Havanese

About the Havanese

The Havanese is a cheerful, affectionate little companion and the national dog of Cuba. Descended from small European companion dogs brought to the island centuries ago, the breed developed into a distinctive Cuban favorite — beloved by aristocrats and families alike for its charm, intelligence, and devotion. With its silky coat, expressive eyes, and springy, playful gait, the Havanese is a companion dog in the truest sense: bred for love and companionship above all.

Havanese are outgoing, people-loving, and endlessly sociable. They bond intensely with their families and thrive on being included in everything, following their people from room to room — they truly do not like to be alone. Bright and eager to please, they're highly trainable and excel at tricks and dog sports. Adaptable and affectionate, they make wonderful companions for apartments, families, and first-time owners alike.

Breed at a Glance

Coat Colors

Havanese come in a wonderful array of colors and combinations — white, cream, fawn, gold, silver, black, chocolate, and many parti-color and sable patterns. Their long, silky, lightweight double coat can be kept flowing or trimmed into an easy-care "puppy cut."

Temperament & Personality

Havanese are affectionate, playful, and irrepressibly sociable. They bond deeply with their families and love being the center of attention, greeting everyone — family, strangers, children, and other pets — with friendly enthusiasm. Bright and sensitive, they're eager to please and quick to learn, though their devotion means they genuinely struggle with being left alone for long. They're gentle, adaptable, and famously good-natured.

• Affectionate and people-loving — devoted companion "velcro" dogs.
• Playful, cheerful, and sociable with everyone, including other pets.
• Highly intelligent and trainable; they love learning tricks.
• Dislike being alone — they thrive on company and can develop separation anxiety.

Exercise & Enrichment Needs

Havanese are moderately active and playful, with needs easily met by daily walks and indoor games. Their clever minds appreciate a challenge as much as their bodies enjoy a romp.

• Daily walks & play — short walks and games keep them happy and healthy.
• Trick training & dog sports — they excel at agility and obedience and love to learn.
• Puzzle toys & games — great for engaging that bright, curious mind.
• Companionship — time with their people matters most of all.

Grooming & Care

The Havanese's silky, low-shedding coat is beautiful but needs regular care to stay healthy and mat-free.

• Brush several times a week (daily for a long coat) to prevent mats and tangles.
• A "puppy cut" reduces grooming while keeping them tidy and comfortable.
• Bathe every few weeks to keep the coat clean and soft.
• Clean around the eyes, check ears, keep nails trimmed, and prioritize dental care.

Health Considerations

Havanese are generally healthy and long-lived, but there are a few breed-specific concerns. Reputable breeders screen for them.

• Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps are common in small breeds; worth screening.
• Eye conditions — cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) occur; look for tested lines.
• Hip dysplasia & Legg-Calvé-Perthes — joint conditions seen in the breed.
• Deafness & dental disease — occur in the breed; small dogs especially need dental care.

Is a Havanese Right for You?

Havanese are affectionate, cheerful, adaptable companions — ideal for those who want a devoted little dog and can offer the companionship and grooming the breed needs.

A Havanese may be perfect if you…

• Want an affectionate, playful companion suited to apartment or family life.
• Are home often and can give them the company they crave.
• Can commit to regular grooming and enjoy training a clever dog.

Think twice if you…

• Are away from home for long hours — they hate being alone.
• Don't have time or budget for regular coat maintenance.
• Want an independent, low-attention, or rugged outdoor dog.