship
- Weight: 7-13 lbs
- Temperament: Sociable, intelligent, happy
Havanese Breed Review: Contents
History and Original Purpose of the Havanese
While many dogs were created to work, the Havanese dog was bred for companionship.
That’s right!
This little dog’s sole duty was to master the art of love, providing his people with a ridiculous amount of snuggles and regaling all those who encountered him with that famously funny personality of his!
This Cuban breed was named after the capital city of Havana.
Havanese puppies are thought to be descendants of other lap dogs like the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and toy Poodle.
They were likely brought to Cuba by Italian or Spanish colonizers in the 1600s.
These pups have enjoyed over 300 years in the literal laps of luxury, a favorite companion animal amongst the upper class.
From Cuba to America
In 1959, the breed found its way to America in the arms of Cuban refugees.
Ever since the breed arrived in America, his popularity as a pet has skyrocketed.
In fact, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), they sit at number 24 out of 194 of America’s most popular dog breeds!
But what is it that makes these adorable dogs so popular?
It must be his infectious disposition, right?
Let’s see.
Fun Facts about Havanese
- Their adoring pet parents have included: Venus Williams, Barbara Walters, Queen Victoria, Ernest Hemingway, Joan Rivers, and Charles Dickens.
- They are the only native breed from Cuba.
- Glenn Close’s dog, Pip, has been known to make unplanned stage appearances with her.
Havanese Appearance
A beautiful little dog, this breed is famous for his big brown eyes and dense, silky coat.
Part of the toy group, an adult Havanese is small and very portable.
You may have heard of a miniature or teacup Havanese. Does such a dog really exist?
Despite what some breeders may advertise, there is only one standard weight and height.
A true Havanese is going to be about 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall and will weigh around 7 to 13 pounds when full grown.
What About the Coat?
Havanese are famous for their gorgeous coat, with flowing hair that can grow to floor length, if allowed. It is either straight or will fall in gentle waves.
Their coat colors are wide-ranging and can be either a solid color or a combination of colors.
Colors and combinations can include:
- black
- blue
- silver
- chocolate
- brindle
- red
- sable
- white
- cream
- gold.
Other characteristics include long, floppy ears, big brown eyes, and a tail that curves over the dog’s back with a plume of hair on the end.
Havanese Temperament
This breed’s temperament is a treat!
As anyone who has ever met this spirited dog knows, they are lovers through and through!
With a cheerful nature and affinity for – well – just about everyone, they are very intelligent, very compact, and get on famously with children, strangers, and other household pets.
They were bred to be a companion dog.
Close Family Bonds
One thing is — they are needier than most and will do best with owners who are able to be home with them often.
This dog even earned himself the nickname of “Velcro Dog,” as a description of how closely bonded he becomes with his family members.
Their gentle nature does not lead to much tendency for aggression or chasing. The Havanese temperament is more in line with playing and cuddling. Being intelligent and keen to please, they take well to training.
Training and Exercising your Havanese
Highly sensitive and eager to please, the Havanese is easy to train but can get hurt feelings rather quickly.
It is best to use a gentle and loving hand with this delicate breed. Reward-based training methods will suit him well.
All he wants in life is to make you happy.
Though this is a small, friendly dog, early socialization and obedience training of Havanese puppies is highly important.
He could have a tendency to become skittish if not properly socialized in puppyhood. It is best to introduce him to a number of new places and people starting early.
Luckily, with proper socialization and training, these dogs can be very adaptable and easy going.
He will enjoy joining you on all your adventures!
Havanese Exercise Needs
Since he is such a tiny little thing, he only needs moderate exercise.
A simple walk once a day will suffice, and if you can’t get out with your pup, playtime in the home suits him as well.
Your Havanese will love chasing his toys through the living room or romping in the backyard with you.
Keep in mind this breed is happiest when you’re around, so anything the two of you can do together is a bonus.
Not Too Much
As playful as he is, it is important not to over-exercise your dog. It is important to keep this in mind if you are an avid hiker or runner.
