Havanese Dog Breed Information

Group

Toy

Weight

3-6 kg

Height

21-23 cm

Lifespan

13-15 years

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About the Havanese

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

These little fluffballs are bursting with affection, full of character, and have the playfulness and goofiness to match. These small dogs are the purest bundles of joy – if you are looking for a loving and cute companion dog, then a Havanese is your guy!

Disclaimer: you’ll quickly fall in love with this breed after reading this guide!

What is the history & origin of the Havanese?

The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog. These old native dogs were developed as canines migrated from Spain in the early 1500s to Cuba via Tenerife on the Canary Islands—the island of dogs. It has been suggested that the breed shared the lineage with the Bichons.

During the 1800s, they were loving lap dogs for various Cuban aristocratic families, and several European travellers fell in love with the breed and took them back to England, France, and Spain.

The Havanese were a loved pet of Cubans, and they were popular with prominent British and French royals like Queen Victoria. Even Charles Dickens was a fan. They were recognised as a breed in 1995 by the American Kennel Club.

What is a Havanese breed?

The pure breed Havanese are members of the Bichon family, including the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Lowchen.

Since they were first bred to be companion dogs, they have been nicknamed the velcro dog. They make promising canine careers, from assisting people with disabilities to being circus performers.

They have also been used as therapy dogs and are great for sniffing out termites and even mould.

Who is a Havanese best for?

The Havanese is well suited to families and children of all ages. They are also great for older people, as they are small, easy to keep busy, and fun. They are pretty sensitive, so it is best to socialise them to get along with younger people.

They make the perfect pet for anyone who wants an active, delightful, and happy pup. They make excellent companions for children, the elderly, and families. They have very friendly personalities and will be comfortable in an apartment or a house.

There are also better suited for people or families who always have someone at home or with the dog; this pooch does not like being on its own.

They are one of the dog breeds that will be happy in any type of home as long as they are kept indoors. These are not pups who enjoy playing outside; they are most content sitting on your lap!

Havanese Grooming & Shedding

The Havanese is a non-shedding, hypoallergenic dog. Little shedding means that maintenance will be low and relatively easy. Since most of the dead hairs remain on the ends of the coats, matting is common, so daily grooming is required.

Their coats are pretty long, so a grooming routine is necessary. Brush their coat at least 3-5 times every week. The longer the coat, the more often it needs to be brushed. You should also bathe them regularly and brush their teeth at least 2-3 times every week.

Their nails will need to be trimmed every month. It is recommended that you make their grooming experience a positive one. It is also an excellent way for you to bond with your pooch!

Do Havanese bark a lot?

The Havanese breed is a quiet and happy dog; they do not bark very often at all. They may bark to welcome someone who has arrived at your door, but that will be over quickly, and they will be silent again.

But you may find that you have one that is much more vocal. If your pup is barking excessively, then it is better to train and socialise them so that they learn how to handle various situations and people.

What is the average weight & height of a Havanese?

The size of a puppy and an adult dog will differ a lot, but these pooches are a small breed. Both males and females typically weigh about 3-6 kg and are usually around 23 cm in height.

Are Havanese easy to train?

Havanese are very logical and eagerly absorb what they are shown and told, making them easy to train. It is best to use positive reinforcement with them as they can be pretty delicate.

Be empathetic and gently expose them to different people and places, and make sure that these are happy experiences for them. Always be patient with them. They are trainable and excel in dog sports, agility, and obedience training.

They are highly intelligent and can be somewhat of a con artist, so be careful that your pooch isn’t the one training you.

They must get socialised early and get exposed to various experiences, sounds, sights, and people. Puppy school is a great start!

House training these little guys can be brutal, but you will get there after some time and patience!

How do Havanese behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Havanese are a gentle, affectionate breed and enjoy companionship. Your Havanese will sometimes accompany you from room to room during any given day, and he can be incredibly anxious at home alone.

He is intelligent and loves making you laugh. They may be small, but they are highly energetic. They are also affectionate and adore their owners, so they do not enjoy being left on their own and thrive on companionship.

They are incredibly loving and will share this with their pet parents, strangers, and other pets. They do tend to get quite anxious, especially when left on their own.

Does the Havanese have any common health issues?

The Havanese dog breed is generally a very healthy dog. However, it is prone to various health conditions. It is best to be aware of these and ensure that your pooch is always healthy and gets regular check-ups to catch any health conditions early.

The Havanese are prone to:

Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, leading to pain and mobility issues.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, affecting the elbow joint and can result in lameness.
Legg-Perthes Disease: A condition affecting the hip joint that can lead to inflammation and arthritis.
Chondrodysplasia: A genetic condition that affects bone growth, leading to short stature and potential joint issues.
Deafness: Some Hanoverian Scenthounds may be prone to hearing issues.
Cataracts: Clouding of the lens in the eye that can lead to vision problems.
Portosystemic Shunt: A liver condition that can lead to serious health complications.
Patellar Luxation: A condition where the kneecap dislocates, causing discomfort and mobility issues.
Mitral Valve Insufficiency: A heart condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
Heart Murmur: An abnormal sound during the heartbeat that may indicate heart problems.

These health conditions can sound scary, but just take care of your little pooch!

What is the lifespan of a Havanese?

These purebred dogs have a lifespan of about 13-15 years according to the National Breed Club. The healthier your dog, the longer it will live.

How much does a Havanese need to be fed?

The recommended daily dose of food is 1 cup of dry foods divided into two servings each day. How often and how much your pup will eat varies according to his size, weight, height, metabolism, and activity levels.

Dogs are individuals like humans, so there’s no exact food recommendation for them. However, it is best to avoid free-feeding and stick to a good feeding schedule.

A good amount to feed your pup is 1/2 to 1 cup; the dog food should be high-quality.

How much can you expect to pay for a Havanese in Australia?

The cost of the puppy will depend on the breeder; always make sure that you buy a puppy from a registered, responsible, and reputable breeder. The average price for a Havanese puppy is $4000 – $5500.

Havanese FAQs

Is a Havanese ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Yes, they are! They are loving and will make excellent companion dogs. They are trainable and relatively easy to maintain, they will make a wonderful addition to any family, and first-time pet parents are ideal for these little fluffs!

There are way more dog breeds that are also suitable for first-time pet owners too!

Can Havanese dogs swim?

Yes, some of them can. Some of them will have a natural ability, while others will need to have basic training. It is always best to teach them the basics of swimming to avoid problems. These pooches are pretty athletic, so they can tackle almost any form of exercise!

However, a Havanese puppy will not be able to swim, so keep them away from any body of water and always ensure that they are supervised.

Do Havanese suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes, they do. Separation anxiety is very common with the Havanese breed; they do not enjoy being on their own and will start to act out and feel extremely anxious if alone.

Train them when they are young to get used to a certain amount of alone time, but this is the type of dog that always needs someone at home with him, or he needs to be taken along whenever you leave the house.

Are Havanese hypoallergenic dogs?

Yes, they are. They don’t drool much, are low dander, and are a low shedding breed. However, people who suffer from severe dog allergies may have more problems, especially if the pup is not well-groomed.

Will a Havanese need professional grooming?

They will require routine and proper grooming, which you can do yourself, but opting for a professional groomer may be the better and easier decision as it can be quite a lot of work.