Toy group

Havanese

Cuba’s national dog — a merry, silky velcro companion for almost any home.

Havanese are small, sturdy toy dogs with a silky, low-shedding coat and a famously happy temperament. They are affectionate, trainable and adaptable, but hate being left alone and need regular grooming.

Height
8.5–11.5 in22–29 cm
Weight
7–13 lb3–6 kg
Life expectancy
14–16 years
Size
Toy
Group
Toy
Origin
Cuba

Coat: Long, soft, silky double coat, straight to curly. Colours: Any colour or pattern.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement2.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level5.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive2.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden4.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability5.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness4.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Havanese are cheerful, outgoing and deeply attached to their families — they are sometimes called “velcro dogs”. They are usually friendly with strangers, children and other pets.

They are clever and enjoy learning tricks, but can be sensitive. Long periods alone often lead to barking or separation anxiety.

Living with a Havanese

Exercise

About 30 minutes of walks and play daily. They enjoy agility and trick training.

Grooming

A full coat needs brushing several times a week; many owners keep a shorter “puppy cut”. Clean around the eyes daily.

Training

Eager and bright; reward-based training works very well. House-training takes consistency.

Kids & other pets

Excellent with children and other pets, including cats. Teach young kids to sit on the floor when holding a small dog.

Time alone

Havanese dislike isolation; they do best when someone is home most of the day.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a Havanese right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Havanese matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Havanese typically lives 14–16 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps occur in toy breeds; watch for skipping.

  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

    Degeneration of the hip joint in young small dogs.

  • Cataracts

    Inherited cataracts occur; annual eye exams are recommended.

  • Chondrodysplasia

    A form of dwarfism affecting leg bones, sometimes causing lameness.

  • Deafness

    Congenital deafness occurs; BAER testing identifies affected puppies.

Ask a breeder for

  • Patella evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • BAER hearing test
  • Hip evaluation

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Havanese; Havanese Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $900–$1,800 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Havanese descend from Bichon-type dogs brought to Cuba by Spanish settlers. They became the pampered companions of the Cuban aristocracy.

After the 1959 revolution, a few families brought their dogs to the United States, and the modern breed was rebuilt from a small number of dogs. The AKC recognised the Havanese in 1996.

Did you know?

  • The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog.
  • Havanese have a springy, bouncy gait that is a breed hallmark.
  • The modern breed was rebuilt from a handful of dogs brought from Cuba in the 1960s.

Library guides for Havanese owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Havanese hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Havanese shed very little.
Are Havanese good family dogs?
Yes — they are affectionate, adaptable and great with children.
Can Havanese be left alone?
Not for long; they are prone to separation anxiety.