Havanese dog: temperament, size, grooming, health and puppies
The Havanese is a small, lively companion dog that often follows its family from room to room. The breed is sociable, intelligent and low-shedding, but it needs plenty of human contact and considerably more coat care than its size might suggest.
This complete guide explains what living with a Havanese is really like, including temperament, size, children, other pets, exercise, training, barking, time alone, allergies, grooming, health tests, puppies and costs.
Fact-checked and updated: September 2026.
What is a Havanese dog?
Havanese and Bichon Havanais are names for the same recognised breed. It belongs to FCI Group 9 and was developed as a companion dog, which helps explain its strong interest in people and family life.
It is easy to assume that a small companion dog only wants short walks and a quiet place on the sofa. Many Havanese dogs are surprisingly active, curious and eager to learn. They may enjoy long walks, tricks and dog sports when activity is introduced gradually and matched to their health and fitness.
If you are comparing compact breeds, see our guide to small dog breeds.
History and origin
The breed's history is often oversimplified. According to the official FCI Havanese standard, its ancestors came from the western Mediterranean region and developed along the Spanish and Italian coasts. Small dogs were later taken to Cuba, where the type developed further.
The old Cuban bloodlines largely disappeared following political upheaval. Descendants of a small number of dogs taken out of Cuba survived in the United States and became an important foundation for the modern breed.
The FCI lists Cuba as the country of origin. The name refers to Havana, but this does not make every popular origin story or claimed historical cross scientifically documented.
Havanese size, weight, colours and appearance
The Havanese is small but should look sturdy rather than fragile. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, the movement is light and springy, and the long tail is carried high or curled over the back.
- Height: the FCI ideal is 23–27 cm (9–10.5 in), with a permitted range of 21–29 cm (8.5–11.5 in).
- Weight: the FCI standard does not specify a weight. Adults are often around 4–6 kg (9–13 lb), but healthy body condition matters more than a target number.
- Coat: long, soft, flat or wavy, sometimes with curly sections.
- Colours: include white, shades of fawn, black, Havana brown, tobacco and reddish brown, with many markings and combinations.
- Eyes: fairly large, almond-shaped and preferably as dark brown as possible.
The breed's size makes travel and handling practical, but a small dog is not a toy. A Havanese needs thoughtful socialisation, training, dental care and veterinary attention just like a larger dog.
Havanese temperament and personality
A typical Havanese is lively, attentive, friendly and strongly people-oriented. The FCI describes the breed as affectionate, cheerful, playful and easy to train.
Breed tendencies are not a guarantee for every individual. Temperament is also shaped by inheritance, early experiences, socialisation, health and environment. A responsible breeder should discuss the parents' behaviour honestly and explain how the puppies are raised.
Is the Havanese a “Velcro dog”?
Many Havanese dogs follow their owners through the house and want to participate in everyday life. That closeness is a major part of the breed's appeal, but it can become difficult if the dog never learns to rest independently or feel safe when people leave. Teach both connection and calm independence from puppyhood.
Is the Havanese a good family dog?
Often, yes. The breed can thrive in a family that wants a sociable dog and has time for company, exercise, training and coat care. Many Havanese dogs enjoy living with children, but every interaction must be safe for both dog and child.
- Teach children to leave the dog alone while it eats, sleeps or moves away.
- Do not allow young children to lift or carry the dog without help.
- Supervise play, even when the dog seems exceptionally patient.
- Provide a quiet resting place where the dog will not be disturbed.
Cats and other dogs
Havanese dogs are often sociable with other dogs and can live successfully with cats, especially after a calm introduction. Individual prey interest and confidence still vary. Careful introductions and good management matter more than the breed label alone.
Can a Havanese live in an apartment, and is it good for first-time owners?
A Havanese can live happily in an apartment or flat. The decisive factors are not floor space but daily walks, enrichment, rest, company and training around hallway, lift and neighbour noises.
The breed can also suit a first-time owner because it is generally responsive and easy to motivate. Easy to train does not mean maintenance-free. A new owner must be ready for:
- gradual home-alone training
- consistent, kind everyday training
- frequent grooming, especially during coat change
- daily dental care and cooperative handling
- the ongoing cost and responsibility of a long-lived dog
Training a Havanese: intelligent, sensitive and eager to learn
Havanese dogs often learn quickly when training is clear, reward-based and varied. Their sociability and curiosity can make them well suited to everyday obedience, tricks, rally, agility and canine freestyle.