If panting begins or your dog has difficulty keeping up with you on a walk, it would be best to scoop him up and take him home to rest.
While this dog enjoys being around you more than he enjoys anything else, he is not the dog to accompany you on outings that require lots of exertion.
There are a few bone and joint problems that can affect this dog, but many are avoidable by careful puppy selection.
Being small, he will do better in warmer weather or with some booties and a coat in the cold.
Training
When it comes to training this breed, expect to be amazed!
The Havanese is a fast learner and enjoys pleasing you!
We always suggest that you be patient and gentle when training.
He may be very intelligent and eager to please, but he can easily get his feelings hurt if scolded too harshly.
We recommend the treat-based reward system when training any dog, and of course a patient and loving hand.
Housetraining and Crate Training
Small dogs have a perhaps unfair reputation for being hard to housetrain. It need not be so hard. Consistent habits are key.
Keeping to a schedule for feeding and going outside can prevent mistakes from happening. Check out our guide to housetraining to get it right from the start!
It helps if you keep his indoor environment clean. It is also worth keeping in mind that as such a small dog, he loses body heat quickly in the cold. Providing a sweater of some sort in cold weather will help make going outside more pleasant.
While this is a dog that would do better with mostly in-person supervision, it is still useful to crate train most puppies. Check out our guide on crate training here.
Havanese Health and Care
This breed’s lifespan is generally long and healthy median 10.25 years, but almost a third will survive to 15-19 years.
There are some health issues to be aware of in this breed. The most common are orthopedic and include:
- Osteochondrodysplasia — An improper formation of bones that may lead to structural asymmetries or short stature.
- Legg Calve Perthes Disease (LCPD) — A poor blood supply to the head of the femur causes it to degrade over time and affects alignment of the leg (s).
- Patella (knee cap) luxation — The kneecap pops out of place.
- Hip dysplasia — The improper development of the hip joint. It can be painful, affect gait, and cause arthritis.
Other Problems
Other common health issues affecting Havanese (by system) are:
- Eyes:
- Cataracts — cloudiness of the eye lens — Blocks vision.
- Cherry eye — prolapse of the third eyelid gland — Causes a red mass to protrude from the third eyelid gland.
- Ears: congenital deafness
- Heart: murmur
- Liver: shunt (one parent has to have this to pass it on) — Blood bypsees the liver in one of several ways so the liver can not function normally.
- Thyroid:
- Hyperthyroidism — Too much thyroid hormone is produced. This leads to weight loss, anxiety, potentially heart problems.
- Hypothyroidism — Too little thyroid hormone is produced. This leads to weight gain, lethargy, and cognitive issues
- Sebaceous adenitis — Inflammation of sebaceous glands in the skin, often in younger dogs, leads to loss of hair.
Recommended Health Screening
The Havanese club of America recommends 4 tests:
- An annual eye exam (CAER test)
- A hearing test (BAER test)
- A hip x-ray, and
- Patella (knee) certification.
Always ask to see evidence that both parents have passed these tests before buying a puppy.
If you have already taken on a pup from untested parents, you can ask your vet to arrange screening for them.
Health screening in your Havanese puppy could help you to prepare for these heritable health issues that commonly affect the breed.
Does a Havanese Have Any Specific Dietary Needs?
Like all dogs, this breed does best on a high-quality dog food with meat proteins listed in the first few ingredients.
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Make sure the food is made specifically for small breed dogs and is appropriate for the Havanese dog’s age, weight, and activity level.
Many owners opt to cook their Havanese meals at home.
Just make sure you do plenty of research and are providing your dog with the proper nutrition he needs to grow and thrive.
Also, make sure you research any human foods you are tempted to share with your Havanese pup, as not all human foods are safe for our canine counterparts.
Treats are often a wonderful aid during training. However, since he is a small dog and can be prone to obesity, experts recommend that treats be given in moderation. Splitting them in pieces while training can help moderate the total amount given.
Grooming and Care of the Havanese Breed
Their hair can grow all the way to the floor. This is a key part of their beauty, and a consideration for grooming!
