The Havanese is a small dog with a distinctive long, silky coat and a gentle temperament. Named after the Cuban capital, Havana, this breed was originally used as a ship dog, keeping sailors company. The Havanese is a cheerful, intelligent, and affectionate dog that is highly loyal, adaptable, and great with children. His playful and social nature, combined with his beautiful silky coat, makes him a charming and ideal companion for families.
The Havanese belongs to the Bichon family and originated in Europe, where the Bichon was crossed with other breeds. The breed developed further in Cuba, where it was introduced by Spanish colonists. In Cuba, the Havanese became a true ship dog, hunting vermin and keeping sailors company.
Named after Havana, the breed became so popular that it was recognized as the national dog of Cuba. During the Cuban Revolution, many Cuban refugees took their Havanese with them to the United States, where the breed gained worldwide popularity. Today, the Havanese is cherished as a joyful and loyal companion dog in many households.
The Havanese is known for its cheerful, social, and affectionate nature, making it an excellent family pet. The breed is playful and intelligent, always eager to engage in games and companionship. Havanese dogs are generally gentle and get along well with children and other pets.
Due to their eager-to-learn and intelligent nature, they are easy to train, but their strong need for companionship means they do not like being left alone for long periods. They thrive best in a loving environment with plenty of mental stimulation and attention.
The Havanese has a charming and adorable appearance that immediately appeals to many. Its long, silky coat has little undercoat and comes in various colours, including beige, reddish, black, Havana brown, dark brown, and red-brown, often with distinctive markings.
Despite its small size, the breed has a sturdy build, a straight back, and a gracefully high-set tail curled over its back. Its large, dark eyes and long, floppy ears contribute to its sweet and friendly expression. Though small in stature, the Havanese moves lightly and gracefully, reflecting its playful personality.
Despite its small size, the Havanese requires a fair amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. This active breed enjoys walking, running, and playing.
On average, the Havanese needs 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. Besides walks, the breed loves interactive play, puzzle games, and exploring new environments. The Havanese adapts easily to different surroundings but thrives best in an engaged and active household.
The Havanese has a delicate yet elegant appearance and requires regular grooming to stay in top condition.
Brushing: Several times a week to prevent tangles
Professional grooming: Regular trimming to keep the coat shiny and clean
Eye, ear, and nail care: Routine checks and maintenance
Dental care: Daily brushing to prevent dental issues
Just like other breeds, regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor its health.
The Havanese is generally a healthy breed, but like many purebred dogs, it can be prone to certain hereditary conditions.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia : A joint disorder affecting the hip and elbow joints, which can lead to stiffness, pain, and arthritis. Patellar Luxation : A condition where the kneecap slips out of place, causing lameness and mobility issues.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) : A hereditary eye disease that gradually deteriorates the retina, potentially leading to blindness.
Less common conditions, but still important to monitor, include:
Deafness some Havanese may be born deaf due to genetic factors.
Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt) . A vascular abnormality where blood bypasses the liver, affecting toxin filtration and overall health.
To help reduce these risks, it’s crucial to choose a reputable breeder who screens for these conditions and ensures that puppies come from healthy bloodlines.
The Havanese has a unique appearance, but shares ancestry with other similar breeds:
Bichon Frise: A small, social dog with a fluffy white coat, known for its affectionate and playful nature.
Maltese : A small, elegant breed with a long, silky white coat, loved for its gentle and loyal personality.
Bolognese : A quiet and affectionate companion dog with a dense, white coat, forming strong bonds with its owner.
When purchasing a Havanese, it is important to look for a reliable and registered breeder who prioritises the health and well-being of the breed.
A responsible breeder will:
Ensure proper socialisation of the puppies.
Conduct health screenings on the parent dogs.
Be open to questions and transparent about health test results.
Investing in a Healthy Puppy
The price of a Havanese can vary depending on factors such as:
The breeder’s reputation and the puppy’s pedigree.
The health tests performed on the parents.
The care and early socialisation provided.
A lower price may indicate a lack of health testing or insufficient socialisation, which can lead to future health or behavioural issues.
Always ask for health certificates and inspect the living conditions of both the puppies and their mother before making a decision. A well-bred Havanese has the best chance of becoming a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted companion.
The Havanese is a charming and social dog that adapts well to various types of owners. If you are considering getting a Havanese, it is important to understand the qualities needed to meet its needs.
The Havanese is suitable for an owner who:
The Havanese is an excellent choice for an owner looking for a dog that is both playful and affectionate and who is willing to invest time in its care and companionship. This breed is perfect for someone who enjoys a social, energetic dog that thrives in a home environment!
The Havanese is suitable for both beginners and experienced owners, provided they can dedicate time to proper coat care and are patient in building trust and teaching the dog to be alone.
Beginners will find this breed easy to handle due to its friendly nature.
Experienced owners will appreciate the Havanese’s energy and intelligence, enjoying activities such as long walks, training, dog sports, and mental challenges.
The Havanese is ideal for both novice and experienced owners, as long as they are committed to meeting its grooming, training, and social needs.
This blog article discusses 10 common small dog breeds with the most important characteristics associated with these breeds. Small dog breeds are dogs with an adult weight of up to 10 kg. Are you looking for another small breed? Take a look at our dog breeds page.
The answer to the above question is subjective and depends on your own preference and that of your dog. We’ve made an overview of the most popular diets in every category, using our extensive range of dog foods.
If you've ever owned a dog, you'll know that every dog is unique. Dogs can have breed-specific characteristics, though, like joint or coat issues. To support these specific characteristics, Royal Canin has created special nutrition that meets the needs of individual dog breeds. Read all about breed-specific dog food in this article!
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