Havanese
Havanese is a small toy breed that originated in Cuba. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature, and make great companion dogs.


Havanese Breed overview
Havanese are a playful and affectionate breed that make excellent family pets. They are friendly and social, getting along easily with children, other dogs, and strangers. Although they are an energetic breed, they do not require excessive amounts of exercise and do well in apartments or homes with small yards. Proper training, socialization, and grooming are important for keeping them healthy and happy, but overall, Havanese are an easy breed to care for and make great companions.
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What To Expect When Caring For a Havanese
Nutrition
Havanese require a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level. They are a small breed, so their calorie requirements are lower than larger dogs. It is important to feed them a balanced diet that includes protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Owners should avoid feeding their Havanese table scraps and other human foods, as this can lead to obesity and other health issues.
Owners may also want to consider feeding their Havanese a small kibble size to make it easier for them to chew and digest their food.
Grooming
Havanese have long, silky coats that require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. They should be brushed and combed regularly to prevent matting and tangling. It is also important to keep their coat clean and dry to prevent skin irritations. Havanese should have regular baths and their hair trimmed to keep it neat and tidy.
It is also important to keep Havanese's nails trimmed and their ears clean to prevent any infections from developing.
Training
Havanese are an intelligent breed that are eager to please their owners. They are generally easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as treats and praise. It is important to socialize Havanese early on to prevent shyness or aggression around strangers and other dogs. They may also benefit from obedience training classes to ensure they are well-behaved.
Havanese can be sensitive to harsh training methods such as yelling or physical correction. It is best to use positive reinforcement methods and be patient and consistent.
Exercise
Havanese are a relatively active breed and require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy going for walks and playing games such as fetch and tug of war. Because they are a small breed, they can get enough exercise through short walks and play sessions rather than needing a large yard.
Havanese also benefit from mental stimulation such as training and puzzle toys.
Health
Overall, Havanese are a relatively healthy breed. They require regular grooming to maintain their coat, and may be prone to some dental issues if their teeth are not cared for properly. Havanese are also prone to hip dysplasia, so potential owners should ensure that their breeder screens their dogs for this condition.
Havanese can also be prone to eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular eye exams are important for detecting and treating these conditions early.
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Havanese Traits & Characteristics
The Havanese is a small breed, weighing between 7-13 pounds. They have a height of 8-11 inches at the shoulder. Their coat is long and silky, and comes in a variety of colors. The Havanese has a short muzzle and a tail that curls over their back.
Havanese are known for their friendly and playful temperament. They are great with children and make excellent family pets. They are also very adaptable and can live in small apartments or larger homes. Havanese do require regular exercise, but their small size means that a short walk or play session is often enough to keep them happy and healthy.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Havanese are best known for their affectionate nature, they are incredibly loyal and loving to their families. They crave attention and have the tendency to follow their humans around the house. Havanese are also well known therapy dogs due to their gentle and loving temperament.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Havanese adore children and make excellent family pets. They are playful, gentle and patient, making them ideal companions for children. They love to play and are always up for a game of fetch or a romp around the backyard. They are also small enough that they won't accidentally knock over small children.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Havanese are incredibly friendly and sociable towards other dogs. They have a happy and outgoing personality that makes them easy to get along with. They love to play and interact with others, making them an excellent choice for multi-dog households.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Havanese are generally very friendly towards strangers. They do not have a tendency to be overly shy or reserved and are usually happy to socialize with new people. However, because of their friendly nature they tend to make poor guard dogs.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Havanese are a playful breed that love to have fun. They enjoy playing with toys and chasing after their owners. They are energetic and curious, making them a great companion for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Havanese are relatively alert and aware of their surroundings. They will often bark to alert their owners of a potential intruder or danger, but are not known for being particularly vigilant or protective.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Havanese are adaptable dogs that can do well in a variety of living environments. They are equally at home in an apartment or a large house and are known to be good travel companions. They do not handle extreme temperatures very well and should be kept out of the heat or cold.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Havanese are considered low shedding dogs. However, their long, silky coat requires regular grooming and maintenance to prevent matting and tangling. They can be a good option for people with allergies or who don't want to deal with excessive shedding.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Havanese require regular grooming to keep their long, silky coats looking their best. They should be brushed several times a week and will need regular baths to keep their coats clean and shiny. They also require regular haircuts to maintain their fluffy appearance.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Havanese are generally not heavy droolers. Their mouths tend to remain quite dry and they do not slobber excessively, which can make them a good option for people who prefer a cleaner dog.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Havanese are a small breed, typically weighing between 7-14 pounds and standing at 8-11 inches tall. They are the perfect size for those who want a lap dog, but also enjoy an active breed.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Havanese are an energetic breed that love to play and have fun. They enjoy going for walks and exploring their surroundings. They are considered to be a great choice for those who want an active companion, but do not have the space or energy for a larger breed.