Havanese
The Havanese is a small, people-centered companion with a soft, silky coat and a bright, playful spirit.
These dogs typically love being part of everyday routines, from couch time to short training games, and they do best with consistent grooming and plenty of friendly interaction.
How the Havanese ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Havanese
Havanese are often described as cheerful little shadow-dogs: affectionate, social, and happiest when they are included. They tend to bond closely with their family, greet visitors with curiosity, and enjoy learning tricks for praise and treats.
Because they are attentive and people-focused, kind, patient training usually goes a long way.
In the home, the breed is adaptable and can suit apartments or larger spaces as long as they get daily movement and mental play. They may alert-bark at hallway sounds or new activity, so teaching a quiet cue and rewarding calm behavior is helpful.
Many Havanese dislike being left out for long stretches, so gradual alone-time practice and a predictable routine can prevent stressy habits.
History of the Havanese
The Havanese developed in Cuba, where small companion dogs arrived with settlers and traders from Europe. Those early lapdogs were part of a broader family of bichon-type dogs kept for companionship around the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands.
As the dogs were bred within Cuban households, a distinct local type emerged that suited island life, combining a sociable temperament with a coat that could handle warm, humid weather.
Havana became a center for these lively little companions, and the dogs were especially associated with households that wanted a personable, indoor-friendly pet.
Historical accounts often mention a small white predecessor sometimes called the Blanquito de la Habana, which helped shape the look and feel of the modern breed.
They were valued as charming house dogs, bred to be engaging and people-oriented, with a coat that could be worn long and flowing or kept in a practical trim for easier upkeep.
The breed’s name reflects its connection to the capital city, but its reputation spread beyond any single neighborhood.
Because travel and trade moved dogs between ports, the Havanese shares ancestry with other small companion breeds, yet it kept its own identity in Cuba through local breeding traditions.
Owners continued to prize a dog that could entertain indoors, follow their person from room to room, and settle comfortably after play, which helped reinforce the breed’s affectionate, attentive style.
During periods of political and social change in the twentieth century, many families left Cuba and took beloved dogs with them.
Only a small number of Havanese are thought to have formed the foundation for the breed’s growth abroad, which made careful breeding choices especially important.
In new countries, the dogs were often kept as treasured reminders of home, and early preservation efforts depended on cooperation among dedicated owners.
Enthusiasts worked to protect the breed’s friendly temperament, sturdy small-dog build, and coat texture while expanding the population and keeping the dogs suitable for everyday family life.
Today’s Havanese is still first and foremost a companion, known for being tuned in to people and eager to participate. You may see them in casual dog sports, trick training, or therapy-style visiting, but most are perfectly content as family sidekicks.
Their history as indoor companions shows in the way they seek connection, thrive on routine, and use their quick minds to figure out what earns attention, whether that is a toy, a cuddle, or a shared walk.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
Havanese are small, compact dogs with expressive eyes and a tail that often arches over the back when they are alert. Their coat is a hallmark: it can look long and silky when grown out, and it comes in many colors and patterns.
Even though they are a toy-sized companion, they usually feel surprisingly sturdy in the arms and tend to move with a light, springy gait.
Coat care is the main commitment for this breed. If you keep the coat long, frequent brushing and careful combing help prevent tangles from turning into mats, especially behind the ears, under the collar area, and at the leg joints.
Many owners choose a shorter “puppy cut” for easier upkeep, but regular brushing is still needed. Plan for routine baths, gentle drying, and basic hygiene tasks like nail trims, ear checks, and daily tooth-brushing to support overall comfort.
Exercise needs are usually moderate, and the Havanese often prefers several short activity bursts over long endurance outings. A couple of brisk walks, some indoor fetch, and a few minutes of training games or scent-based puzzles can meet their daily needs.
They are smart and sensitive, so positive reinforcement works best, and early socialization helps them stay confident. Because they enjoy company, teaching calm independence, settling on a mat, and polite greetings can be as important as teaching sit and stay.
Coat & Grooming: Brush and comb several times a week, with regular baths and trims; a slicker brush, metal comb, and detangler help prevent mats.
Shedding: Low; most loose hair stays in the coat, so brushing reduces tangles more than it reduces vacuuming.