- Keep sessions short and finish while the dog is still engaged.
- Reward calmness, attention and good choices, not only energetic tricks.
- Practise recall and lead skills in gradually more distracting places.
- Include brushing, tooth cleaning, nail trimming and veterinary handling in puppy training.
- Avoid harsh corrections that can create uncertainty or damage trust.
Small dogs are sometimes allowed behaviours that would be addressed immediately in a larger dog. That is neither fair nor helpful. A Havanese benefits from kind, predictable boundaries and opportunities to learn good everyday habits.
How much exercise does a Havanese need?
There is no single daily number that suits every dog. A healthy adult usually benefits from several outings, opportunities to sniff, play and brief mental challenges throughout the day. Age, health, fitness, weather and individual energy should determine the amount.
A fit Havanese may accompany its family on longer walks, but the breed does not require extreme endurance training to live well. Variety is often more valuable than repeating the same route at the same pace every day.
- sniffing walks and exploring new environments
- simple scent searches indoors and outdoors
- trick training and everyday life skills
- play with breaks and controlled intensity
- enough sleep and undisturbed rest
Can a Havanese be left alone?
Many Havanese dogs can learn to remain relaxed alone for reasonable periods. Because the breed is strongly people-oriented, training should begin with very small, comfortable absences. A puppy cannot be expected to cope suddenly with a full working day.
A camera can help you see whether the dog really settles. Silence does not always mean comfort: a stressed dog may stand at the door, pace or pant without barking.
Signs that an absence is too difficult include whining, howling, persistent barking, panting, pacing, damage near exits or refusing food. Read our full guide to separation anxiety and home-alone training if your dog shows these reactions.
Do Havanese dogs bark a lot?
The Havanese is alert and may announce visitors or unfamiliar sounds. Persistent barking is not an inevitable breed trait. Genetics, learning history, stress, exercise, outside noises and comfort when alone all influence an individual dog's behaviour.
Address alert barking before it becomes a rehearsed habit. Reward the dog for noticing a sound and then returning its attention to you. In an apartment, calmness training and gradual exposure to communal hallways, lifts, neighbours and doorbells are especially useful.
Do Havanese dogs shed, and are they hypoallergenic?
Havanese dogs shed very little. Loose hairs tend to remain in the coat until brushed out, which can mean less hair on furniture and clothes but more work with a brush and comb. Compare the breed with other low-shedding dog breeds.
A peer-reviewed study found no evidence that homes with dogs marketed as hypoallergenic had lower environmental dog-allergen levels than other dog-owning homes. A breeder therefore cannot guarantee that a Havanese will be safe for someone with allergies or asthma.
If you have a known allergy, discuss the decision with an allergy specialist before bringing a dog home. Spending time with adult dogs may reveal an immediate reaction, but it cannot guarantee that symptoms will not appear later. Our guide to hypoallergenic dogs and dog allergies explains the evidence and practical precautions in more detail.
Havanese grooming: brushing, bathing, mats and haircuts
The Havanese sheds little but requires substantial coat care. Brushing frequency depends on coat length and texture, activity and season. A dog in a long coat may need a complete check every day or every other day. A shorter pet trim can simplify care, but it does not remove the need for regular grooming.
How to prevent mats
- Work in layers and brush systematically from the skin outwards.
- Use a comb afterwards to check that the brush reached through the coat.
- Pay special attention behind the ears, under the legs, in the groin, beneath the harness and around the feet.
- Untangle small knots early. Tight mats can pull on the skin and become painful.
- Introduce brief, comfortable grooming sessions before the puppy's coat becomes difficult.
The change from puppy coat to adult coat can be particularly demanding and varies between dogs. Ask the breeder to demonstrate suitable tools and technique, or consult a professional groomer before matting becomes extensive.
Bathing and haircuts
Bathing frequency depends on weather, activity, coat length and skin health. Use dog-safe products, rinse thoroughly, dry the coat completely and comb gently. Family dogs can be kept in a practical shorter trim. Dogs shown under the FCI standard are expected to have a natural coat and are subject to specific trimming rules.
Eyes, ears, nails and teeth
Check the eyes and ears regularly, trim nails before they become overgrown, and brush the teeth daily with a product made for dogs. Ask a veterinarian about persistent redness, pain, odour, excessive tearing or any new symptom.
