Havanese Breed Information
The Havanese is a small, silky-coated companion dog with a lively personality and a heart full of affection. Known for its cheerful expression and people-loving nature, this breed was made to be by your side—whether it’s during a morning walk, a lazy afternoon, or a quiet night in. Originally bred as a companion for Cuban aristocracy, the Havanese has kept its close connection to people throughout history.
Everything about this breed is designed for companionship. Havanese are naturally social and thrive in homes where they’re included in everyday life. They’re the kind of dog that watches what you’re doing, follows you from room to room, and gently nudges your hand when they’re ready for some attention. Their size and temperament make them a natural fit for apartments, family homes, and even first-time dog owners.
With their soft, flowing coat, expressive eyes, and spirited charm, Havanese bring a playful energy that doesn’t overwhelm. They’re gentle with kids, friendly with strangers, and eager to be part of whatever’s going on. Their balanced personality—calm, curious, and consistently affectionate—makes them one of the most lovable companion breeds around.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Purebred
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimum
TRAINING
Responsive
TEMPERAMENT
Affectionate, Cheerful, Intelligent, Loyal, Social
ADULT WEIGHT
7-13 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
9-12 in
LIFE SPAN
12-14 yrs
Characteristics
- Affectionate and loyal – Havanese form strong bonds with their families and love staying close. They’re the kind of dog that follows you around, settles at your feet, and waits patiently for a cuddle.
- Friendly with everyone – This breed greets new people with curiosity and ease. They do well with children, get along with other pets, and generally bring a social, welcoming vibe to the home.
- Playful but gentle – Havanese enjoy games and light-hearted activity but aren’t hyper. Their energy is steady and easy to manage, making them great for homes with a calm daily rhythm.
- Small but sturdy – Most Havanese weigh between 7 and 13 pounds. They’re easy to handle but feel solid and balanced—not delicate or frail.
- Low-shedding with a silky coat – Their coat grows long and soft, with little shedding. While they do need regular grooming, they’re often a good match for allergy-sensitive homes.
- Highly adaptable – Whether living in a downtown apartment or a quiet house with a yard, Havanese adjust well to their surroundings and thrive when they’re part of the family routine.
- Naturally expressive – Their eyes, ears, and tail often say just as much as their bark. Havanese communicate well and are known for their wide range of expressions.
- Easy to train – They’re smart, eager to please, and quick to pick up on patterns, making training smooth and enjoyable with a little consistency.
- Alert without being loud – Havanese make excellent companions for those who want awareness without constant barking. They’ll let you know when something’s up, but they settle down quickly.
Appearance
The Havanese is a small, elegant companion dog with a soft, flowing coat and an expressive, friendly face. Everything about this breed feels gentle and approachable. They carry a slightly longer-than-tall frame that adds a relaxed look to their balanced build. Despite their size, Havanese are sturdy and well-proportioned, not fragile or fine-boned.
Most Havanese weigh between 7 and 13 pounds and stand around 9 to 11 inches tall. Their size makes them easy to pick up, travel with, or curl up beside—yet they still feel solid and steady in your arms. Their movement has a light bounce, a natural spring in the step that reflects their cheerful, curious energy.
The breed’s coat is one of its standout features. It grows long, soft, and silky, with a light wave or gentle curl. It doesn’t shed much, which can make the Havanese a good fit for allergy-sensitive homes, but it does require regular grooming to prevent tangles and keep it looking its best. Coat colors range widely—white, cream, black, silver, chocolate, gold, sable, or combinations of these—so no two Havanese look quite the same.
Their eyes are dark, round, and full of warmth, giving the breed its signature soft expression. Ears hang close to the cheeks, covered in hair that blends seamlessly with the rest of the coat. The tail is plumed and usually carried over the back in a soft arch, adding a finishing touch to their naturally tidy appearance.
Even with a bit of tousle, the Havanese always seems put together. Their overall look is cozy, light, and full of charm—just like their personality.
Temperament
The Havanese is a gentle, social, and deeply affectionate companion dog. This breed thrives on connection and does best in homes where they’re part of the daily rhythm—never far from the people they love. Whether sitting quietly by your side or trotting along behind you from room to room, they stay close and engaged without being clingy or demanding.
Havanese are naturally friendly. They greet guests with curiosity, warm up quickly to strangers, and enjoy spending time around children, seniors, and other pets. Their easygoing nature helps them adjust to new situations, and they rarely show signs of aggression or nervousness when raised with positive social exposure.
