A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Havanese
The Havanese is a small Cuban companion dog with a soft, silky coat and a sociable, lively manner. Daily coat care and dependable companionship deserve a realistic place in the household schedule.
An everyday routine
Plan a daily mix of walks, play, and rest. The amount that works for a particular dog depends on age, fitness, experience, and temperament.
Coat care to plan for
Coat care is a meaningful part of the weekly commitment. Agree on a manageable trim or coat-care method with an experienced groomer and keep up with maintenance between appointments.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Havanese questions
Do Havanese shed?
Very little. The Havanese is a non-shedding breed, or close to it. The hair keeps growing, though, so the trade is grooming. A long coat needs daily combing or brushing, and even a short trim needs a regular schedule.
Are Havanese hypoallergenic?
No dog is. There are no 100 percent hypoallergenic dogs or breeds. Many people with allergies, and some with asthma, are able to live with a Havanese because of the way the coat sheds, but check with your doctor before bringing one home.
How big does a full-grown Havanese get?
Adults usually stand 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall and weigh 7 to 13 pounds. The ideal height is 9 to 10.5 inches, and an adult outside the 8.5 to 11.5 inch range is disqualified in the show ring.
How long do Havanese live?
Life expectancy is usually 12 to 16 years, and the breed is generally healthy. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog.
Do Havanese bark a lot?
Usually not, though they will speak up. They are generally not barkers and tend to bark for a reason, such as someone at the door or during play. They make watchdogs that keep barking to a minimum, so expect some variation between dogs.
Can a Havanese be left alone during the day?
Not happily for long stretches. Leaving one alone for long periods is not advised, and some develop separation anxiety. Owners who work away from home often arrange for a friend, neighbor, dog walker or sitter to visit. The breed is not happy left alone for hours at a time.
Are Havanese good with children?
Generally, yes. The breed is playful yet gentle and quick to bond with children, and it does very well with young children. Play between a puppy and young children should be guided by an adult so that the small dog is not hurt.
Do Havanese puppies change color as they grow?
Often. The breed commonly goes through color and pattern changes, and a dark sable and cream puppy may end up a solid white adult. Keep color low on your list when choosing a puppy and stay flexible.
