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    Toy Group

    Havanese

    Cuba's national dog — a small, affectionate companion with a silky long coat and a sunny temperament. Havanese are velcro dogs that thrive on human company, do well in apartments, and are easy to train. They need daily grooming to prevent matting and tolerate alone-time poorly.

    Havanese with silky long white-and-cream coat sitting on a wooden floor in soft window light

    Quick Facts

    Origin
    Cuba (Bichon family), 1500s
    Height (M / F)
    8.5–11.5 / 8.5–11.5 in
    Weight (M / F)
    7–13 / 7–13 lb
    Lifespan
    14–16 years
    Coat
    Long, silky, double-layer wavy
    Shedding
    low
    Hypoallergenic
    Often tolerated
    Energy
    ●●●○○ (3/5)
    Trainability
    ●●●●○ (4/5)
    Kid-friendly
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Apartment OK
    Yes
    Daily exercise
    30–45 min

    History & Origin

    Brought to Cuba by Spanish settlers in the 1500s; refined as the lap dog of the Cuban aristocracy. Nearly extinct after the 1959 revolution; revived from a handful of dogs that escaped to the U.S. AKC recognition in 1996.

    Temperament & Personality

    Outgoing, affectionate, playful. Loves everyone. Highly social and trainable. Velcro-bonded to humans.

    Health Watchouts

    Top conditions reported by AKC parent clubs, OFA, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss screening with your vet — especially before breeding or insuring.

    Patellar luxation

    Common

    Kneecap dislocation.

    Screening: Vet orthopedic exam

    Legg-Calvé-Perthes

    Notable

    Hip joint deterioration in young dogs.

    Screening: Vet exam if limping young

    Cataracts

    Notable

    Lens opacity.

    Screening: Annual CERF

    Heart murmur (mitral valve)

    Common in seniors

    Mitral valve degeneration.

    Screening: Annual cardiac auscultation

    Deafness

    Occasional

    Congenital deafness.

    Screening: BAER test puppies

    Exercise Needs

    30–45 minutes daily — walks, play, and trick training.

    • Daily walks
    • Trick training
    • Agility
    • Indoor fetch
    • Doggy playdates
    Puppies: Standard puppy rules.
    Seniors: Maintain daily walks; weight management.

    Nutrition

    Daily calories: Adult: 300–500 kcal.

    Two meals daily.

    Common allergens to watch: Chicken, Wheat.

    ⚠ Coat hides weight; check by feel.

    Entertainment & Enrichment

    Smart, sociable companions.

    • Trick training
    • Agility
    • Therapy work
    • Puzzle feeders
    • Doggy meetups

    Grooming & Coat Care

    Brush daily 5–10 minutes to prevent matting. Pro grooming every 4–6 weeks. Many opt for a 'puppy cut' to ease maintenance.

    Training

    Highly trainable and eager. Positive reinforcement. Address separation anxiety from puppyhood.

    Cost of Ownership

    Lifetime cost depends on size, lifespan, and health risks. Try our Lifetime Cost Calculator →

    Cost band for Havanese: medium.

    How insurance, vet care & grooming connect for the Havanese

    These three costs move together. The Havanese’s coat, energy, and breed-specific health watchouts shape each one — here’s how they line up.

    Insurance band

    Above average

    Common hereditary conditions raise claim odds

    Vet service load

    Moderate

    Several conditions worth annual screening

    Grooming demand

    Above average

    Professional clipping every 6–8 weeks

    Costs are balanced for the Havanese — no single category dominates the lifetime budget.

    Estimated monthly spend (typical adult)

    Insurance

    $75

    Routine vet

    $45

    Grooming

    $60

    Combined estimate

    ~$180/mo(±20%, US averages)

    * Estimates derived from breed traits (coat, energy, health watchouts, lifespan). Actual costs vary by location, age, and provider.

    Living Situation Fit

    Apartment-perfect. Bonds intensely with humans — not for absentee owners.

    Choosing a Puppy

    Eye CERF, OFA patellas, BAER hearing. Meet both parents.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are Havanese hypoallergenic?

    Considered low-allergen — they shed minimally and produce less dander than many breeds. Spend time with one before committing if allergic.

    Do Havanese bark a lot?

    They're moderate barkers — they alert to visitors and noises but aren't yappy. Training and adequate exercise reduce nuisance barking.

    Can Havanese be left alone?

    They tolerate brief alone-time but develop separation anxiety with regular long absences. Best for retirees, work-from-home owners, or homes with a doggy companion.

    Related breeds

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    Maltese

    The Maltese is the quintessential lap dog: charming, playful, and thrives on affection. While low-shedding and apartment-friendly, their glamorous white coat demands daily grooming to prevent mats. They are prone to dental disease and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone. Best for attentive owners who can provide constant companionship and are prepared for high-maintenance grooming.

    A purebred white Bichon Frise in a show-style haircut sits in a green field.

    Bichon Frise

    The Bichon Frise is a charming, intelligent, and playful companion ideal for families and apartment dwellers. While their low-shedding coat is a plus for allergy sufferers, it demands rigorous daily grooming and professional care to prevent painful mats. They are prone to separation anxiety and certain health issues like bladder stones and allergies, making them a significant commitment for a first-time owner.

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    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    The gentlest, most affectionate small dog you can find. Cavaliers were bred to warm royal laps and they take that job seriously — devoted, patient with kids, friendly with everyone. They're moderate exercisers and adapt to nearly any home. The single critical caveat: serious heart disease risk. Choose breeders who heart-screen.

    Reviewed by PetHelpAnswers Editorial Team

    This profile is shared for informational and educational purposes only. Individual dogs vary — always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical guidance.