
The Havanese is a playful and affectionate breed that makes a great companion for many families. They are known for their gentle and friendly nature.
These puppies are highly intelligent and can be trained easily with positive reinforcement. They are also known to be good with children and other pets.
One of the key things to consider when bringing a Havanese puppy home is their grooming needs. They require regular brushing and may need to be clipped every 6-8 weeks to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
Havanese puppies are relatively small in size, weighing between 7-13 pounds and standing between 8.5-11.5 inches tall.
Breed Overview
The Havanese breed has a long and storied history, originating in Cuba in the 16th century.
They were originally bred as companions for the aristocracy and were known for their gentle and affectionate nature.
This breed is relatively small, weighing between 7-13 pounds and standing between 8.5-11.5 inches tall.
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Breed History
The Havanese has a rich history that dates back to the 1500s, when it was bred from the now-extinct Blanquito de la Habana.
This breed was highly sought after by historical figures like Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens, who admired its soft-coated ancestors.
The Havanese's very soft and silky coat is not just a charming feature, but it also helps keep them cool in the heat.
The Havanese is the only breed of dog considered native to Cuba, and it's recognized as the national dog of the island.
Since arriving in the United States in the 1950s, the Havanese has become a hit with dog owners and is now one of the fastest-growing breeds registered by the AKC, ranking 25th in popularity.
Worth a look: Havanese Breed Standard
Pictures
Pictures of this breed often show a sleek, athletic build with a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors.
Their eyes are typically brown or hazel, and are almond-shaped with an alert, intelligent expression.
A well-groomed example of this breed will have a shiny coat that's easy to maintain.
Their facial structure is characterized by a straight muzzle and a black nose.
In general, they have a compact, muscular body with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs.
Overview

The Havanese is a breed that shines with its affectionate personality, and it's no surprise why they're often referred to as Velcro dogs. They love everyone, including strangers, children, and even cats.
Their family, however, gets the lion's share of their love, and they'll stick like glue to their owner's side. This can be both a blessing and a curse, as they can become anxious when left alone.
This breed was originally bred to keep company with wealthy families in Cuba, and it's no surprise they're natural companions. They're also quite trainable, working as therapy and assistance dogs, sniffing out mold and termites, and even performing as show dogs.
One thing to keep in mind is that Havanese dogs are prone to overindulgence by their owners, which can lead to bad habits like eating only people food. Their intelligence and sharp wit can make them seem like they're training their owners rather than the other way around.
Here's a quick rundown of some key stats about the Havanese breed:
- Weight: 7-13 pounds at full maturity
- Height: 8-12 inches tall at 6 months old
- Life expectancy: 13-15 years
Care
A Havanese puppy is a bundle of energy, so be prepared for daily walks and playtime to keep him happy. A lengthy walk or an active game of fetch each day will do the trick.
As a small breed, they don't require a huge yard, but they do need to be indoors. This breed isn't suited for life in the backyard.
Havanese puppies thrive on attention and affection from their family, so make sure to spend quality time with them. He is happiest when he is with his family.
Housetraining can be a challenge, so be patient and crate training is a must. You'll need to be especially patient during this process.
To prevent separation anxiety, don't leave your Havanese puppy alone for long periods of time, and when you do leave, put him in a crate with plenty of sturdy toys to keep him occupied.
If this caught your attention, see: What Do Puppys Need
Puppy Placement
We place our puppies at eight weeks of age, which gives us time to assess their personality makeup and find the perfect match for your home. We believe it's unrealistic to decide on the best fit of pup with new owner sooner than seven weeks of age.
We take the time to get to know each puppy buyer to ensure a successful placement. We match specific puppies to specific owners, and don't rely on a first-come, first-served list. We consider your preferences, such as male, female, or color, and direct you towards a pup who fits your lifestyle.
It's best to be open to different coat colors and both sexes, as this allows us to find the right pup whose personality and makeup matches your goals.
Puppy Placement: Matching Owners
We place our puppies at eight weeks of age, which is the perfect time to evaluate their personality makeup.
Our team spends quality time with each puppy buyer to ensure a successful placement, matching specific puppies to specific owners based on their preferences, such as male or female, color, and lifestyle.
We conduct temperament tests with trainer Aubrey Suter of Balance Canine at seven weeks of age, similar to the Volhard Puppy Tests, which gives us confidence in our matching process.

