Havanese Breed 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 was 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.

Who are Havanese dogs 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!

How much grooming does a Havanese need?

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 much?

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.

Do Havanese bite?

It is common for a puppy to bite, it is not an aggressive bite, and it will happen especially when they play, get excited, or are teething. You should train them when they are little and teach them a no command.

Your pup needs to learn the difference between a nip and a bite. If you find that your Havanese has a biting problem, it will be best to take them to a professional trainer to correct this behaviour immediately.

What is the temperament & personality of a Havanese?

Havanese dogs 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.

What is the weight & size 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.

How much training does a Havanese need?

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!

What are some of the most common health issues for a Havanese?

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 elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, Legg-Perthes Disease ( this is a deformity in their hip ball and results in inflammation and arthritis), Chondrodysplasia, deafness, Cataracts, Portosystemic Shunt, Patellar Luxation, Mitral Valve Insufficiency, and a Heart Murmur.

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 should you feed a Havanese?

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.

What is the price of 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.