Havanese health problems and recommended testing
The Havanese is often described as a generally healthy, long-lived breed. That does not mean it is free from inherited conditions. For a puppy buyer, verifiable test results for the parents are more useful than a claim that a breeder has “never had a health problem”.
What health tests should a Havanese breeder provide?
Screening programmes vary by country. The Havanese Club of America health statement identifies four core tests for breeding dogs in its CHIC programme:
| Area | Typical screening | What buyers should check |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes | Regular specialist eye examination, such as CAER or ECVO | Date, findings and whether follow-up was recommended |
| Knees | Patellar luxation evaluation from the minimum accepted age | The recorded grade for each parent |
| Hips | OFA hip evaluation or an accepted equivalent such as PennHIP | The actual result, not simply that an X-ray was taken |
| Hearing | One-time BAER test for congenital deafness | Results for both ears |
Some national breed clubs also include cardiac or additional testing. Recommendations are not identical across borders: for example, the Royal Kennel Club's current UK Havanese profile lists specialist eye screening as Good Practice and elbow screening as Best Practice. Check the current programme of the recognised breed club and kennel organisation where you live rather than copying a checklist from another country.
Eyes and distichiasis
Eye examinations can identify several conditions. A peer-reviewed Norwegian study of 1,156 Havanese dogs found distichiasis—extra or abnormally positioned eyelashes—in 14.5% of the study population. Most recorded cases were mild, but affected hairs can sometimes cause pain or corneal damage. The study also found a substantial inherited component. The result describes this Norwegian sample and should not be treated as a worldwide prevalence estimate.
A finding on a health test does not automatically mean a dog is ill or that every affected dog can never be bred. Results must be interpreted according to the condition, severity, proposed mate, family history and current breed-club guidance. For puppy buyers, openness and verifiable documentation are essential.
How long do Havanese dogs live?
The Havanese is considered a long-lived breed, and many reach their teenage years. The Royal Kennel Club lists the breed's lifespan as over 12 years, while roughly 13–16 years is often used as a general estimate. No breeder can promise a particular lifespan for an individual puppy.
Support long-term health by maintaining a lean body condition, providing age-appropriate exercise, cleaning the teeth daily, checking skin and coat, following veterinary advice on preventive care and investigating new symptoms promptly. A weight increase can be difficult to see beneath a long coat, so feel the ribs and body shape regularly.
Havanese puppies: what to know before buying
A responsible breeder does more than sell a puppy. They should explain why the litter was planned, show the parents' health results, discuss temperament honestly and describe how the puppies are raised and socialised.
Questions to ask a Havanese breeder
- Are both parents registered with a recognised organisation, and where can you verify their test results?
- When were their eyes last examined, and what were the findings?
- What are the parents' recorded patella, hip and hearing results?
- Are any additional cardiac or regional breed-club tests available?
- Which health or temperament concerns have appeared in close relatives?
- Where are the puppies raised, and which people, sounds, surfaces and environments do they experience?
- What support will the breeder provide throughout the dog's life?
- Will you receive a written contract, veterinary record, identification and registration documents?
The American Kennel Club's breeder checklist recommends asking about health testing, puppy socialisation, vaccinations, contracts and ongoing support. Registration alone is not proof of health or responsible breeding, so verify the underlying evidence.
The first weeks at home should prioritise sleep, toilet training, calm socialisation, handling and short successful absences. When your puppy is ready to explore farther, see our guide to GPS safety for puppies. A Lildog GPS tracker can add a layer of security outdoors, but never replaces a lead, supervision or recall training.
How much does a Havanese puppy cost?
There is no trustworthy worldwide fixed price for a Havanese puppy. Prices vary considerably by country, currency, breeder, documented health work, veterinary care, local demand and what the purchase includes. In major English-speaking markets, a responsibly bred Havanese is usually a four-figure purchase in the local currency, but a precise range becomes outdated quickly and may not reflect your region.
Ask for a written explanation of the price and included services. A high price is not proof of quality, and a low price does not by itself prove poor breeding. Assess health results, living conditions, contract, socialisation, breeder support and transparency together.
Ongoing costs
- insurance and veterinary care
- food, treats and dental care
- brushes, combs, shampoo and professional grooming
- training classes, pet care or a dog walker when needed
- harnesses, leads, beds, travel equipment and other safety items
Professional grooming can become a significant recurring expense if you do not maintain most of the coat yourself. Ask a local groomer for current prices and a realistic schedule for the coat length you want.
Havanese vs Maltese: what is the difference?
