Havanese

Temperament and Personality

The Havanese temperament is like sunshine on a cloudy day – they’re warm, affectionate, playful dogs that make friends wherever they go. This includes new people, children, dogs, cats, and maybe even the postman!

Often found warming the laps of their loved ones, the Havanese is a happy, gentle, sweet-natured dog with a heart of gold. This, combined with the fact they love to make people smile, makes them a wonderful therapy or emotional support pet too. They also make good little watchdogs – they like to sit by the window watching the world go by, and won’t hesitate to bark if someone approaches the house.

This doesn’t mean they’ll just lounge about all day though. Havaneses are highly intelligent and surprisingly lively for such small dogs. They need lots of mental stimulation and human interaction to keep them happy. Being the social butterflies they are, these dogs thrive on being the centre of attention, and love to learn and perform new tricks in exchange for tasty treats and fuss. 

Although happy in the company of pretty much anyone, the Havanese is hopelessly devoted to its family and doesn’t like to be away from them. They were bred to keep the upper class company in their native Cuba and have developed a reputation for being velcro dogs. Havaneses don’t have many personality problems, but this unwavering loyalty and undying love does mean they’re prone to develop separation anxiety. This causes a dog distress, leading to destructive behaviours like chewing on furniture, whining, or toileting inside the house.

They can also grow up to be a little timid. As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch.

So if you’re looking for a cute canine companion that’ll double up as your shadow, the Havanese could be the breed for you.

What is a Teacup Havanese?

The standard Havanese size is small, weighing only 4kg - 6kg and measuring just 23cm-28cm in height. However, the Teacup Havanese is even smaller. They’re not a separate breed, but the term is used to describe a Havanese smaller than the breed standard. They’re the result of two naturally small dogs mating, but some breeders have resorted to using unethical practices – such as breeding runts or malnourishment – in order to produce the Teacup Havanese.

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Havanese paw-sonality traits

• Sweet, friendly, gentle

• Lively and playful

• Highly intelligent

• Adores its owners

• Social and outgoing

• Thrives on attention

• Loves to perform and show off

• Eager to please

• Cheerful, happy-go-lucky attitude

• Good watchdogs

• Used as therapy and assistance dogs

• Active but doesn’t need lots of exercise

• Hates being left alone

• High maintenance coat

Havanese pros and cons

Are Havaneses good family dogs?

Absolutely! The Havanese is a firm family favourite, and for good reason. They get on well with pretty much everybody and can brighten up the dullest of days with their adorable faces and cheerful nature. However, if they’re left alone for even short periods of time, your Havanese is likely to develop separation anxiety. They need at least one person to be home most of the day for them to stay happy and healthy.

Are Havanese dogs good with children?

Yes, the Havanese dog is generally good with children of all ages. They’re sweet, gentle and love to play, making them an ideal buddy for toddlers and teens alike. It’s important they’re not treated like a toy though, or played with too roughly given their delicate size.

Are Havanese dogs good with other pets?

Yes, the Havanese is a super friendly breed that loves to make furry friends. They also have a relatively low prey drive, so they can live with cats too. 

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Havanese properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Havanese need?

When fully grown, these little guys and gals need around 30 minutes of physical exercise a day, ideally split into two walks with some off-lead time in between. It’s highly recommended to use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.

While the Havanese doesn’t need lots of exercise, they’re an energetic, intelligent dog that needs plenty of indoor playtime and mental stimulation. Interactive puzzle toys, tug of war, fetch, and learning new tricks will ensure their brains get a good workout too. They also do well at agility, freestyle, obedience, and flyball. 

As they hate to be left alone and have low exercise needs, they’re an ideal companion for people who spend a lot of time at home.

How do you train a Havanese?

The Havanese is an intelligent, eager-to-please breed, making them easy to train and ideal dogs for first-time owners. They’re also capable of learning much more beyond the basics. However, like most toy dogs with tiny digestive systems, it can take them a while to become fully housetrained. 

Unleash your Havanese’s potential with some fun training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and a delicious treat such as these Turkey & Hemp Meaty Treats. Havaneses are sweet souls who are quite sensitive, so they need gentle guidance instead of harsh correction.

