Havanese Dog – Temperament, Size, Shedding and Lifespan Explained

History and Origin

The Havanese dog originates from Cuba, where small companion dogs brought from Spain and Italy developed into a distinct breed during the 17th and 18th centuries. The warm climate and city life of Havana helped shape a small, adaptable and friendly dog with a silky coat and a sociable nature.

After the Cuban Revolution, the breed nearly disappeared, but a few bloodlines were preserved in the United States and Europe. Thanks to dedicated breeders, the Havanese has become a beloved family dog around the world.

Today, the Havanese is best known as a cheerful companion dog that thrives on human contact, adapts well to different homes and brings a lot of personality in a small body.

Havanese Size, Appearance and Lifespan

The Havanese is a small dog, but its personality is anything but tiny. It is light, lively and compact, yet sturdy enough for family life, daily walks and playful activity.

• Weight: around 4–7 kg
• Height: around 23–27 cm at the shoulder
• Lifespan: around 13–16 years
• Coat: long, soft and slightly wavy
• Colours: white, cream, brown, grey, black and mixed colours
• Appearance: expressive eyes, dark nose and a bright, curious look

Because Havanese dogs often live well into their teens, they are a long-term commitment. With good care, regular veterinary check-ups and proper grooming, many Havanese dogs enjoy long, active lives.

Havanese Temperament and Personality

The Havanese is first and foremost a companion dog. It loves people, enjoys being involved in family life and usually forms strong bonds with its owners. This is not a breed that wants to be ignored in the corner while life happens around it.

• Family-friendly: Yes, especially with gentle children
• Other pets: Often good with cats and other dogs
• Alone time: Does not enjoy long periods alone
• Personality: Social, playful, affectionate and alert

Many owners describe the Havanese as a little shadow because it likes to follow its people from room to room. It is affectionate, curious and usually very interested in whatever the family is doing.

The breed is often a good match for families, couples, seniors and first-time owners who want a small, loving and sociable dog.

Training and Intelligence

Havanese dogs are intelligent, eager to learn and usually very responsive to positive training. They enjoy working with people and often pick up commands, tricks and routines quickly.

• Start early with basic commands and socialisation
• Use short, fun and varied training sessions
• Reward with praise, treats and play
• Introduce grooming and handling from puppyhood
• Avoid harsh correction, as the breed can be sensitive

The Havanese responds best to kind, consistent and reward-based training. With the right approach, this small dog can do well in obedience, trick training, rally, agility and everyday family routines.

Are Havanese Hypoallergenic?

The Havanese is often described as a hypoallergenic dog breed because it sheds very little compared with many other breeds. This makes it a popular choice for people who want a low-shedding companion dog.

That said, no dog is completely allergen-free. Allergic reactions are not only caused by fur, but also by dander, saliva and proteins from the dog’s skin. Some people with mild allergies tolerate Havanese dogs well, while others may still react.

If you have allergies, the sensible thing to do is spend time with adult Havanese dogs before buying a puppy. Do not trust a cute puppy face and a breeder’s sales pitch alone, unless you enjoy sneezing your dignity into a tissue.

Do Havanese Shed?

Havanese dogs shed very little, which is one of the main reasons they are so popular. Their hair-like coat tends to hold loose hairs instead of dropping them all over the home.

Low shedding does not mean low maintenance, though. The coat needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats. If you want a dog that sheds less but requires no grooming, this is where the plan falls apart like a badly cooked soufflé.

Many owners choose a shorter puppy cut to make daily coat care easier. This keeps the dog comfortable while reducing the amount of brushing needed.

Havanese Grooming and Coat Care

The Havanese coat is beautiful, soft and silky, but it needs regular maintenance. Without grooming, it can quickly become tangled and uncomfortable for the dog.

• Brushing: 3–5 times per week, depending on coat length
• Bathing: every 2–3 weeks or as needed
• Trimming: a puppy cut is popular for easier maintenance
• Eyes and ears: keep clean to reduce irritation and infection risk
• Teeth: regular dental care is important for small breeds
• Nails: trim regularly

If you want a long show-style coat, be prepared for more work. For most families, a practical everyday trim is much easier to manage.

Havanese Health and Common Problems

The Havanese is generally a healthy and long-lived breed, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain inherited health conditions.

• Patellar luxation
• Eye conditions such as cataracts and PRA
• Skin problems or allergies in some individuals
• Dental disease, which is common in small breeds

Always choose a responsible breeder who health tests breeding dogs and is open about the health history of their lines. A cheap puppy from the wrong place can become a very expensive lesson.

Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, dental care and weight management all help support a long and healthy life.