They bring a playful, light energy to the home. Havanese enjoy toys, short games, and simple routines. They stay active without being hyper, and their energy rarely feels overwhelming. They’re also quick to read the room—settling down easily when things are calm and rising to the occasion when there’s something fun happening.
Because of their strong emotional awareness, they tend to bond closely with everyone in the family. Havanese aren’t typically one-person dogs. They build broad relationships with their people and stay tuned in to moods and routines. It’s not uncommon for a Havanese to gently place a paw on your lap or follow you silently when they sense something has changed.
They’re also known for their expressiveness. Havanese often communicate with more than just a bark. Their eyes, body language, and even subtle vocalizations reflect what they’re thinking or feeling, adding personality and charm to everyday moments.
What makes the Havanese truly special is how they blend sociability with softness. They’re always ready for connection—but never overstep. They stay involved, stay close, and keep things light, making them one of the most adaptable and emotionally attuned companion breeds around.
Care
Grooming
The Havanese has a long, silky coat that gives the breed its signature soft look—but keeping that coat in good shape takes regular care. While the breed doesn’t shed much, its hair grows continuously and can tangle easily without a grooming routine in place.
Most Havanese do best with brushing several times a week, if not daily. A pin brush or comb works well to move through the layers of hair and prevent mats, especially around the ears, under the arms, and behind the legs—areas where tangles form quickly. For owners who prefer a lower-maintenance option, many choose to keep the coat trimmed to a manageable length. A shorter “puppy cut” still shows off the breed’s charm while cutting down on daily upkeep.
Bathing is needed about once every three to four weeks, depending on lifestyle. A gentle dog shampoo helps keep the coat clean and the skin healthy. After the bath, drying the coat thoroughly and brushing it out again helps maintain texture and shine.
Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is common for this breed. Trims, sanitary cleaning, and nail clipping all help the Havanese stay comfortable and looking neat. Dogs in longer coat may also need a professional blowout or detangling treatment now and then to prevent matting.
The breed’s ears should be checked weekly. Because the hair around the ear canal is dense, moisture and debris can build up easily. A simple wipe with a vet-approved cleanser keeps the ears clean and reduces the risk of infection.
Dental care also matters. Like many small breeds, the Havanese can develop tartar and gum issues if teeth aren’t cleaned regularly. Brushing a few times a week and offering dental chews can make a big difference in their long-term oral health.
Nails should be trimmed every three to four weeks, depending on activity level. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they’re too long—and long nails can affect comfort, posture, and joint health over time.
Exercise Needs
The Havanese has a moderate energy level that’s easy to manage with short walks, light play, and regular interaction throughout the day. They don’t need long hikes or intense workouts, but they do need movement, variety, and time with their people to stay balanced.
Most Havanese are happy with 30 to 45 minutes of exercise per day, spread out in shorter sessions. A relaxed walk around the block, some indoor play, or a few minutes of fetch in the yard usually meets their physical needs. They enjoy being outside but don’t require a large space—just a safe, interesting place to explore.
Play is a big part of their daily routine. Havanese love soft toys, chase games, and even a bit of problem-solving. They often carry their favorite toy from room to room and are quick to invite their people into the fun. Their movements stay light and easy, with bursts of excitement followed by plenty of downtime.
Because the Havanese is a bright and emotionally tuned-in breed, mental stimulation plays a key role in their overall well-being. Puzzle feeders, short training sessions, and scent-based games help them stay sharp and content. They enjoy learning and usually respond quickly to new activities, especially when they’re part of the daily rhythm.
They’re also highly adaptable. On quiet days, they’re just as happy lounging nearby, and on more active days, they keep up without missing a beat. Their energy adjusts to the pace of the home, which makes them a great fit for families, seniors, or anyone looking for a steady, low-maintenance companion.
Without enough stimulation, Havanese may get bored or restless. They’re not destructive by nature, but they might bark more or seek out attention in unhelpful ways. A little structure, a bit of movement, and time spent together keep those habits in check and help them stay calm and connected.
Health
The Havanese is a generally healthy breed with a long lifespan and a steady constitution, especially when responsibly bred and well cared for. Most live active, comfortable lives into their teens, with few serious issues when their basic needs are met. Regular checkups, a healthy diet, and daily interaction go a long way in supporting their long-term well-being.
Like all breeds, the Havanese does have a few health considerations to be aware of. Allergies—both environmental and food-related—can show up in some dogs, leading to skin irritation, ear infections, or digestive issues. These are usually manageable through dietary adjustments, regular grooming, and vet-recommended treatments.
