Havanese
Cuba's cheerful little velcro dog — a bright, silky companion who wants to be by your side all day.
Overview
Small, sturdy companion dog with long, silky double coat and cheerful temperament. Cuba's national dog, known for its intelligent disposition and making an ideal city companion.
Best for
- •People who want an affectionate, adaptable small companion that thrives on human company — singles, families with older children, and apartment dwellers alike. The Havanese suits owners who enjoy training tricks and don't mind a dog that wants to be involved in everything.
May not suit
- •People who are out of the house for long stretches, or who want a low-maintenance, wash-and-go coat. This is a true companion breed that hates being left alone and whose silky coat needs regular, committed grooming to stay comfortable.
History & Origins
Developed from Bichon-type ancestors brought by Spanish settlers, became companions to Cuban aristocracy. Nearly extinct after Cuban Revolution but preserved by Cuban families who fled to the United States.
Characteristics & Traits
Lifestyle
Apartment Living
Families with Children
First-Time Owners
Other Dogs
Alone Time Tolerance
Shedding Level
Grooming Needs
Behavior
Trainability
Barking
Prey Drive
Exercise
Energy Level
Exercise & Training
Aim for around 30–45 minutes of total activity per day. Light to moderate activity keeps a Havanese happy. Two short walks plus play and trick training more than satisfy this adaptable little dog.
Daily Walks by Living Situation
Apartment or Home Without a Backyard
2 walks / day
~20 min each
Two short daily walks plus indoor play and some training keep an apartment Havanese content and mentally satisfied.
Home With a Backyard
2 walks / day
~20 min each
A secure garden is a nice bonus for pottering, but the Havanese wants to be with its people and won't enjoy being left outside alone.
Daycare or Park Time?
Sociable and people-loving, Havanese often enjoy small-group daycare, which is a great option for owners who work and helps prevent separation stress.
The Havanese is a small, agile dog that enjoys off-lead play but should be kept on a lead near roads and only let loose in secure, fenced areas. Watch out for larger dogs during play as this little dog is easily bowled over.
This breed bonds intensely with its people and is prone to separation anxiety. Build up alone time gradually from puppyhood to prevent distress and destructive behaviour.
Training
Bright, willing, and a natural performer, the Havanese picks up tricks and cues readily — keep it positive and it thrives.
- Keep training playful and reward-based — the Havanese loves to learn tricks and will happily perform for a treat and applause.
- Be patient and consistent with house-training, as small breeds often take longer to get fully reliable.
- Socialise early and gently; some Havanese can be a little shy with strangers if under-exposed as pups.
- Never use harsh corrections — this sensitive breed shuts down and loses confidence quickly.
- Teach a calm settle and reward quiet so their people-loving nature doesn't tip into demanding attention.
Use rewards and praise, keep sessions short and fun, and avoid harsh corrections that would dent this sensitive dog's confidence.
For Pet Parents
The Havanese wears a long, soft, silky double coat that is as high-maintenance as it is beautiful. Because loose hair stays in the coat instead of shedding out, it tangles easily and needs brushing most days plus regular professional trims to stay comfortable.
Grooming Commitment
The Havanese's beautiful silky coat is its biggest commitment. Because shed hair stays in the coat rather than falling out, it mats easily and needs brushing most days, plus regular professional trims. Daily eye wiping, weekly ear checks, and steady dental care round out the routine for this little companion.
At-Home Basics
- Difficulty
- High
Caring for Your Havanese at Home
Brush every day
Work through the whole coat daily with a pin brush and comb, right down to the skin, to prevent the mats that form quickly because loose hair stays in the coat rather than shedding out.
Keep the eyes clean
The Havanese is prone to tear staining. Wipe gently around the eyes each day with a soft, damp cloth to keep the hair clean and prevent staining and irritation.
Check the ears weekly
Look inside and wipe the outer ear each week. Hair can grow in the canal, so ask your groomer or vet to show you how to manage it and watch for smell or scratching.
Brush the teeth regularly
Little dogs are prone to dental disease. Brush several times a week with dog toothpaste and keep up vet dental checks to protect those small teeth.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Only brushing the surface and missing the base of the coat, where painful mats form close to the skin.
- Letting the coat grow long without committing to daily brushing, then facing knots that have to be shaved off.
- Ignoring tear staining until the eye area becomes sore and discoloured.
- Bathing without fully drying and brushing out the coat, which locks in tangles.
When to Call in a Professional
Book a professional groomer every four to six weeks to keep the coat in good order, whether you keep it long or opt for a shorter, easier trim. See a groomer or vet sooner if you find mats you can't gently work out, so they can be dealt with comfortably rather than causing skin problems.
Coat & Colors
- Type
- Long and silky
- Family
- Double coat
- Undercoat
- Yes
- Shedding
- Low
- Seasonal Change
- Minimal
- Matting Risk
- High
Common Problem Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
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