Havanese

Temperament & Personality

Havanese are cheerful, friendly dogs known for their affectionate and gentle nature. They typically form strong bonds with their families and thrive on human companionship. Intelligent and eager to please, Havanese learn quickly and love to play, often amusing their owners with a happy, clown-like spirit. These small dogs enjoy moderate exercise and indoor play, making them excellent lapdogs that happily follow you around the house.

They are adaptable to many living situations – thriving in apartments or during travel, as long as they are included in family activities. Havanese get along well with children and other pets, which makes them good family companions. If left alone too long, they can become anxious or bored. Despite their small size, Havanese are surprisingly sturdy and agile, able to enjoy play and run around safely. Even-tempered and non-quarrelsome, these dogs are seldom aggressive and typically adapt well to new experiences. The Havanese's loving, lively personality and intelligence make it a joyful, devoted pet for many households.

Care, Living Environment & Grooming

Havanese are moderately active and need about 20–30 minutes of exercise daily. Daily walks and indoor play will keep them fit and mentally stimulated. Because they crave companionship, these dogs do best in homes where people are often present. They adapt well to apartment living or small homes, but do not thrive in kennel or backyard situations – left alone too long they can become anxious. Havanese are naturally clean and can be housetrained fairly easily.

Their long, silky double coat only sheds lightly, but it requires frequent grooming. Brush your Havanese several times a week to prevent tangles and mats. Many owners also trim or clip the coat every 4–6 weeks to keep it at a manageable length. (Some leave the coat longer in winter for warmth and shorter in summer to help them stay cool.) Routine care also includes clipping nails about once a month, cleaning ears weekly, and gently wiping the eyes to remove any tear stains. Baths are needed only occasionally (for example, once a month) to preserve the coat's natural oils.

Training & Socialization

Havanese are intelligent and eager to please, so they generally respond well to training. Early socialization is important: exposing a Havanese puppy to many people, animals, and environments helps prevent shyness and builds confidence. These dogs thrive on positive reinforcement and gentle guidance. Because they have a bit of a stubborn streak, consistent, reward-based training works best. Havanese are sensitive little dogs, so avoid harsh corrections. Without proper training and mental stimulation, some can develop anxious or attention-seeking behaviors. In short, patience, consistency, and plenty of praise will help your Havanese grow into a well-mannered companion.

Health Considerations

Havanese are generally healthy with a long lifespan (often 14–16 years), but like all breeds they have some genetic health concerns. Common issues include:

• Luxating Patella (Knee): The kneecap can slip out of place, causing pain or lameness.
• Hip/Elbow Dysplasia: Abnormal joint development can lead to arthritis.
• Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid function causing weight gain and skin problems.
• Deafness: Congenital deafness may affect some pups.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An eye disease leading to vision loss.

Responsible breeders will health-test their dogs (hips, eyes, knees, thyroid) to minimize these risks. Regular vet checkups and screening can catch problems early. With proper care, most Havanese enjoy active, healthy lives.

Cost of Ownership

A Havanese puppy from a reputable breeder can cost around $600–$1,800. In addition, budget a few hundred dollars for initial supplies (crate, bedding, leash, toys, etc.). Ongoing expenses include food (about $30–$50 per month), routine veterinary care ($150–$300 per year), and grooming. Professional grooming (if used) may run $50–$70 per session every 6–8 weeks. After the first year, expect to spend roughly $500–$1,000 annually on food, vet visits, and supplies. Training classes, pet insurance, and unexpected medical costs can add to the total, so plan accordingly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Loyal and affectionate companion, great with family and children.
• Intelligent and easy to teach tricks or obedience.
• Adaptable to apartment living and travel; does well in various environments.
• Low shedding, often considered hypoallergenic (suitable for some allergy sufferers).
• Long lifespan (13–16 years) and generally good health when well-bred.

Cons

• High grooming needs: frequent brushing and regular trims.
• Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
• Can be difficult to housebreak and may demand a lot of attention.
• Vocal breed: will bark to alert or seek attention.
• Some genetic health issues (knees, eyes, thyroid) require monitoring.

Fun Facts

• The Havanese is the only dog breed native to Cuba and was officially named the country's national dog in 2016. It descended from a now-extinct Cuban dog called the Blanquito de la Habana or "Havana Silk Dog".
• These dogs can have very long hair (often 6–10 inches) and come in many color combinations.
• Havanese often live 14–16 years, and some have been reported to reach 19 years old.
• The breed nearly disappeared after the mid-1900s Cuban revolution but was preserved by dedicated fanciers and recognized by the AKC in 1996.
• Despite their small size, Havanese are hardy and have a characteristic springy gait (showing their sturdy heritage).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Havanese good with children?

Yes. They are gentle, playful, and affectionate, typically bonding well with kids. Early training and supervision will ensure positive interactions.

Are Havanese hypoallergenic?

Sort of – Havanese have a low-shedding coat and are often described as hypoallergenic, but no dog is 100% allergen-free. Regular grooming and cleaning can minimize allergens.

Do Havanese bark a lot?

Generally no. Havanese may bark to alert you to visitors, but they are not known to be excessive barkers. Proper training can reduce needless barking.

How much exercise do they need?

Moderate exercise is sufficient. A daily walk and some playtime (about 20–30 minutes) usually keep a Havanese happy and healthy. They also enjoy indoor games and learning tricks.

References

1. AKC – Havanese History: Bouncing Back from Exile
2. Havanese Club of GB – About the Breed
3. The Spruce Pets – Havanese Dog Breed Profile
4. PetMD – Havanese
5. DogTime – Havanese Dog Breed Information
6. Trupanion – Havanese