Havanese
Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. Larson
The Havanese is a cute, affectionate toy breed. They are great with training and good for those with allergies.
Average size and lifespan
Weight: 7-13lbs
Lifespan: 12 - 15 Years
Behavior
- Affection
- Kid-Friendly
- Stranger-Friendly
- Dog-Friendly
- Barking Amount
Care
- Grooming Difficulty
- Shedding Amount
- Easy to Train
- Can Be Alone
- Exercise Need
Environment
- Cold Tolerance
- Heat Tolerance
- Apartment-Friendly
Havanese Information
A popular toy breed, the Havanese is funny, outgoing, and intelligent. Small in size but large in personality, this dog has a long coat that looks like it’d be hot, but in actuality, it protects the pup from the sun and overheating.
This is a great choice for those with allergies since the Havanese does not shed. Curious and friendly, they are moderately active, enjoying playtime when they can.
History
The breed is the only native dog of Cuba and is considered their national dog. This breed was originally bred to herd, hunt, and guard. It is believed that the Havanese is descended from the Bichon Tenerife and Chinese Biscuit dog.
The breed was introduced to the United States in the mid-1980s by a group of Cuban immigrants who brought their dogs with them.
The Havanese was recognized by the AKC in 1996. In 2021, it was ranked as the 25th most popular dog breed in America by AKC registration statistics.
Training and Temperament
The Havanese is very loyal to their owners and is not suited to be alone all day. They have a very sweet and gentle temperament.
The Havanese are very easy to train. They are eager to please, are intelligent, and can be taught new tricks quickly. This dog does not do well with aggressive or dominant dogs of the same sex. They have a tendency to get along better with other animals if they are introduced at an early age.
Exercise
This breed does not require much exercise and can be kept most of the time indoors. While they are moderately active indoors, they love to play outdoors in the yard or on a leash or lead when given the chance.
Havanese Grooming
The Havanese has a long, lightweight, silky coat. It requires grooming but doesn’t shed. This breed has a water-resistant coat and is not prone to any skin problems.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havanese_dog, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/havanese/
All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!
Breed FAQs
Can Havaneses be apartment dogs?
The Havanese is an excellent apartment dog. They don't need as much space for activity and will be happy in a condo or apartment.
Can Havaneses be left alone?
Havaneses are extremely social and need lots of interaction with their owners. They don't like being left alone and will likely become destructive or anxious if left for long periods.
Are Havaneses good with kids?
Havaneses can do fine with kids. They will require some monitoring and training to make sure they get along and react well to unpredictable behavior.
Are Havaneses friendly with strangers?
Havaneses love other people and will tend to run up to them for affection. They quickly become great friends with anyone.
Do Havaneses get along with other dogs?
Although Havaneses will mostly get along with other dogs, they may have some issues. They can typically be dealt with by socializing them with other dogs.
Do Havaneses bark a lot?
As far as dogs go, Havaneses bark an average amount. You can expect them to bark to alert you, get your attention, or when there are strangers or other dogs.
Do Havaneses shed a lot?
The Havanese isn't a heavy shedder. Some limited brushing and occassional cleaning should help prevent much hair build-up.
Do Havaneses need a lot of grooming?
Although Havaneses require a medium amount of maintenance to keep their coats healthy. Simple tasks like brushing and bathing will suit this breed.
Do Havaneses need a lot of exercise?
A Havanese will need a moderate amount of exercise to be happy. You'll need to plan some basic walks or fetch during the day.
Are Havaneses easy to train?
The Havanese is smart and extremely trainable. They will learn commands quickly and love the bond of training with their owner.
Can Havaneses handle cold weather?
Havaneses don't like the cold and will likely want some protection if outside for long.
Can Havaneses handle hot weather?
Havaneses do well in hot climates and can stay out longer without overheating.
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