2. Prevent Small Dog Syndrome. Don’t let them get away with unwanted behaviour because they’re cute! This often happens with small, adorable pooches, and can lead to behavioural issues, including aggression. 

3. Prioritise potty training. The Havanese needs consistency when it comes to housetraining, so be sure to establish a routine for feeding times, potty breaks and playtime to help them understand what's expected of them. 

4. Keep the barking at bay. Although not considered a yappy breed, Havaneses are natural little watchdogs who love to let you know when someone is at the door. This is useful, but you don’t want them to become overly vocal dogs who love the sound of their own voice. If this seems to be the case, desensitise your Havanese to triggers by gradually exposing them to stuff that makes them bark. You should also teach them the ‘quiet’ command, remembering to only reward them when they’re silent.

5. Give their brains a good workout. This super smart breed loves to learn and entertain their owners, so teach them how to do ‘high five’, ‘roll over’ or ‘spin’ and consider competing in trick training competitions. These natural performers also do well at mini agility and heelwork to music.

6. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is still crucial, even for these social butterflies. Despite their outgoing nature, some Havanese dogs can become quite shy and cautious, so expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

7. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Havanese dogs need?

Havanese dogs have a long, silky, high maintenance double coat with very low shedding, making them hypoallergenic and a paw-fect choice for some allergy sufferers. Their coats can be straight, wavy, or curly, and come in many colours, including white, black, sable, black and tan, and grey. But these luscious, low-shedding locks come at a cost…quite a bit of grooming! 

However, many owners choose to give their pooch a ‘puppy cut’, resulting in a short-haired Havanese that doesn’t need as much grooming.

Either way, here are some Havanese grooming tips to keep your pups looking pristine.

• Brush daily using a pin brush (or a few times a week if they’ve been cut short) to prevent matts and tangles. This will also remove dead hair in the undercoat that can become matted.

• Focus on problem areas such as the rear end where doggo dingleberries and other dirty bits could be hiding.

• Bathe no more than twice a month using a dog-friendly shampoo. Too many baths can strip the skin's natural oils, which serve as a shield against allergies.

• Clean around their eyes with a cotton pad to prevent issues from eye-tearing and staining. Also, keep the hair around the eyes trimmed using rounded scissors.

• Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Have them professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks. This will include a bath, haircut, nail trim and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.

• There are some traditional Havanese hairstyles a professional groomer can do to ensure they look their best all year round. Choose from the Puppy Cut, the Summer Cut, the Teddy Bear Cut, or for curly Havaneses, try Cording, the dog equivalent of dreadlocks.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Havaneses are prone to dental issues, so use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste daily to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Havanese lifespan is between 12–16 years. They’re generally considered one of the more healthy breeds, but like many beautiful purebreds, the Havanese is susceptible to a few health issues.

Common Havanese health issues

• Allergies. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease.

• Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.

• Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from furniture.  

• Legg-Perthes Disease. This hereditary condition causes the head of the femur to receive less blood supply, eventually leading to necrosis where the femur and pelvis connect. It usually affects puppies around 6-9 months old. The most common sign is gradual lameness of the back legs, but it can be treated successfully through surgery.

• Mitral Valve Disease. This is where blood builds up in the left atrium of the heart due to a defect in the mitral valve. The heart then struggles to pump blood efficiently around the body. If a heart murmur is detected, your Havanese will need to see a cardiologist. 

• Portosystemic Shunt. This is a liver disorder that deprives the liver of blood, preventing it from growing and functioning properly. A new diet or surgery can help treat this problem. Signs usually appear before 2 years old, and include neurological abnormalities, decreased appetite, hypoglycemia, and gastrointestinal issues.

• Dental Issues. Their miniature mouths can lead to overcrowded teeth or teeth growing in at odd angles, leading to abscesses and infections. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Havanese a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their joints stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Havanese eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Havanese will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

They’re not prone to obesity but as this breed doesn’t need loads of exercise, it’s important they’re not overfed. Carrying extra weight puts enormous pressure on a pooch’s joints and internal organs.

The best food for a Havanese is one that’s been developed with their medical needs in mind. Dog food made especially for small breeds is also recommended as the size of the kibble is smaller – perfect for their tiny teeth!

