Dog breed profile
Havanese
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Havanese is a small companion breed originating from Cuba and descended from Mediterranean bichon-type dogs. Most adults stand around 23 to 28 centimetres tall and weigh approximately 4 to 7 kilograms. The breed has a sturdy but compact body, drop ears, a plumed tail and a long, soft coat that may be straight, wavy or curly.
Havanese occur in many colours and patterns. They are typically affectionate, cheerful, intelligent and strongly people-oriented. Many enjoy children, visitors, other pets and close household involvement. Their playful and responsive nature makes them successful in trick training, obedience and therapy work. A functionally built Havanese should show balance and comfortable movement rather than an exaggerated interpretation of the physical features for which the breed is known.
However, their strong attachment to people can contribute to separation-related distress when they are left alone without gradual preparation. The coat sheds relatively little but requires regular maintenance and does not make the breed completely allergy-free. Individual Havanese still vary with breeding, early experience, health and training, so these breed tendencies should guide preparation rather than predetermine the personality of every dog.
Appearance is only one part of deciding whether a Havanese is a suitable long-term companion. Living space alone does not determine suitability for a Havanese; access to companionship, purposeful activity, rest and consistent handling is more important than the size of the property. People choosing a Havanese should meet mature examples where possible, because adult energy, confidence and handling needs may be less obvious in an appealing puppy. A well-matched Havanese is normally included in everyday family life and given clear outlets for the same instincts that shaped the breed's original work or companionship role.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
For the Havanese, care involves moderate daily exercise, frequent grooming and gradual training to remain alone calmly. Several short walks, play sessions, scent games and trick-training activities are generally sufficient. Early Havanese training should combine positive reinforcement and patience with a predictable toilet routine. Mental work for a Havanese can come from scent searches, food puzzles, cooperative handling and short training problems matched to the dog's confidence and physical ability. Increase duration and impact gradually in a young or previously unfit Havanese; fatigue, altered gait or reluctance should prompt rest and assessment instead of forced completion.
The long coat should be brushed and combed thoroughly several times a week and often daily when kept at full length. Many companion owners choose a shorter professional trim. Mats commonly form behind the ears, beneath the legs, around the feet and beneath collars or harnesses. Use each grooming session to examine the Havanese's skin, feet, ears and body outline, making the process cooperative enough that subtle changes are noticed early. Introduce brushing, foot handling, mouth examination and quiet restraint to the Havanese in brief rewarded steps before any of those procedures becomes urgent.
The face should be kept clean, and persistent tear staining or eye discharge should be discussed with a veterinarian. Teeth should be brushed daily or as frequently as possible because small dogs are prone to dental disease. Nails require regular trimming and ears should be checked for wax or infection. Measure the Havanese's food against actual workload and reassess portions after growth, desexing, illness or a change in activity rather than relying indefinitely on the packet guide. A monthly weight or body-condition record makes gradual change in a Havanese easier to detect than appearance alone, particularly when day-to-day familiarity masks a slow trend.
Food should be measured carefully to prevent obesity. Regular veterinary examinations should monitor knees, hips, eyes, heart health, skin and dental condition.
Conditions linked to this breed
Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Congenital Portosystemic Shunts
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Elbow Dysplasia
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Hip Dysplasia
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Intervertebral Disc Disease IVDD
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Luxating Patella
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy Generalised
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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