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Havanese are an energetic breed that require regular exercise and playtime to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. They enjoy walks, playtime and interactive games, and should have access to a secure outdoor area for play and exploration.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Havanese are not a working breed, but they are excellent at providing therapy and emotional support to humans. Their gentle and loving nature makes them a great choice for those who need a furry companion to comfort them during tough times.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Havanese are not a hunting breed and do not have a natural hunting instinct. They do enjoy playing and chasing after toys, but should not be relied upon for hunting or tracking work.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Havanese are an energetic breed that are known for their playful and curious personalities. They have a good amount of vigor and stamina, but can become tired after extended periods of exercise and play. They do best when provided with regular playtime and rest breaks throughout the day.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Havanese are generally healthy dogs, but can be prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, luxating patellas and ear infections. Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition and exercise can help keep them in good health. Responsible breeding practices can also help minimize the incidence of breed-specific health issues.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Havanese are not particularly prone to obesity, but can become overweight if they are not provided with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Treats should be given in moderation and portion sizes should be monitored to prevent weight gain. Regular exercise and playtime will help keep them in shape.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Havanese are not particularly tolerant of cold weather and should be kept indoors or provided with a warm coat or sweater when outside in colder temperatures. Exposure to extreme cold can result in health issues and discomfort for the breed.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Havanese are also not particularly tolerant of hot weather and should be kept indoors or provided with plenty of water and shade when outside in warmer temperatures. Exposure to extreme heat can also result in health issues and discomfort for the breed.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Havanese are a great choice for apartment living as they are small, adaptable and low shedding dogs. They do require regular exercise and playtime, but their activity needs can be met with indoor play and short walks outside. Their small size and quiet nature make them great for close living quarters.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Havanese are not known to be wanderers, but they are curious and can become easily distracted if they catch a glimpse of something they want to investigate. This can be managed with proper training and socialization, and by always keeping them on a leash when out and about.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Havanese are a sensitive breed that respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle training methods. Harsh, negative training methods should be avoided as this can lead to anxiety, fear and aggression. Positive reinforcement and love will go a long way with Havanese.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Havanese are an affectionate breed that bond closely with their owners. They do not enjoy being left alone for long periods of time and can become anxious or destructive if left alone for extended periods. Proper training and socialization can help them adjust to being alone, but they do best with someone around for most of the day.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Havanese are known to be moderate barkers. They will alert their owners to potential intruders or danger, but are not known for excessive barking. However, like all dogs, excessive barking can occur if they are not trained properly or given enough mental and physical stimulation.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Havanese are considered to be an intelligent breed that require regular mental stimulation and training. They enjoy learning new tricks and games, and excel in obedience and agility training. Lack of mental stimulation can lead to boredom and destructive behavior.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Havanese are an excellent choice for novice dog owners due to their friendly nature, low shedding and adaptable temperament. They do require regular grooming and exercise, but overall are considered to be an easy breed to care for.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Havanese are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement and rewards. However, they can be stubborn at times and may require extra patience and persistence during training. Overall, they are considered to be a relatively easy breed to train.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Havanese are best known for their affectionate nature, they are incredibly loyal and loving to their families. They crave attention and have the tendency to follow their humans around the house. Havanese are also well known therapy dogs due to their gentle and loving temperament.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Havanese adore children and make excellent family pets. They are playful, gentle and patient, making them ideal companions for children. They love to play and are always up for a game of fetch or a romp around the backyard. They are also small enough that they won't accidentally knock over small children.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Havanese are incredibly friendly and sociable towards other dogs. They have a happy and outgoing personality that makes them easy to get along with. They love to play and interact with others, making them an excellent choice for multi-dog households.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Havanese are generally very friendly towards strangers. They do not have a tendency to be overly shy or reserved and are usually happy to socialize with new people. However, because of their friendly nature they tend to make poor guard dogs.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Havanese are a playful breed that love to have fun. They enjoy playing with toys and chasing after their owners. They are energetic and curious, making them a great companion for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Havanese are relatively alert and aware of their surroundings. They will often bark to alert their owners of a potential intruder or danger, but are not known for being particularly vigilant or protective.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Havanese are adaptable dogs that can do well in a variety of living environments. They are equally at home in an apartment or a large house and are known to be good travel companions. They do not handle extreme temperatures very well and should be kept out of the heat or cold.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Havanese are considered low shedding dogs. However, their long, silky coat requires regular grooming and maintenance to prevent matting and tangling. They can be a good option for people with allergies or who don't want to deal with excessive shedding.