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips

Feed a balanced diet

Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Havanese’s nutritional needs. Try this food designed specifically with allergies in mind, or consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.

Protect their joints

To help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t over exercise your Havanese or allow them to jump up and down from furniture. Also, consider adding Joint Tablet supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure.

Look after their eyes and skin

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health. Havaneses are also prone to allergies, so routinely check their skin and ears and consult with your vet if you notice anything suspicious. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.

Use a harness

Walking your Havanese using just a collar can lead to tracheal collapse, so always use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.

Monitor weight

A healthy Havanese should weigh between 4 and 6kg. Some of their daily calories should be allocated to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy, such as these Dental Probiotic Meaty Treats.

Say no to table scraps

Their sweet faces can be hard to resist, but it’s important you don’t overfeed your Havanese. Extra weight on a pooch can impact their quality of life, make it difficult for them to move and put pressure on their joints. For extra hungry Havaneses, consider this Slim & Slender Dry Food that’s good for weight management. 

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world, but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Havanese’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Havanese is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is a Havanese puppy?

The price of a Havanese can cost anywhere between £1,000 and £1,800. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Havanese is around £50.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost around £20 to £30 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

As this breed is prone to a number of health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Havanese should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Havanese Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Havanese even more with these tidbits and tales about everyone’s favourite Cuban canine! 

• They’re Cuba’s national dog and are considered to be the only breed native to this South American country.

• They’re said to descend from an extinct dog breed called the Blanquito de la Habana, which means ‘little white dog of Havana’. 

• They’re part of the Bichon family of dogs, which includes the Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, Maltese, and Bolognese.

• Their coat is thick and profuse, but lightweight and silky, which helps to insulate them from intense heat. 

• The Havanese is one of the friendliest dogs in the world! They don’t have a bad bone in their little bodies, and absolutely adore people. 

• They weren’t bred to be working dogs, but the Havanese has proved itself to be a good employee! They’ve performed in circuses, worked as mould sniffing dogs, and make excellent therapy and emotional support pets too.

• Along with many other dogs, Queen Victoria of England had two beloved Havanese pooches called Chico and Goliath.

• The Havanese breed almost went extinct due to the 1959 Cuban Revolution. Only 11 purebred Havanese existed, and it took monumental breeding efforts to restore this breed back to popular glory.

• You can get Havanese cross breeds. The Havanese Poodle mix is called a Havapoo, the the Havanese Shih Tzu mix is called a Havashu, and the Havanese Pug cross is called a Puganese. 

History and Origin

These cutie patooties have a rich history that spans centuries and continents. They’re a member of the Bichon dog family that originated in the Mediterranean. Other dogs in this family include the Maltese, Coton de Tulear, and Bolognese. 

These dogs began their early development in Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, and one of them soon became known as Bichon Tenerife. This now extinct dog is thought to be the Havanese’s primary ancestor.

But how did the Havanese end up in…Havana?! When Columbus claimed Cuba for Spain in 1492, Spanish farmers and noblemen began to settle on the island, bringing their little dogs with them. Being isolated on an island that later imposed trade restrictions, these dogs were able to interbreed and develop into the Havanese we all know and love today.

They were bred to be companion dogs, and by the 1800s, they were favourites amongst the Cuban upper classes. These adorable pooches were given as gifts to wives and daughters of the wealthy. Only the elite could own a Havanese, and they lived a cushty life gracing the laps of aristocracy.

However, things changed when Fidel Castro implemented his Communist Regime in 1959, known as the Cuban Revolution. This brought an abrupt end to high society and saw the upper classes and their pets suffer, causing the Havanese breed to almost go extinct. A few upper-class families managed to flee with the last remaining 11 Havanese dogs, where they’d find exile in the United States and Costa Rica.

Thanks to extensive breeding efforts, the Havanese breed was restored to healthy numbers. Since then, they’ve continued to melt the hearts of many across the globe, thanks to their good looks, intelligence, and affectionate nature.

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Havanese. 

1. Research the breed. Havanese dogs are prone to suffer from separation anxiety and need a lot of grooming, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Havanese puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Havaneses and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Havanese, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Havaneses in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home. 

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