Havanese Puppies

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A cheerful and affectionate family dog

Originating in Cuba in the 1500s, the Havanese is a tiny, strong dog with a friendly and playful disposition. Overall, these intelligent dogs are cheerful and make excellent family pets. They're also great at learning tricks and competing in agility and obedience events because they are very trainable.


Havanese At a Glance

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Havanese At a Glance

  • Size: 9"-11", 7-13 lbs.
  • Lifespan: 13-15 years
  • Energy Level: medium
  • Coat: Soft, silky, and wavy
  • Shedding: light
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes
  • Dog Group: Toy
  • Common Nicknames:

Havanese Breed Guide

Learn More About Havanese

  • Temperament

    Havanese are cheerful, playful, and affectionate dogs who thrive on human companionship. They love to be the center of their family's attention and do not tolerate being left by themselves for extended periods of time. Havanese that are left alone for too long can become very anxious. These are incredibly friendly dogs who get along with just about everyone, from strangers and children to other dogs and pets. Training a Havanese is on the easier side, as this breed is intelligent and eager to please. However, these dogs have a tendency to bark more than the average dog, so they're not ideal for apartment living.

  • Health

    Havanese can be prone to conditions like eye disorders, chondrodysplasia, deafness, heart murmers, and patellar luxation. The Havenese Club of America recommends that the breed take an annual eye exam, a hearing test, a hip x-ray, and patella tests.

  • Activity Level

    The Havanese is a moderately active dog who does require daily exercise, but not too much. As long as they receive a nice walk and some playtime, these dogs are happy to be indoors and lounge around with you on the couch.

  • Grooming

    Their coat hardly sheds, but it still needs to be groomed daily to prevent mats and tangles. Their hair will grow up to 8 inches long, so many owners will have them professionally clipped and groomed to simplify the home grooming process. The corners of their eyes should be cleaned regularly to prevent tear-stain.

  • Shedding

    Havanese rarely shed, and when they do, their outer coat usually stops hair from falling to the floor or onto your furniture.

  • Appearance

    The Havanese is a tiny dog with a body that's a bit longer than it is tall. Their long, fluffy coats can be a variety of different colors and patterns. Since they don't shed much, the Havanese are considered a hypoallergenic breed.

  • History

    During the 18th century, when Spanish settlers came to Cuba, they brought with them their little companion dogs, who were ancestors of the Havanese. These dogs began to breed with each other, and over time developed into the Havanese we know today. By the early 19th century, the Havanese became a popular dog among many Cuban aristocrats. Eventually, European travelers visiting Cuba began bringing these dogs back to England, France, and Spain. However, like most breeds, the Havanese decreased in popularity and number over the years. It wasn't until the 1970s that the breed began to be revived. After coming across descendants of the earlier Havanese from Cuba, an American couple sought to reestablish the breed. They succeeded, and the Havanese breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1995.