It's easiest to make a match if a new owner is open to different coat colors and to either sex, allowing us to find the right pup whose personality and makeup matches their goals.
We require spaying or neutering by nine months of age to prevent accidental breeding, and we offer a promise that each puppy comes to its new home as healthy and well-loved as possible, including first vaccinations.
Children and Pets
When introducing a new puppy to your family, it's essential to consider the dynamics between children and pets. The Havanese is an excellent family dog who's affectionate with everyone, including kids of all ages and other dogs and pets.
Teach children how to approach and touch dogs gently, and always supervise interactions between dogs and young children to prevent biting or ear or tail pulling.
It's crucial to supervise any interactions between dogs and children, especially when the dog is eating or sleeping, to prevent any accidents or stress on the dog.
Never leave a dog unsupervised with a child, no matter how friendly the dog is, to prevent any potential harm or stress on the dog.
Breed Characteristics
The Havanese breed is known for being very friendly and affectionate, making them great companions for families with children. They're always eager to please their owners and love to learn new tricks.
Here are some key characteristics to expect from a Havanese puppy:
- Friendly and affectionate
- Intelligent and easy to train
- Low-maintenance coat (with regular grooming)
- Adaptable to living in apartments or homes with small yards
- Good with children and other pets
- Long lifespan of 14 to 16 years
Havanese puppies are generally very adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, making them a great choice for many families.
Highlights
The Havanese breed is known for its friendly and affectionate nature, making them a great companion for families with children. They thrive on human interaction and love to be around people.
One of the best things about Havanese dogs is their intelligence and ease of training. They're eager to please their owners and love to learn new tricks. This makes them a great breed for first-time dog owners or those who want a low-maintenance pet.
Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming, but the good news is that it can be trimmed or clipped to make it more manageable. This means you can choose the level of grooming that suits you and your lifestyle.
For more insights, see: How to Groom a Havanese

Havanese dogs are adaptable and can live in apartments or homes with small yards. They're also good for people who are active or not as active, making them a great breed for a wide range of owners.
Here are some key highlights of the Havanese breed:
- Friendly and affectionate: Havanese dogs love to be around people and make great companions for families with children.
- Intelligent and easy to train: They're eager to please their owners and love to learn new tricks.
- Low-maintenance coat: Their long, silky coat can be trimmed or clipped to make it more manageable.
- Adaptable: Havanese dogs can live in apartments or homes with small yards.
- Good with children and other pets: They're gentle and playful, making them a great breed for families.
- Long lifespan: Havanese dogs have an average lifespan of 14 to 16 years.
Overall, the Havanese breed is a wonderful companion for anyone looking for a loving and loyal pet.
Hypoallergenic Coat
The Havanese has a hypoallergenic coat that's perfect for those with allergies.
Their fur is more like human hair than typical dog fur, producing less dander, which is the leading cause of pet allergies.
Regular grooming is necessary to keep their hair tangle-free and clean, but it's a small price to pay for a pet that's gentle on allergy sufferers.
The Havanese coat is thick but silky, soft, and light, and it doesn't shed easily.
However, this means they require regular brushing to prevent mats from forming, and frequent baths to keep it clean.
Explore further: Do Havanese Have Hair or Fur
Unless you're highly motivated and skilled, it's best to take your Havanese to a professional groomer to keep their coat in good shape.
Daily brushing is essential to prevent mats and keep their coat looking its best, and it's also a great way to bond with your dog.
By brushing your Havanese regularly, you can also help prevent tearstains and keep their eyes clean.
Their coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including white, black, black and tan, sable, gray, and many others, so you're sure to find one that suits your style.
On a similar theme: Havanese Poodle Black
Size
The Havanese is a small but mighty breed.
They typically stand between 8 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches tall. Males and females have the same height range.
At full maturity, they weigh between 7 to 13 pounds. This weight range is the same for both males and females.
Here's a quick rundown of the breed's size:
- Height: 8 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches
- Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
Their small size makes them a great fit for apartment living or homes with smaller yards.
Health

The health of your furry friend is a top priority, and understanding their breed characteristics can help you provide the best care possible.
The Poodle is prone to eye problems, including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, which is a common issue in many breeds.
This breed's low-shedding coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but also reduces the amount of dog hair in your home.
The Shih Tzu is susceptible to respiratory issues, such as bronchitis and tracheal collapse, due to their flat face and short nasal passages.
Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them a great companion, but also means they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
The Beagle's small size and long ears make them more susceptible to ear infections, which can be painful and require prompt veterinary attention.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage these health issues, so be sure to keep your furry friend active and happy!
Curious to learn more? Check out: Havanese Dog Health Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make a Havanese?
The Havanese breed is believed to have originated from the cross-breeding of the Blanquito and the poodle. This unique combination of breeds is what gives the Havanese its distinct characteristics and charm.
Is Havanese a good house dog?
Yes, Havanese can make great house dogs with proper care and attention, but they do require regular exercise and may be prone to barking.
What are Havanese drawbacks?
Havanese dogs are prone to allergies, which can cause skin conditions and discomfort. Regular grooming and allergy management are essential to prevent these issues and ensure a happy, healthy Havanese companion.
Is Havanese a yappy dog?
No, Havanese dogs are not typically considered yappy, but they will alert you to outside activity
Featured Images: pexels.com

