Havanese — Complete Guide: Care, Health, Cost & Best Products (2026)

The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog — a small, silky-coated companion breed that is cheerful, adaptable, and deeply social. Unlike many small breeds, Havanese are reliably friendly with everyone and rarely display the snappy temperament or excessive barking common in other toy breeds. Their low-shedding coat and excellent temperament make them one of the most highly recommended small breeds for first-time owners.

Quick Stats

Characteristic	Details
AKC Group	Toy
Size	Small (7–13 lbs)
Weight	7–13 lbs
Lifespan	14–16 years
Energy Level	Moderate
Shedding	Very Low — silky coat, minimal shedding
Good with Kids	Excellent — gentle, playful, and adaptable
Good with Other Pets	Excellent — highly sociable and non-confrontational
Trainability	Excellent — intelligent, eager to please, and food-motivated
First-Time Owner Friendly	Excellent — highly recommended for first-time owners

Origin and History

The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, descended from the Bichon family of breeds brought to Cuba by Spanish settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. The breed developed in Cuba’s unique climate and culture, becoming a beloved companion of Cuban aristocracy. After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, many Cuban families fled to the United States, often bringing their Havanese with them — the American Havanese population descends largely from these 11 Cuban refugee dogs. The AKC recognized Havanese in 1996. They have since grown rapidly in popularity, consistently ranking in the top 25 most popular AKC breeds. The Havanese is the only dog breed native to Cuba.

Health Issues

Patellar Luxation — Very common in toy breeds including Havanese; surgical correction costs $1,500–$3,000/knee.

Hip Dysplasia — Affects approximately 12.9% per OFA data — somewhat elevated for a small breed; OFA clearances recommended from breeders.

Cataracts — Hereditary cataracts are more common in Havanese than average; annual eye examinations recommended from age 2.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) — DNA testing available; reputable breeders test for PRA status.

Chondrodysplasia — A skeletal condition causing shortened, bowed limbs; DNA testing available in Havanese.

Deafness — Congenital deafness is seen in some white-heavy Havanese; BAER testing is available.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease — Avascular necrosis of the femoral head; more common in toy breeds.

Nutrition Needs

Havanese need small-breed appropriate, moderate-calorie nutrition:

Small breed formula: Calorie-dense appropriate for a 10-lb dog
Protein: 20–25% (dry matter basis)
Caloric needs: An adult Havanese needs approximately 300–450 kcal/day
Dental health: Dental treats, water additives, and tooth brushing are important given toy breed dental disease risk
Avoid overfeeding: Weight gain quickly impacts a small dog’s joint health

Full food recommendations: Havanese

Grooming Needs

Havanese have beautiful, low-shedding coats requiring regular maintenance:

Brushing: Daily to every other day; the silky coat tangles without regular brushing
Professional grooming: Every 6–8 weeks for trim and bath; or maintain at home with practice
Corded coat: Some owners allow the coat to naturally cord (like a Puli) — an alternative to brushing that requires different maintenance
Eye area: Clean around eyes daily to prevent tear staining
Annual grooming cost: $500–$900

Training Tips

Havanese are among the most trainable toy breeds:

Highly food-motivated: Respond beautifully to treat-reward training
Eager to please: Unlike stubborn terriers, Havanese genuinely want to do what their owner wants
Excellent trick trainers: Havanese excel at trick training and enjoy showing off
Therapy dog candidates: Their calm, social nature and trainability make them excellent therapy dogs
Positive reinforcement only: Sensitive nature means harsh methods are counterproductive

Exercise Requirements

Havanese are moderate-energy dogs with manageable exercise needs:

Daily exercise: 20–30 minutes of walks and indoor play
Adaptable: Equally suited to apartment living or homes with yards
Loves play: Fetch, toy games, and interactive play are favorites
Not weather extremes: Small size makes them sensitive to both extreme cold and heat

Cost Section

Puppy price: $1,000–$3,000 from a reputable breeder with health clearances
First-year costs: $2,000–$4,500 (puppy, vet visits, spay/neuter, supplies, food, training)
Annual ongoing costs: $1,000–$2,500 (food, routine vet care, grooming, supplies)
Pet insurance: Strongly recommended given breed-specific health risks

See: Havanese

Is a Havanese Right for You?

A Havanese is right for you if you want a friendly, adaptable, low-shedding companion excellent for first-time owners and apartment living, can commit to regular grooming, want a breed reliably good with children, seniors, other pets, and strangers, and appreciate a dog as interested in people as they are in play. One of the most universally accessible breeds available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do Havanese bark a lot?

A: Havanese are moderate barkers — significantly less vocal than many toy breeds. They may bark to alert owners to visitors but rarely engage in sustained nuisance barking. This is one of the breed’s advantages over more vocal toy breeds for apartment living.

Q: Are Havanese hypoallergenic?

A: Havanese are low-shedding and produce less airborne dander than double-coated breeds, making them suitable for many allergy sufferers. They are among the better choices for allergy-sensitive households, though no dog is completely allergen-free.

Q: How long do Havanese live?

A: Average lifespan is 14–16 years — one of the longer-lived toy breeds. Their small size and generally good health contribute to longevity. Proper dental care, weight management, and regular veterinary care support the longer end of this range.

Q: Are Havanese good with strangers?

A: Excellent — Havanese are reliably friendly with strangers, which distinguishes them from many small breeds that can be suspicious or snappy with unfamiliar people. This social openness makes them poor watchdogs but wonderful social companions.

Q: What is the difference between a Havanese and a Bichon Frise?

A: Both are members of the Bichon family with similar low-shedding coats and gentle temperaments. Havanese tend to be slightly more active and playful; Bichons tend to be slightly more uniform in their white coat color. Havanese come in more color varieties. Both are excellent companion breeds for similar types of owners.

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Havanese — Havanese ownership cost breakdown

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Havanese — Complete Guide 2026