Havanese Exercise Needs

The Havanese may be small, but it is not a decorative cushion with legs. This breed is playful, curious and enjoys being active with its family.

• Daily walks: around 45–75 minutes per day, split into several outings
• Mental stimulation: puzzle toys, scent games and trick training
• Play: short, fun sessions with the family
• Social contact: important for happiness and confidence

The Havanese can live well in apartments or houses as long as it receives enough attention, exercise and mental enrichment.

How Much Does a Havanese Dog Cost?

The price of a Havanese puppy varies depending on breeder, pedigree, location, health testing and demand. A puppy from a responsible breeder is usually a significant investment.

The purchase price is only the beginning. You should also budget for:

• High-quality food and treats
• Pet insurance
• Veterinary care and vaccinations
• Grooming tools or professional grooming
• Training classes
• Dental care

Do not choose a puppy only because it is cheap. With dogs, “cheap now” can become “painfully expensive later”, and that is not a fun financial plot twist.

Havanese Puppy – What to Expect

A Havanese puppy is curious, social and quick to bond with its family. Most puppies want to be involved in everything and learn best through gentle, positive routines.

The first months should focus on:

• Socialisation with people, sounds and new environments
• House training
• Gradual alone-time training
• Basic commands
• Gentle grooming and handling
• Clear routines around sleep, food and activity

Havanese puppies are bright and sensitive. Patience, consistency and reward-based training will give you the best results.

Can Havanese Dogs Be Left Alone?

Havanese dogs are very social and often form strong attachments to their families. This means they do not usually enjoy being left alone for long periods.

Most Havanese can learn to be alone for moderate periods if training starts gradually and positively from puppyhood. If left alone too long or too suddenly, some may develop separation anxiety.

Signs that a Havanese is not coping well alone may include:

• Excessive barking
• Restlessness or stress
• Chewing furniture or objects
• Toileting accidents
• Whining or howling when the owner leaves

If your lifestyle involves long workdays away from home, the Havanese may not be the easiest match unless you can arrange company, dog walking or daycare.

Do Havanese Bark a Lot?

Havanese dogs are not usually among the loudest small breeds, but they can bark to alert you when visitors arrive or when they hear unfamiliar sounds.

How much a Havanese barks depends on:

• Training
• Socialisation
• Exercise
• Mental stimulation
• Time spent alone
• Confidence and routine

A bored, lonely or under-stimulated Havanese may bark more. A well-exercised, secure and properly trained dog is usually much calmer.

Havanese vs Maltese – What Is the Difference?

Both the Havanese and the Maltese are popular small companion dogs that shed very little and can suit smaller homes. Still, there are some key differences.

Both breeds can make excellent companions, but the Havanese is often a little more playful, sturdy and adaptable in everyday family life.

Are Havanese Good for First-Time Dog Owners?

Yes, the Havanese is often a good choice for first-time dog owners. It is friendly, adaptable, intelligent and usually eager to please.

The breed may suit you well if you:

• Want a small, affectionate and social dog
• Have time for daily attention and interaction
• Can keep up with grooming and dental care
• Want a dog that can live in an apartment or house
• Do not plan to leave the dog alone for most of the day

The Havanese is less suitable for people who want a very independent dog that can easily handle long hours alone.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Havanese

Frequently Asked Questions About the Havanese

Are Havanese good family dogs?

Yes. Havanese dogs are friendly, playful and affectionate. They often do well with children when both the dog and the children are taught to interact respectfully.

Are Havanese hypoallergenic?

Havanese dogs are low-shedding and often described as hypoallergenic, but no dog is completely allergen-free. People with allergies should spend time with the breed before buying a puppy.

Do Havanese shed?

Havanese dogs shed very little compared with many other breeds. Their coat still needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats.

How big do Havanese dogs get?

Most Havanese dogs weigh around 4–7 kg and stand about 23–27 cm at the shoulder.

How long do Havanese live?

The average Havanese lifespan is around 13–16 years, although some individuals may live longer with good care.

Can Havanese dogs be left alone?

They can learn to be alone for moderate periods, but they are very social dogs and do not usually enjoy long hours alone.

Do Havanese bark a lot?

They can bark to alert, but they are not necessarily excessive barkers. Training, socialisation and daily stimulation help keep barking under control.

Are Havanese easy to train?

Yes. Havanese dogs are intelligent and usually respond very well to positive, reward-based training.

Are Havanese good apartment dogs?

Yes. Their small size and adaptable nature make them well suited to apartment living, as long as they get enough exercise, attention and mental stimulation.

What is the difference between Havanese and Bichon Havanais?

There is no real difference. Bichon Havanais is another name for the Havanese breed.