Both are small companion breeds that bond closely with people, shed very little and need regular grooming. The comparison below summarises typical breed-level differences; it cannot predict every individual dog.
| Feature | Havanese | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size | 23–27 cm (9–10.5 in); often 4–6 kg (9–13 lb) | About 20–25 cm (8–10 in); often 3–4 kg (7–9 lb) |
| Colours | Many colours and combinations | Predominantly white |
| Coat | Long, soft and often wavy | Long, straight and silky |
| Shedding | Very low | Very low |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Important to know | Usually has a strong need for human company | Also a highly social companion breed |
Do not choose based on appearance or size alone. Meet adult dogs of both breeds, consult recognised breed clubs and consider coat care, desired activity, cost and how often the dog must be alone.
If you are comparing another small family companion, read our guide to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Its health profile is different, so the breeds should not be compared only by size and temperament.
Havanese pros and cons: is this breed right for you?
A Havanese may suit you if you:
- want a small, sociable and playful family dog
- enjoy reward-based training and teaching tricks
- can offer plenty of company in everyday life
- prefer a dog that sheds very little
- have the time and budget for substantial grooming
- want a companion for both short and longer walks
A Havanese may not suit you if you:
- are away most of the day without a care plan
- want a highly independent dog with little need for contact
- do not want to brush, bathe or pay for grooming
- need a dog guaranteed not to trigger allergies
- want to do as little training and daily care as possible
- are choosing primarily because the puppy is small and cute
Frequently asked questions about Havanese dogs
Are Havanese and Bichon Havanais the same breed?
Yes. Havanese is the common English name, while Bichon Havanais is used in the FCI breed standard. They refer to the same recognised dog breed.
Are Havanese dogs hypoallergenic?
No dog is hypoallergenic in the medical sense. Havanese dogs shed little but still produce allergens in skin material, saliva and urine. No breeder can guarantee that an individual dog will be safe for someone with allergies.
Do Havanese dogs shed?
They shed very little compared with many breeds. Loose hairs often remain in the coat until brushed out, so low shedding does not mean low grooming.
How big does a Havanese get?
The FCI gives an ideal height of 23–27 cm (9–10.5 in), with a permitted range of 21–29 cm (8.5–11.5 in). Adults are often about 4–6 kg (9–13 lb), although the FCI standard does not set a weight.
How long do Havanese dogs live?
Many live well into their teens. Around 13–16 years is commonly used as a broad estimate, but lifespan varies with the individual, health, genetics and care.
Can a Havanese be left alone?
Many can learn to handle reasonable absences through gradual training. Because the breed strongly values human company, it is a poor fit if the dog must regularly spend long days alone.
Do Havanese dogs bark a lot?
They may alert to visitors and sounds, but persistent barking is not inevitable. Barking is influenced by inheritance, training, stress, environment, activity and comfort when alone.
Are Havanese dogs good with children?
They are often sociable and playful with children. An adult should supervise young children and teach them to respect the dog's body, food and resting place.
Can a Havanese live in an apartment?
Yes. Apartment life can work well if the dog receives walks, mental stimulation, social contact and training around communal noises and alert barking.
How much exercise does a Havanese need?
There is no universal minute target. A healthy adult generally needs several daily outings, sniffing, play and mental activities, adjusted for age, health, fitness and individual energy.
How often should a Havanese be brushed?
A long-coated Havanese may need thorough brushing every day or every other day, especially during the transition from puppy to adult coat. A shorter trim is easier but still needs regular care.
Which health tests should Havanese parents have?
Recommendations vary by country. The Havanese Club of America CHIC programme includes specialist eye, patella, hip and BAER hearing tests. Check the current national breed-club rules and read each parent's actual results.
How much does a Havanese puppy cost?
There is no universal price. A responsibly bred Havanese is usually a four-figure purchase in major English-speaking markets, but country, health testing, veterinary care and inclusions affect the total. Compare evidence and breeder practices, not price alone.
Sources and further reading
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale: Havanese breed standard No. 250
- Royal Kennel Club: Havanese breed and health profile
- Havanese Club of America: breed health testing statement
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: Canine Health Information Center
- American Kennel Club: Toy Group health testing requirements
- AAAAI: facts and myths about dog allergies
- Vredegoor et al. (2012): Can f 1 levels in homes with alleged hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic dogs
- Bellamy et al. (2021): Heritability of distichiasis in Havanese dogs in Norway
- American Kennel Club: questions to ask a potential breeder
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