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Havanese require regular grooming to keep their long, silky coats looking their best. They should be brushed several times a week and will need regular baths to keep their coats clean and shiny. They also require regular haircuts to maintain their fluffy appearance.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Havanese are generally not heavy droolers. Their mouths tend to remain quite dry and they do not slobber excessively, which can make them a good option for people who prefer a cleaner dog.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Havanese are a small breed, typically weighing between 7-14 pounds and standing at 8-11 inches tall. They are the perfect size for those who want a lap dog, but also enjoy an active breed.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Havanese are an energetic breed that love to play and have fun. They enjoy going for walks and exploring their surroundings. They are considered to be a great choice for those who want an active companion, but do not have the space or energy for a larger breed.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Havanese are an energetic breed that require regular exercise and playtime to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. They enjoy walks, playtime and interactive games, and should have access to a secure outdoor area for play and exploration.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Havanese are not a working breed, but they are excellent at providing therapy and emotional support to humans. Their gentle and loving nature makes them a great choice for those who need a furry companion to comfort them during tough times.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Havanese are not a hunting breed and do not have a natural hunting instinct. They do enjoy playing and chasing after toys, but should not be relied upon for hunting or tracking work.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Havanese are an energetic breed that are known for their playful and curious personalities. They have a good amount of vigor and stamina, but can become tired after extended periods of exercise and play. They do best when provided with regular playtime and rest breaks throughout the day.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Havanese are generally healthy dogs, but can be prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, luxating patellas and ear infections. Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition and exercise can help keep them in good health. Responsible breeding practices can also help minimize the incidence of breed-specific health issues.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Havanese are not particularly prone to obesity, but can become overweight if they are not provided with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Treats should be given in moderation and portion sizes should be monitored to prevent weight gain. Regular exercise and playtime will help keep them in shape.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Havanese are not particularly tolerant of cold weather and should be kept indoors or provided with a warm coat or sweater when outside in colder temperatures. Exposure to extreme cold can result in health issues and discomfort for the breed.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Havanese are also not particularly tolerant of hot weather and should be kept indoors or provided with plenty of water and shade when outside in warmer temperatures. Exposure to extreme heat can also result in health issues and discomfort for the breed.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Havanese are a great choice for apartment living as they are small, adaptable and low shedding dogs. They do require regular exercise and playtime, but their activity needs can be met with indoor play and short walks outside. Their small size and quiet nature make them great for close living quarters.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Havanese are not known to be wanderers, but they are curious and can become easily distracted if they catch a glimpse of something they want to investigate. This can be managed with proper training and socialization, and by always keeping them on a leash when out and about.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Havanese are a sensitive breed that respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle training methods. Harsh, negative training methods should be avoided as this can lead to anxiety, fear and aggression. Positive reinforcement and love will go a long way with Havanese.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Havanese are an affectionate breed that bond closely with their owners. They do not enjoy being left alone for long periods of time and can become anxious or destructive if left alone for extended periods. Proper training and socialization can help them adjust to being alone, but they do best with someone around for most of the day.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Havanese are known to be moderate barkers. They will alert their owners to potential intruders or danger, but are not known for excessive barking. However, like all dogs, excessive barking can occur if they are not trained properly or given enough mental and physical stimulation.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Havanese are considered to be an intelligent breed that require regular mental stimulation and training. They enjoy learning new tricks and games, and excel in obedience and agility training. Lack of mental stimulation can lead to boredom and destructive behavior.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Havanese are an excellent choice for novice dog owners due to their friendly nature, low shedding and adaptable temperament. They do require regular grooming and exercise, but overall are considered to be an easy breed to care for.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Havanese are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement and rewards. However, they can be stubborn at times and may require extra patience and persistence during training. Overall, they are considered to be a relatively easy breed to train.
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History of the Havanese
The Havanese breed was originally developed in Cuba, where they were bred as companion dogs for wealthy families. They are believed to be a mix of several different Bichon breeds, and were often given as gifts to visitors to the country. Over time, Havanese became popular in Europe and eventually made their way to the United States.
The breed faced near extinction in the 1950s, but dedicated breeders were able to revive the breed and increase its popularity.

Havanese Puppies
Havanese puppies are small and fluffy, with silky coats that will require grooming. They are playful and energetic, but can also be quite affectionate. It is important to socialize Havanese puppies early on, as they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.
Potential owners should also be aware that Havanese puppies are prone to several health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. It is important to choose a reputable breeder who screens their breeding dogs for these conditions.