With such long hair, surprisingly, Havanese dogs’ shedding is not so bad.
If you are looking to grow out your dog’s hair, you may want to consider a professional groomer to help keep it tame.
A long coat will be more prone to mats and tangles. Even with a professional groomer, your long-haired pup will still require daily brushing.
If you prefer to keep your pup’s coat shorter so it is easier to maintain, you should still prepare to brush at least two to three times a week.
Bathing
They will also need occasional bathing with a high-quality dog shampoo.
For lighter colored dogs, you will need to take special care to clean around the eyes to keep tear stains from forming.
Like all breeds, these puppies need their nails cut regularly and their ears checked and cleaned to keep moisture and wax from building up and causing infection.
Hypoallergenic?
He is famous for his silky coat, but is the Havanese hypoallergenic? Do they shed?
In short, no. No dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. This breed sheds relatively lightly given their long hair.
That said, this breed produces less allergy-inducing dander in his coat than many other breeds, making him a great choice for allergy-sufferers.
Do Havanese Make Good Family Pets
The Havanese makes a wonderful companion dog for singles, couples, and families alike.
He is an adaptable little canine who is small enough to travel with you and sturdy enough to live in the same household as gentle children.
While he makes a playful, cheerful pet, he becomes incredibly bonded with his people and does not tolerate being left home alone for hours at a time.
He would do best in a setting with people who have flexible work schedules or are able to work from home.
You should also keep in mind that this breed, while portable and eager to join you on most exploits, is not the dog you would want to utilize as a running partner. Over-exercising one of these pups can lead to serious health issues.
Starting Socialization Early
While the breed gets along famously with children and other household pets, he should be socialized from puppyhood so that he can grow up to be an adaptable and well-adjusted dog.
Early socialization also helps reduce the chances of anxiety when introducing your dog to new people and environments.
Rescuing a Havanese
One of the benefits of going through a shelter or rescue organization is that the price is much less than you will pay for a Havanese puppy through a breeder. Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $100.
This is an especially good deal considering that rescues or shelters will often provide vaccinations, de-sexing, and breed-specific health screening.
Besides being a more economical option, rescuing a Havanese dog provides a home for a dog that has lost theirs and possibly saves their life.
Scroll to the end of the article for our list of rescue centers.
Are Rescue Dogs Trouble?
Sometimes people assume that if a dog is a rescue it must have problems, but this is not necessarily true. There are many reasons that people may be unable to keep their amazing dog.
In addition, rescue organizations also often do temperament testing on the rescue animals so you will likely be aware of the dog’s past and personality.
If you have your heart set on a rescue, there are many Havanese shelters and rescue clubs available.
Finding a Havanese Puppy
As a simple search on Google will show you, Havanese puppies are not difficult to find.
A good place to start might be looking at our guide to finding your puppy.
These dogs, whether cross breeds or purebred, are very popular throughout the world, so you should have good luck in finding one.
There are no mini Havanese, teacup Havanese, or pocket Havanese — Beware!
One issue to be aware of with this little dog, is breeders who misrepresent it.
Remember, this breed does not come in size varieties.
Breeders who advertise teacup Havanese, mini Havanese, or pocket Havanese could be selling puppies who were irresponsibly bred.
This could lead to a number of devastating consequences for you and the puppy down the road.
While tinier than average Havanese are not unheard of, they may come with more health complications, especially if they are purposefully bred down by irresponsible breeders looking to make more money. For this reason, we highly recommend avoiding any breeded making such claims.
The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy
Research Breeders
When going through a breeder, it is important to do plenty of research.
As far as price, breeders will typically charge anywhere from $1000 to $1500 for a Havanese puppy.
Keep in mind that if the parents of your Havanese puppy are show quality, the price will be higher.
One of the benefits of going through a reputable breeder is that you will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding temperament and health issues of the parent dogs or previous litters.
I addition, a reputable breeder will be able to provide health certificates proving their puppies have been screened and are healthy and ready to go home with you.
