One of the crowning breeds of the Toy Group, Havanese are a bouncy little dog known for their ever-enduring cheerfulness and constant love for both family and strangers alike. Bred to be companions, these dogs are happiest at your side and can often be found on the lap of or anywhere near the ones that they most love.
8.5-11.5 inches
7-13 pounds
14-16 years
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Havanese are about as lovey-dovey as it gets, treating not only their owner but all those that they know as their best friend. Havanese scored a 5 out of 5 in this category according to the AKC breed standard.
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Tolerant, patient, and kind, Havanese can take just about anything from a child. They are overall great family dogs and can often come to bond most with the children in a family. Havanese scored a 5 out of 5 in this category according to the AKC breed standard.
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Generally friendly towards other dogs, Havanese are innately able to get along with foreign pets both at home and in public and are able to adjust easily to homes that already house another dog. Havanese scored a 5 out of 5 in this category according to the AKC breed standard.
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Although Havanese can be expected to leave some hair behind, they are considered hypoallergenic, making them the perfect pet for those who normally react to pets. Havanese scored a 2 out of 5 in this category according to the AKC breed standard.
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Because of the Havanese's long double coat, their hair should be cut short every couple of months or brushed weekly to prevent matting and skin damage. Havanese scored a 3 out of 5 in this category according to the AKC breed standard.
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Havanese almost never drool, making them a relatively clean and pleasant dog to interact with. Havanese scored a 1 out of 5 in this category according to the AKC breed standard.
+Double
+Silky
The smooth, silky double coat of the Havanese makes them both a dream to touch and a sight to behold. While the silky texture satisfies the touch, the undercoat will create a poufy effect that may require more grooming but brings hair lovers of all types together.
+Long
Because Havanese do not shed, their coat can grow floor length and beyond if not clipped short, something that requires additional upkeep and a trip to the groomer every couple of months. Clipped, grown, or chorded, Havanese are universally loved.
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A highly social breed, Havanese treat not only their close family but complete strangers as their best friend and are highly open to interaction with new people, places, and things. Havanese scored a 5 out of 5 in this category according to the AKC breed standard.
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Always up for family interaction, fetch, or really any game, Havanese are just about as playful as it gets. This breed will continue to be up for a game of tug-of-war or chase well into their adult years. Havanese scored a 5 out of 5 in this category according to the AKC breed standard.
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Although quiet and calm most of the time, your Havanese will tend to alert you at the appearance of a stranger on the doorstep or a delivery at the door. Despite this, they are often warm to strangers that are let into the home and accepted by their family. Havanese scored a 3 out of 5 in this category according to the AKC breed standard.
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Extremely flexible, Havanese are not perturbed by change in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedule, or other variations in day-to-day life. Havanese scored a 5 out of 5 in this category according to the AKC breed standard.
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Highly intelligent and eager to please, Havanese are extremely open to learning new things and are relatively easy to train. Havanese scored a 4 out of 5 in this category according to the AKC breed standard.
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Although Havanese will spend some of their time running, jumping, and looking for a new adventure, they are also happy to snuggle you on the couch and chill if that is what you're up to. Havanese scored a 3 out of 5 in this category according to the AKC breed standard.
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Great little watch dogs, Havanese will be on the lookout for any passerby and tend to draw your attention through small woofs or barking. Havanese scored a 4 out of 5 in this category according to the AKC breed standard.
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Because Havanese are bred to be companions, they will find attending to your needs, watching your every move, and interacting with you to be all the stimulation that they need. Left alone, Havanese become bored and may find other ways of stimulation that may not be as adorable. Havanese scored a 3 out of 5 in this category according to the AKC breed standard.
Although generally very healthy and long-lived, Havanese can be prone to several conditions, including eye disorders, chondrodysplasia, deafness, heart murmurs, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (which affects the hip joint), and patellar luxation. As responsible breeders, we do health testing on all breeding stock through Orthopedic Foundation
Although generally very healthy and long-lived, Havanese can be prone to several conditions, including eye disorders, chondrodysplasia, deafness, heart murmurs, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (which affects the hip joint), and patellar luxation. As responsible breeders, we do health testing on all breeding stock through Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) testing to insure that your puppy is as healthy as possible when you take him/her home.
The long, soft, silky double coat of the Havanese should be brushed daily and washed weekly to be kept from matting and tangling. Starting this process the day that your puppy comes home with you and continuing it daily throughout adulthoood trains your dog to accept and even enjoy being groomed. Along with daily brushing, the inner eye o
The long, soft, silky double coat of the Havanese should be brushed daily and washed weekly to be kept from matting and tangling. Starting this process the day that your puppy comes home with you and continuing it daily throughout adulthoood trains your dog to accept and even enjoy being groomed. Along with daily brushing, the inner eye of the Havanese should be cleaned daily to prevent tear-staining and irritation. Many people also choose to cut their dog's hair short to reduce grooming time, something that we recommend you do at home to avoid the germy and often trauma-inducing state of professional grooming facilities.
With moderate exercise needs, Havanese can benefit from a brisk walk around the neighborhood or moderate playtime in the backyard with their owner but do not need lengthy or overly fast-paced exercise. Even merely having free-range of the home can enough to satisfy the athletic needs of a Havanese. Avoid over-exercising your Havanese; if
With moderate exercise needs, Havanese can benefit from a brisk walk around the neighborhood or moderate playtime in the backyard with their owner but do not need lengthy or overly fast-paced exercise. Even merely having free-range of the home can enough to satisfy the athletic needs of a Havanese. Avoid over-exercising your Havanese; if they are panting and struggling to keep up, it is time to go home. Havanese are able to thrive in both apartments and homes, although they should never be left alone for more than a couple hours at a time.
Agreeable, intelligent, and eager to please, Havanese are easily able to pick up new tricks if taught using only methods of positive reinforcement and a happy attitude. Take care to never scold your puppy harshly or use negative means of enforcement, as this breed is extremely sensitive. Even more important than training, however, begin socializing your puppy in many different situations and allow them to be introduced to a variety of people from a very young age, always ensuring that the interactions are positive rather than scary. Gentle, patient training will result in a wonderful companion dog.
Havanese should be fed a high-quality dry or raw food diet appropriate for their age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some Havanese can be prone to obesity, making it important to watch their calories and ensure that they are staying on track for a healthy, enjoyable life. Never feed a Havanese table scraps or "human" food, as in our experience they can have extremely sensitive stomachs and are often prone to vomit and diarrhea when their diet is changed. If you choose to give your puppy treats, do so in moderation. Check with your vet for specifics on your dog's diet, weight, or feeding schedule.