Havanese
About the Havanese
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Small (10-25 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 8-12" |
| Weight | 7-13 lbs |
| Coat Type | Long |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
30 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
High - Daily
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,200/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Havaneses may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
- Low-Maintenance Seekers
Guides for your Havanese
The story behind the Havanese
The Havanese descends from small bichon-type dogs brought to Cuba by Spanish settlers, most likely from the sixteenth century onward, where island isolation and local preference gradually shaped a distinct little companion. It became a fixture of Havana's wealthier households, valued purely as a lapdog and family pet rather than for any working task, and picked up the nickname Havana Silk Dog for its fine, soft coat. Political upheaval in the middle of the twentieth century scattered the breed, and a small number of dogs that left the island with emigrating families formed the base of the modern population in the United States. Careful rebuilding from that narrow foundation, alongside stock later located in Europe, restored it. The Havanese now enjoys steady popularity as a companion and is the only dog breed native to Cuba.
Originally bred for: Companion dog, Lapdog, Household watchdog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Havanese
Small mouths and fast metabolisms suit a nutrient-dense small-breed formula in two or three modest meals. Watch kibble size for a short muzzle, count treats used in training, and check that ribs stay easy to feel under all that coat.
Watch for: Some Havanese show itchy skin and ear irritation that owners suspect is dietary, though environmental allergy is at least as common. Sudden rich additions can loosen stools in a small gut. Trial elimination diets should be structured with veterinary guidance rather than guessed at.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Havanese
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.