Breeds
Havanese: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Havanese is a cheerful, affectionate, sociable little dog that wants to be wherever you are. Havanese suit apartments and houses alike, love children and visitors, and are easy to train with gentle methods. They are also long-lived, so a puppy is a commitment of many years. The work is in the long silky coat and in company: this is not a breed to leave alone all day. Here is what to expect on size, lifespan, health and care.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 10, 20264 min read2 sources
Havanese temperament and personality
The AKC rates the Havanese five out of five for affection with family, playfulness, adaptability and openness to strangers, and five out of five with young children and other dogs. It describes the breed as highly intelligent and eager to please, and calls it the National Dog of Cuba.
Barking is four out of five on the AKC scale, so many Havanese announce visitors with enthusiasm. The AKC also notes they are not happy left alone for hours at a time, and they are happiest when someone is with them.
How big do Havanese get?
The AKC lists the Havanese at 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall and 7 to 13 pounds, with no separate figures by sex. They are small but sturdy, slightly longer than tall, with a long, soft, silky double coat in many colors.
That size makes them easy to carry and travel with, while being less fragile than the smallest toy breeds. Keep an eye on weight, since a heavy coat can hide extra pounds; feel for the ribs under the hair.
Havanese lifespan and common health issues
The AKC gives a Havanese lifespan of 14 to 16 years and calls the breed generally healthy and fairly long-lived. Conditions the breed can be prone to, according to the AKC, include eye disorders, chondrodysplasia (a growth disorder of the legs), deafness, heart murmurs, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and patellar luxation.
The AKC's recommended screening is patella, hip and eye evaluations. VCA explains that a slipping kneecap often shows as a skip in the step or a moment of running on three legs. Ask a breeder for those results on both parents, and ask your vet about any limp, a murmur or cloudy eyes.
Exercise needs
The AKC says the Havanese has moderate exercise needs: a brisk daily walk or a fun play session in the yard, and romping inside the house can also be enough. They do well in both houses and apartments.
The AKC warns never to over-exercise a Havanese of any age; if one is panting and struggling to keep up, it is time to go home. Short games of fetch, trick training and puzzle toys give exercise for the mind as well.
Havanese grooming and shedding
The AKC says the long, soft coat needs daily grooming to stay free of mats and tangles, which can be done gently on your lap with a comb or soft brush. Many pet owners choose a short clip to cut grooming time. Bathe occasionally as needed.
Shedding is low, two out of five on the AKC scale, but low shedding does not make any breed allergen-free. The AKC recommends cleaning the corners of the eyes daily to prevent tear stains on light hair. Trim nails, check the ears and brush the teeth regularly.
Training a Havanese
The AKC calls the Havanese highly intelligent, eager to please and easily trained, so long as you use only positive methods. This is a sensitive breed and harsh scolding backfires. Early socialization, calm and positive, is very important.
Many Havanese learn tricks quickly and enjoy agility and rally. House training a small dog takes patience and a steady schedule. Teach short periods alone from puppyhood, and make grooming part of training so a long coat never becomes a battle.
Are Havanese good with kids and other pets?
Very often. The AKC rates the Havanese five out of five with young children and with other dogs, and their sturdy little build copes with gentle play better than many toy breeds.
Supervise toddlers, who can drop or squeeze a small dog, and teach children to sit down to cuddle. Most Havanese live happily with cats and other dogs when introduced calmly, and they often enjoy having a playmate at home.
What a Havanese needs at home
Grooming tools come first: a pin brush or soft slicker from our dog brushes, a fine metal comb, gentle eye wipes, nail clippers and a dog toothbrush. Add a lightweight small dog harness and leash, a soft bed, puzzle toys and a carrier for travel and vet visits.
Pet steps help small dogs reach the sofa safely, and a small dog sweater helps on cold days for a dog in a short clip. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Havanese home and ask about the kneecap check, eye care and a grooming routine.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How big does a Havanese get?
The AKC lists a height of 8.5 to 11.5 inches and a weight of 7 to 13 pounds. Havanese are small but sturdy dogs, slightly longer than they are tall.
What is a Havanese temperament like?
Cheerful, affectionate, playful and sociable. The AKC rates Havanese top marks with children, other dogs and strangers, but they dislike being left alone for hours.
How long do Havanese live?
The AKC lists a lifespan of 14 to 16 years and calls the breed fairly long-lived. Regular vet care, dental care and a healthy weight help a Havanese live a long life.
How often should a Havanese be groomed?
A full coat needs daily brushing and combing to prevent mats. Many owners keep a short pet clip, which still needs regular brushing and a professional trim every several weeks.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