Puppy Mills and Pet Store Puppies
It is important to avoid puppies which may be cheaper because they were raised irresponsibly in puppy mills. This includes many sold in pet stores.
In order to raise the puppy with less money, the puppy mill will almost certainly have had to sacrifice on things like cleanliness, health checks of parents and puppies, living space, and early socialization.
Since early experience has a profound impact on the puppy for life, and many such dogs’ lives end tragically, it is best to not support such businesses.
How About a Mixed Breed Puppy?
While many of us often think in terms of straight purebred dogs, mixed breeds are becoming more popular.
In addition to cool traits from both breeds, they also have the advantage of slightly more robust health and longer life.
See here for a list of common Havanese mixes.
Raising a Havanese Puppy
Caring for a vulnerable Havanese puppy is a big responsibility, but you’re not alone. We have some great guides to help you with all aspects of puppy care and training. You’ll find them listed on our puppy page.
Popular Havanese Breed Mixes
Here are some popular Havanese breed mixes you might want to consider:
- Havaklee – Mixed with Alaskan Klee Klai
- Havachon – Mixed with Bichon Frise
- Dualanese – Mixed with Bolognese
- Cairnese – Mixed with Cairn Terrier
- Cavanese – Mixed with Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Havaco – Mixed with Cocker Spaniel
- Havajack – Mixed with Jack Russell
- Havamalt – Mixed with Maltese
- Schnese – Mixed with Miniature Schnauzer
- Havallon – Mixed with Papillon
- Havapeke – Mixed with Pekingese
- Ewokian – Mixed with Pomeranian
- Poovanese – Mixed with Poodle
- Puganese – Mixed with Pug
- Havashu – Mixed with Shih Tzu
- Havawheat – Mixed with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Havawelsh – Mixed with Welsh Terrier
- Havanestie – Mixed with West Highland Terrier
- Havashire – Mixed with Yorkshire Terrier
Comparing the Havanese with Other Breeds
Maybe you’re certain now that you’d love to have a Havanese, however, maybe you’re still considering how they compare to similar breeds.
- Havanese vs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Both are gentle, small dogs, suitable for small children, people new to dogs and smaller spaces. The Havanese will need more attention to grooming. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will have a greater tendency to bark.
- Havanese vs. miniature Poodle: Both are small, affectionate dogs. The Havanese is more attached (at the hip) to his people. The miniature Poodle is a bit more of a hunter, and more cold tolerant.
- Havanese vs. Shih Tzu: These two small, playful breeds share a lot in common. One difference can be found in the ease of housetraining. Havanese will tend to have more desire to please. Shih Tzu may take a little more attention to training. The Shih Tzu will also be more prone to barking.
Similar Breeds
Other dog breeds you might want to consider:
Pros And Cons of Getting A Havanese
Cons:
- You’ll need to keep on top of grooming so their coat stays nice.
- He won’t be up for joining you on your crazy long trail runs.
- He won’t be happy if left alone much.
Pros:
- You’ll have an adorable, cuddly little dog.
- His small size is more manageable for small children.
- He is unlikely to bother neighbor cats or wild birds.
Havanese Products and Accessories
Here are a few tools that may help you care for your new dog or puppy.
Havanese Breed Rescues
These organizations would be a great place to start your search for a dog in need of rescue.
USA-Based Rescues
UK-Based Rescues
Australia-Based Rescues
- Check with local shelters or breeders.
Canada-Based Rescues
Are you on the hunt for a Havanese puppy?
Tell us about it in the comments!
This article has been extensively revised and updated for 2019
References And Resources
- Adams VJ, et al. 2010. Results of a Survey of UK Purebred Dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice.
- Alison N. Starr, Thomas R. Famula, Nathan J. Markward, Joanne V. Baldwin, Karon D. Fowler, Diane E. Klumb, Nancy L. Simpson, Keith E. Murphy, Hereditary Evaluation of Multiple Developmental Abnormalities in the Havanese Dog Breed, Journal of Heredity.