Exercise Needs: Moderate; short walks, indoor play, and quick training games typically keep them satisfied.
General Health: Often sturdy, but small-breed issues like dental buildup, kneecap trouble, and some eye concerns may occur; keep up with routine checkups and ask your veterinarian about prevention.
Expected Lifespan: Typically long-lived for a small companion breed, especially with consistent care and a healthy routine.
First-Time Owner Tips
If this is your first dog, the Havanese can be a friendly match because they are social and usually eager to learn. Start with a simple routine: predictable potty breaks, short training sessions, and calm downtime between play.
House-training may take patience with such a small dog, so reward successes quickly and avoid harsh corrections. Introduce grooming gently from the beginning so brushing, face wiping, and nail handling become normal.
Because many Havanese form strong attachments, practice alone-time in small steps rather than waiting until a busy day forces it. Provide a cozy rest spot, a safe chew, and a low-drama departure so being alone feels routine, not alarming.
They can also be chatty watchdogs, so reinforce quiet moments and give them something to do before they invent a job. With consistent boundaries and plenty of positive attention, most first-time owners find the breed rewarding and manageable.
- Make grooming a daily mini-ritual: a quick brush, a treat, and lots of praise.
- Teach calm, quiet behavior early, especially if your dog likes to alert-bark at noises.
- Build independence with short absences, food puzzles, and a predictable goodbye routine.
- Use small rewards and frequent potty breaks to set up house-training success.
- Rotate toys and short training games to keep their clever, social brain busy.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required costs for a Havanese usually include food, treats, routine parasite prevention as recommended by your veterinarian, and basic supplies like waste bags, shampoo, brushes, and replacement toys.
Because they are a small breed, food portions are modest, but quality still matters and can change the monthly total. Plan for routine checkups and the everyday basics that keep coat and teeth in good shape.
Optional or variable costs often come from how you handle grooming and support services. Professional grooming can be occasional or frequent depending on coat length and your comfort with at-home brushing, bathing, and trimming.
Training classes, a dog walker, daycare, and travel gear can add up based on lifestyle. Some owners choose pet insurance, while others prefer setting aside a monthly cushion for unexpected care, and prices vary widely by location and coverage.
Food & Treats: Required: $40-$90 per month, depending on food quality, treats, and activity level.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: $15-$140 per month based on DIY supplies versus professional grooming in your area.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: $20-$60 per month for routine preventatives and basic care items, guided by your veterinarian and local needs.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: $25-$100 per month for insurance premiums or a dedicated savings cushion, depending on coverage and risk tolerance.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: $15-$120 per month for classes, private help, enrichment toys, or occasional daycare.
Havanese FAQs
Is a Havanese a good apartment dog?
Often yes. They are small and can burn energy with short walks and indoor play, but they do best with daily interaction and mental games. If noise is a concern, work early on calm greetings and a quiet cue.
Do Havanese dogs shed a lot?
They are typically low-shedding, but low shedding does not mean low maintenance. Loose hair tends to stay in the coat, so regular brushing helps prevent mats and keeps dander and debris under control.
How much grooming does a Havanese need?
Expect frequent brushing and combing, plus routine baths and trims. A shorter trim can be easier to maintain, while a long coat needs more careful detangling. Many owners alternate between at-home upkeep and occasional professional grooming.
Are Havanese good with kids and other pets?
Many are friendly and enjoy gentle play, especially when raised with respectful children and well-mannered pets. Because the breed is small, supervision matters, and it helps to teach kids calm handling and appropriate play.
Are Havanese easy to train?
They are smart and often motivated by praise and treats, so training can be enjoyable. They may be sensitive to harsh tones, and house-training can take consistency, so keep sessions short, upbeat, and reward-based.
Can a Havanese be left alone during the day?
They usually prefer company and may become bored or anxious if alone too long. Most can learn independence with gradual practice, a safe space, and enrichment like food puzzles. If your schedule is long, consider a midday visitor or daycare.
What are typical monthly costs for a Havanese?
Monthly costs vary by food choices, your grooming routine, and where you live. Many owners budget for essentials like food and preventatives, then add optional items like grooming appointments, training, and either insurance or a savings fund for surprises.