Havanese breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Havanese dogs
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Havanese breed
The Havanese is a charming and affectionate small dog breed with a lively and friendly personality. They have a distinctive long and silky coat. Originating from Cuba, they were beloved companions of the Cuban aristocracy. They are even the national dog of Cuba!
Weight, height & life expectancy
Havanese dogs have an average height of 23 to 28cm and weigh between 3.5 and 6.8kg.
They have an average lifespan of 14 to 16 years.
What is the temperament of a Havanese like?
Havanese dogs have a delightful temperament that makes them excellent family pets and therapy dogs. They are known for their playful and gentle nature, always eager to please their loved ones. They are intelligent and trainable, making them suitable for various activities such as obedience, agility, and even tricks.
Havanese dogs are highly sociable and get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats. They thrive on human companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Early socialisation is important to help them become well-rounded and confident dogs.
Our Havanese Community
"Watson is amazing with children and loves a good tug of war or chasing game. He does not need much exercise, but enjoys a nice walk. He is still a bit timid when meeting new people and bigger dogs. He will warm up to new encounters pretty quickly and will then show a lot of love when he gets to know you!"
Watson’s owner, Gaelle from Kent
"He has a lot of energy and can go on lots of walks. But at home he is very cuddly, cozy and very sweet. He loves his family and people he knows well. He is a little shadow and follows us around the house. Goose has a lot of personality and makes us laugh a lot. We have also trained him to do silly tricks for yummy treats."
Goose’s owner, Sarah from London
How much exercise does a Havanese need?
Havanese dogs have low/moderate exercise needs and require around 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise each day. They enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities and adapt well to different living environments, including apartments.
Regular walks, interactive play sessions, and mentally stimulating games will help keep them physically and mentally fit. Havanese dogs also love to learn new tricks and participate in activities that engage their minds. However, it's important not to overexert them, as they are a small breed with delicate bones and joints.
Puppies have special exercise requirements to support their growth and development. While they are young, their exercise sessions should be shorter and more frequent to prevent fatigue and stress on their growing bodies. Aim for several short play sessions throughout the day, gradually increasing the duration and intensity as they grow older. As a very general guideline, provide 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, up to three times a day. For example, a 3-month-old Havanese puppy should have three 15-minute exercise sessions per day. Always supervise their playtime and ensure they have a safe and secure environment. Your vet can advise on the exercise needs of your individual pooch.
Need an extra hand exercising your Havanese? Find a local borrower today.
Do Havanese dogs need a lot of grooming?
Havanese dogs have a luxurious coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best. Their long, silky hair is prone to matting and tangling, so daily brushing is recommended to prevent mats from forming. Regular bathing every three to four weeks will help keep their coat clean and free of debris.
Havanese dogs may also require professional grooming every few months or more frequently to maintain the health and appearance of their coat, your groomer can advise.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Havanese dogs easy to train?
Havanese dogs are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, making them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as praise, treats, and rewards. Their affectionate and sensitive nature makes them highly attuned to their owners' emotions, so it's important to use gentle and patient training techniques.
Start training from an early age and be consistent with your expectations. Havanese dogs are quick learners and enjoy the mental stimulation that training provides. Keep training sessions fun, engaging, and short to maintain their focus and prevent boredom.
Want to experience spending time with a Havanese to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Havanese near you.
What do Havanese dogs eat?
A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for the health and well-being of Havanese dogs. Feed them high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for small breeds. The amount of food will depend on their age, size, activity level, and metabolism. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, as Havanese dogs can be prone to weight gain.
Puppies require a diet that supports their growth, so they should be fed puppy-specific food until they reach around 12 months of age. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times daily until they are 6 months old when this is reduced to twice daily. As adults they tend to do well being fed twice daily. Consult with your vet for specific feeding recommendations.
Are Havanese dogs healthy?
Havanese dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they may be susceptible to certain health conditions. Some common health concerns in Havanese dogs include:
Bones and joints
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease - a hip condition that affects the blood supply to the head of the femur bone, leading to breakdown of the bone, pain and lameness
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Cherry eye - this is when there is popping out of the third eyelid gland
Distichiasis - when extra hairs grow on the inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye
Liver
Porto-systemic shunt (PSS) - when the blood circulation bypasses the normal cleaning processes of the liver resulting in signs like stunted growth and abnormal behaviours.
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Havanese is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Havanese dogs have a beautiful, silky coat that requires consistent maintenance to prevent tangles and mats. Brush your Havanese at least a few times a week, and schedule regular grooming sessions to keep their coat healthy and manageable. Start grooming routines early to help your pup become comfortable with the process, making it an enjoyable bonding experience for both of you.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