- Duffy D et al. Breed differences in canine aggression. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2008
- Frazer, Megan M., Anthea E. Schick, Thomas P. Lewis, Edward Jazic, Sebaceous Adenitis in Havanese Dogs: A Retrospective Study of the Clinical Presentation and Incidence, Veterinary Dermatology.
- Gough A, Thomas A, O’Neill D. 2018 Breed Predispositions to Disease In Dogs and Cats. Wiley Blackwell
- Howell, Tiffany j, Tammie King, Pauleen C Bennett, Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior, Volume 6, pages 143-153
- Schindler, Rafe H, and Sara Dellorto, 2018. Report on the Results of the 2017 Havanese Longevity Survey, Health Committee of the Havanese Club of America.
- Nathan B Sutter and Elaine A Ostrander, Dog Star Rising: The Canine Genetic System, Nature Reviews Genetics, Volume 5, pages 900-910
Judy Denton says
Enjoyed reading article and comments.I live in Ind and have looked for 6 months for a baby.I lost my Chi before Thanksgiving,she was stolen but the girl rehomed her.she was the sweetest baby so smart.I am 67 alone live in a facility for elderly.I have cried many days for her.Can you help me?I no longer drive.
Mindy says
We have Buddy, a rescue Havanese. He’s a sweetheart. He bonded to my husband right away and won’t leave his side. I highly recommend rescue Havanese!!
Susan conlon says
Would. Be interested in a resume HVenese. We veve Jackson who we love , hes 3 years old and lovable and picket who his friends can be.
Carleen Thum says
Maggie is our year and a half old Havanese who has blessed our lives with her unconditional sweet love and tenderness. We are both seniors. Maggie’s presence in our lives has strengthened the bond between us as her owners. We are so pleased to have her and look forward to every loving day!
Kate Wilson says
Be very careful; Havanese are overbred in mills where both males and females who are bred are considered to be a crop. Conditions are devastating. Small pet stores and chains that sell puppies are particularly suspect. I have had two rescues. One was a mill bitch kept in a cage for five years having litter after litter. The other was a product of a mill sold in a Florida pet store. Her papers had her ancestry — and the names were Portuguese, not Spanish.Despite their lives, they are the sweetest, funniest dogs you will find. Look into Havanese Angel League org (HALO) an all volunteer group and network who will check you out well before approving you for one of their rescues.
Joann Revak says
I live in Jupiter, Florida and hoping for a Havanese rescue. Also, will look for a puppy with reputable breeder. We are retired and home most of the time. My husband has had some health issues and a dog would be a welcome addition. He always trained family dogs as a boy. We have one rescue cat now who is very laid back and would be happy with a new companion. Cost is a consideration. I would appreciate any help.
Thanks.
Carol Pettyjohn says
You can contact the Havanese Rescue Society on Northern Virginia. Check out their website where you can see all the rescues. No matter where you are in the country, there is a group of individuals who will caravan and bring the dog to you.
Malinda says
I love in the panhandle of Florida. Im looking for a little girl to love. I have a desk job that allows me to spend all day with her by my side. Greeting people and going for short walks. I live on St.George Island, work at the St. George Inn. Everywhere is very pet friendly! Hence, she’ll be right with me♡
Betsy Jarboe says
We lost our Gracie 2 weeks ago after having her 10 short years! My husband and I are devastated but are finally able to talk about her without crying. We diffentely want another havanese. After you’ve felt their soft silken hair nothing else will do! We are retired and can’t afford to spend a lot of money but something will happen. I just know it. Just like Gracie showed up in our lives!!
Deborah says
Betsy,
I might be able to help?
Pat Hunter says
We bought a Havanese from a breeder 10 years ago. Babe was a wonderful loving dog He developed a heart murmur and developed 2 leaking valves. Two weeks ago we had to put him down
I am having a problem getting over this loss.
Friends and family say I need another dog. I don’t want to go through this again at my age of 77.
Babe was a gentleman not a dog
Just wanted you to hear my story.