Dental health is especially important. Small breeds like the Havanese are more likely to develop plaque, tartar, and gum issues if their teeth aren’t brushed regularly. A few minutes of brushing several times a week, along with the right chews or rinses, helps support good oral hygiene over time.
Some Havanese may also experience tear staining, particularly around the eyes. This is usually a cosmetic issue and can be controlled with gentle daily cleaning and attention to water quality or food sensitivities.
Overall, the Havanese is a resilient, long-living companion when their needs are met. A bit of daily care and regular vet support help prevent problems and keep them feeling their best at every stage of life.
Lifespan
The Havanese has one of the longer life expectancies among small companion breeds, typically living between 14 and 16 years. With attentive care, some even reach into their late teens, offering many steady, affectionate years to the families they grow up with.
Their long lifespan reflects the breed’s overall balance—moderate size, easy energy levels, and a temperament that avoids extremes. Havanese don’t wear themselves out with overexertion, nor are they sedentary. They move comfortably through each life stage with a gentle pace and a strong connection to their people.
As they age, they may slow down gradually. Play becomes softer, naps grow longer, and routines take on a calmer tone. But even in their later years, most Havanese stay emotionally connected, enjoying simple comforts and staying close to their family. Their loyalty doesn’t fade—they simply shift into a slower rhythm.
A few thoughtful adjustments help support them in this phase of life. Softer bedding, shorter walks, and regular vet visits keep them feeling good, while continued companionship helps them stay emotionally steady. They thrive in quiet routines and familiar spaces, especially as they reach their senior years.
Training
The Havanese is an intelligent, responsive breed that enjoys learning and being part of the process. With their people-pleasing nature and emotional sensitivity, training tends to go smoothly—especially when it’s based on clear communication and gentle, consistent guidance.
They respond best to positive reinforcement. Praise, treats, and encouragement go a long way with this breed. Havanese are emotionally tuned in and can be easily discouraged by harsh correction. Keeping things light, clear, and rewarding helps them stay confident and engaged.
Most Havanese pick up on basic commands quickly. Sit, stay, come, and leash walking usually fall into place with a little repetition and structure. They enjoy the attention that comes with training and often bring a sense of fun to the process—making the experience enjoyable on both sides.
House training can take a little longer with some Havanese, but they succeed with routine and patience. Scheduled bathroom breaks, consistency, and crate training usually result in strong habits over time. They like knowing what’s expected and often thrive in homes where the schedule stays steady.
Socialization is just as important as obedience. Havanese are naturally friendly, but they still benefit from early exposure to different people, places, and sounds. Calm introductions help them stay confident and prevent shyness as they grow.
They also enjoy mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, short games, and light trick training keep their minds active and help prevent boredom. A Havanese that feels involved and mentally challenged is less likely to develop habits like barking or chewing out of frustration.
Because they’re so tuned in, Havanese often learn without much repetition. They tend to remember routines well and enjoy feeling useful. Training isn’t just about obedience for this breed—it’s about building trust, keeping things interesting, and strengthening the bond between dog and person.
History
The Havanese has a long and charming history that traces back to Cuba, where it became known as the island’s native breed and national dog. Its ancestors are believed to have arrived from Spain and the Mediterranean region as early as the 1600s, brought over by Spanish settlers and traders. These small, companion-type dogs began to adapt to the tropical climate and the rhythms of Cuban life, gradually developing into what we now recognize as the Havanese.
For centuries, the breed was known as the “Havana Silk Dog” or “Blanquito de la Habana”, named after Cuba’s capital. It was especially popular among Cuban aristocracy and upper-class families, prized for its affectionate nature, soft coat, and natural charm. The Havanese didn’t work in fields or guard estates—they were lap dogs, companions, and beloved members of the household.
In the mid-20th century, political changes in Cuba led many families to flee the country—and some brought their Havanese dogs with them. These dogs eventually became the foundation for the breed’s revival outside of Cuba. In particular, a small number of Havanese that made it to the United States helped rebuild the population through careful breeding and preservation efforts.
The breed began to gain recognition in the 1990s and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1996. Since then, the Havanese has steadily grown in popularity across North America and Europe, loved for the same reasons it once charmed aristocrats in Havana—warmth, sociability, and a personality that fits easily into family life.
Though small in stature, the Havanese has a rich, resilient history. It has always been a companion first—close to people, woven into daily life, and quietly charming in every setting it finds itself in.