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Havanese Breed Guide

·924 words
Mark
Author Mark Dog owner and breed researcher. Every guide is cross-checked against AKC standards, veterinary research, and real owner experiences.

At a Glance
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Trait Detail Trait Detail
SizeToy (7–13 lbs)Height8.5–11.5 inches
Lifespan14–16 yearsCoatSilky double coat, minimal shedding
ColorsWhite, cream, black, silver, gold, partiTemperamentAffectionate, playful, social, intelligent
Energy⚡ Low to moderateShedding🧹 Very low
Good w/ Kids⭐ ExcellentGood w/ Dogs⭐ Excellent
Barking🔇 LowTrainability🎓 Very easy

History: Cuba’s National Dog
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The Havanese is the best-kept secret in the toy dog world — as affectionate as a Maltese, as smart as a Poodle, and as sturdy with kids as a Cocker Spaniel. It won’t shed on your couch. It won’t bark at every car that drives past. And it will follow you everywhere with the quiet devotion of a dog that genuinely likes you.
Havanese portrait with silky coat and cheerful expression

The Havanese is Cuba’s only native breed, descended from the Bichon family of lapdogs that Spanish colonists brought to the island in the 1500s. They became the pampered companions of Havana’s aristocracy — hence the name. When the Cuban Revolution drove wealthy families into exile in the 1950s, a handful of Havanese dogs came to America with them. Every Havanese alive today traces back to just 11 dogs that survived that exodus.

The breed has a springy, bouncing gait — a signature trait that makes them look like they’re dancing. Combined with a perpetually happy expression and a tail that curls over their back, the Havanese is basically a walking antidepressant.

Did you know? Havanese are natural clowns with a repertoire of tricks they invent themselves. Many owners report their Havanese spontaneously performing a “Havanese hop” — a bouncing dance move no one taught them.

Temperament: The Friendliest Dog in the Room
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If you want a dog that loves everyone — kids, strangers, other dogs, cats, delivery people, the vet — get a Havanese. They have zero aggression and infinite social enthusiasm. They’re the dog equivalent of a golden retriever shrunk to 10 pounds.

They’re also smarter than they look. Ranked in the top tier of toy breeds for intelligence, Havanese learn quickly, enjoy training, and can excel at trick work and agility. The breed was originally a circus performer in Cuba — dancing, walking on hind legs, and charming crowds.

The downside: they hate being alone. A Havanese left for 8+ hours daily will develop separation anxiety. This is a dog for people who work from home, are retired, or can afford doggy daycare.

Health & Grooming
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Havanese are remarkably healthy for a toy breed — 14–16 years is standard. Key concerns: patellar luxation (common in small breeds), Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (hip joint deterioration), and eye issues (cataracts, PRA). Reputable breeders screen for all three.

The coat is the commitment. That silky double coat can be kept long (show style) or trimmed short (puppy cut). Either way, brushing 3–4× weekly prevents mats. Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks. They shed minimally — excellent for allergy sufferers.

Exercise & Training
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30–45 minutes daily. A couple walks plus indoor play is plenty. More importantly, they need companionship — a Havanese would rather sit with you than run in a yard alone. Training is genuinely fun — they’re eager to please, food-motivated, and quick learners. Housebreaking can take patience (small bladders), but consistent crate training works.

Who Should Get a Havanese?
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Get a Havanese if: you want a friendly, hypoallergenic dog who’s great with kids, you’re home most of the day, you enjoy training and tricks, and you want a true companion who lives for your attention.

Skip if: you work long hours away from home, you hate daily brushing, or you want a guard dog (a Havanese will welcome burglars with tail wags).

The Quick Summary
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Incredible: One of the most genuinely friendly small breeds, minimal shedding, excellent with children, 14–16 year lifespan, surprisingly smart and trainable. Hard: Cannot be left alone for long hours, coat needs frequent brushing, rare enough that finding a good breeder takes effort. Cost: $1,500–$3,000.

Frequently Asked Questions
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Havanese vs Maltese — what's the difference?
Both are white, small, hypoallergenic toy breeds. Havanese are sturdier (7–13 lbs vs 4–7 lbs), more outgoing with strangers, and better with kids. Maltese are more intensely bonded to one person. Havanese have a bouncier, more playful personality; Maltese are more lap-oriented. See our Maltese vs Shih Tzu comparison for more on small white dog differences.
Are Havanese good with kids?
Outstanding — one of the best toy breeds for families. They’re sturdy enough for gentle handling, patient with noise, and genuinely enjoy children. Supervision is still required with toddlers (the dog is 10 pounds), but they’re far less fragile than Chihuahuas or Yorkies.
Do Havanese bark a lot?
No — they’re naturally quiet. They may alert bark at the doorbell but won’t bark at every passing leaf. One of the quietest toy breeds.
How much does a Havanese cost?
$1,500–$3,000 from a reputable breeder. They’re less common than Maltese or Shih Tzus, so expect to join a waiting list. Avoid “teacup” Havanese — the breed is already small enough.

See also: Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Shed

Similar Breeds
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Breed Compared to a Havanese
Maltese Smaller (4–7 lbs), more Velcro to one person, equally hypoallergenic
Shih Tzu Lower energy, more independent, slightly larger (9–16 lbs)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Larger (13–18 lbs), sheds more, equally affectionate with kids
Poodle More energetic, higher intelligence, equally hypoallergenic and trainable
Cocker Spaniel Much larger (20–30 lbs), sheds more, equally friendly and family-oriented

Sources
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