Nina says
Havs can absolutely vary in size. Also, their colors can change. Fall in love with the pup, not the colors – that black/white Parti may be silver in a few years. My “black with white tips” is starting to show chocolate on her tail – parents were B/W Parti & Chocolate w/tan tips. I currently have 4 – the girls are 8.5, 9.5 & 14 pounds & my boy is 12 pounds. Smallest that I’ve seen was 6 pounds & the largest was over 20. Show standards don’t allow for the low or high end weights, but they’re out there – the awesome Hav personalities come in assorted sizes & colors!
M&K says
We have a Lancaster ‘s puppy too. Lucy is the best. What she does with the pups is amazing. She will not ship and needs to meet you before she will sell a puppy to you.
Jo Via says
We purchased our Havenese named CUBI at a pet store in Baltimore Md. For $1700.00 . He is 5 1/2yrs old. Brindle colors. He weigh’s about 15 1/2 lbs. Always was a picky eater from a pup up till now. We feed him Ceasars wet dog food. Some green beans and carrots.
Teri says
Having trouble finding a breeder in my local area . I want to see the puppy face to face before buying . ( Jasper , Ga.
Harpo's Mom says
Havanese can be much larger than 13 lb. It’s not uncommon. Also, quite a few are not lap dogs, although they do like to be near their humans. All in all, they make terrific companions
Bunny says
Our darling 11month old Havanese is not a lap dog! We bought her from a wonderful breeder who hand raises her babies in her home. Our baby prefers to lie between my feet or next to me when I’m reclined in my chair. I wanted our girl to be a lap dog ;(. We wouldn’t trade her for anything, however. She was the alpha in her litter. Thank you for letting me know that not all Havanese are lap dogs!
Lee says
I love my Havie!! She’s almost 9 now and still as playful as a puppy. If I ever get another dog it will be a Havanese. Definitely have to keep up with the grooming.
Carlos says
I love my 3 kidney he was loving a caring rescue but later found out he was a havaness he live over 16 yrs dy of hard failure I miss him IMMENSELY.
Barbara Escher says
My first Havanese died at the age of 16 (congestive heart failure). She had been deaf and blind for two years, but you’d never know it. She was happy and loving till she died in my arms with the blessing and concurrence of two vets. I could hardly imagine being without her and called the breeder in a matter of days to ask about the next litter. She said the next litter would be born in two months, and I said put my name down for a female, on the small side if possible. (I want to train her to be a therapy dog.)
I agree with most of what this article said; however, I have found that Havanese can be considerably more expensive. We paid $1,500, but we knew the breeder and I think we were lucky. Many breeders charge a lot more. And our breeder no longer shows her dogs, though she did at one time. Before our Havanese, we had a Coton de Tulear. He loved me but he really did not like anyone else. I rehomed him with one of his littermates, which was lucky. I was more fortunate with the Havanese.
Virginia casto says
Check with flaming geyser kennels in washington ..I got my beloved Daisy from them..I lost her in may sadly.
Donna Greenberg says
‘Tia’ our precious 18 year old 7 lb female Havanese left us two weeks ago.she was in good health up until a few years ago when she developed problems with her larynx. She came from ‘Jomarans’ Kennel in Canada. I would return to have another dog related to Tia”s lineage but their were some problems that I would not like to repeat . Tia’s front legs were slightly deformed which became evident as she grew. They claimed that she had been chipped which was not the case and although I had no interest in breeding her they never provided us with papers. My children are no longer living at home. I am heartbroken at having lost sweet little Tia but will not be content until another Havanese is in my life. Can you recommend a breeder. I am willing to travel to find her and. distance is not a problem.
Nathalie C. says
Lancaster’s of Gold Canyon (lancastersofgoldcanyon.com) in Arizona are phenomenal breeders! We purchased our little girl Charli from them 2 1/2 years ago. They will not sell to anyone they don’t meet, and they will not ship any puppy. Lucy keeps all puppies until 10 weeks old and does sooo much with them before they leave. Once on her waiting list, she will add you to her email list and she sends wonderful emails about her females during their pregnancies including the births and after. Lots of pictures too.
Sondra L Jones says
Interested in your puppies