If you’re looking for a small, hypoallergenic companion dog that’s affectionate, intelligent, and brimming with energy, then the Havanese breed may be the perfect fit! These adorable Cuban charmers have been captivating hearts for centuries with their long, silky coats, cute curious expressions, and lively yet gentle personalities.
Classified in the Toy Group by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Havanese originated centuries ago as the pampered lap dogs of the Cuban aristocracy. Their name derives from Havana, Cuba’s capital city. While their exact origins are unclear, many believe the breed descended from the Blanquito de la Habana or Havanese Silk Dogs brought from Spain to the island of Tenerife and then to Cuba in the 1600s.
Once an elite breed reserved only for the Cuban upper class, the Havanese nearly went extinct after the Cuban Revolution in 1959. Thankfully, dog fanciers in the United States worked tirelessly to locate and revive the few remaining purebred Havanese, leading to AKC recognition in 1996. Today, the Havanese ranks as the 24th most popular breed according to AKC registration statistics.
With their cute looks, portable size, and family-friendly temperaments, Havanese have steadily gained popularity as wonderful companions for modern apartment or suburban living. Their unique characteristics blend the perfect lap dog qualities with intelligence and just the right amount of bounce and spunk. In the following sections, we’ll explore the Havanese’s traits in depth.
History and Origins
The Havanese’s story begins in the Caribbean, where the breed’s Cuban roots date back to the 1600s. Many historians believe the Havanese descended from the Blanquito de la Habana or “Little White Dog of Havana.” These pint-sized pups were likely brought to Cuba from the island of Tenerife by Spanish trade ships carrying dogs from the “Bichon” family of breeds.
Upon arriving in Cuba, the Blanquito quickly became prized possessions of the wealthy aristocracy and Cuban planters living in Havana. These lap dogs of luxury were pampered companions to the island’s elite class. Their small size made them ideal for city living, and their friendly, lively dispositions entertained their owners.
As the Havanese’s popularity spread among the European nobility visiting Cuba, some historians suggest the breed may have intermixed with other Bichon types like the Maltese. This could explain the Havanese’s distinctive long, profusely coated look compared to other Cuban breeds of the time.
After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, the Havanese’s fortunes rapidly declined as the dogs fell out of favor with the new regime. Only a few Cuban families managed to take their beloved Havanese with them when fleeing to the United States in the early 1960s. From this handful of dogs, American fanciers like Dorothy Goodale, Rita Rice, Blanch Sessa and others worked to re-establish and save the breed from extinction.
Their efforts paid off when the Havanese gained official recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1996, allowing the breed to be shown and compete. Finally given their chance to shine, the Havanese’s irresistible charm quickly launched them into the ranks of popular companion breeds. In 2000, the Havanese was named the National Dog of Cuba.
Today, there are Havanese clubs and breed fanciers across the world dedicated to preserving this once elite Cuban treasure. With their wonderful family dispositions and fun personality traits, the Havanese will undoubtedly continue capturing hearts for generations to come.
Physical Traits
Size and Breed Standard
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog breed classified in the Toy Group. According to the American Kennel Club’s breed standard, the ideal Havanese height ranges from 8.5 to 11.5 inches at the shoulder for both males and females. As for weight, Havanese dogs ideally weigh between 7-13 pounds, with females on the lower end of the range.
Appearance
With their long, soft coats and cute expressions, Havanese dogs have an undeniably adorable look. Their overall appearance is one of a sturdy, robust toy dog with a spring in their step. The breed has a longish body that’s slightly longer than tall, complemented by a level topline and sturdy bone structure. They sport a slightly arched neck and straight forelegs with slim, straight hindquarters.
Havanese have a distinctive flat or slightly wedge-shaped head with large, deer-like brown eyes that convey an alert, intelligent expression. Their velvety ears hang drop down close to their cheeks. A lively plumed tail carried over the back adds to the Havanese’s spirited look.
Coat Types and Colors
One of the most striking Havanese traits is their long, profuse double coat. The outer coat is coarser and smoother to the touch, while the undercoat is finer, softer and more insulating. Together, this combination creates the breed’s signature abundantly coated, puppy-like look.
The coat comes in several varieties including:
- Straight to wavy long coats
- Curly or corded coats
- Short “puppy coat” trims kept around 1-2 inches long
Havanese coats can occur in a range of colors and markings. Per the breed standard, all shades from white to black are permitted, with or without tan markings. The most common colors seen include:
- Havana brown
- Black
- White
- Light tan or blonde
- Combinations like black and tan
Height and Weight Statistics
To meet breed standard, the accepted Havanese height range is:
- 8.5 to 11.5 inches for both males and females
The ideal Havanese weight range is:
- 7 to 13 pounds
- Females typically on the lower end around 7-10 lbs
- Males weighing 10-13 lbs
Outside of these ranges, dogs may be disqualified from conformation shows but still make excellent companions. The most important factor is being a sturdy, well-proportioned dog fitting the Toy Group parameters.
With their compact size yet solid bone structure, Havanese make perfectly portable yet hardy small companions able to keep up with family adventures. Their cute look combined with an intelligent, friendly personality define this captivating breed.
Grooming Needs
Brushing and Bathing
With their long, profusely coated double coats, Havanese need regular brushing and grooming to keep their hair free of mats and tangles. Experts recommend brushing a few times per week using a slicker brush and metal comb to thoroughly work through the coat. This prevents the soft undercoat from felting.
Bathing is also an important part of Havanese coat care. Many owners choose to bathe their Havanese every 3-4 weeks using a high-quality dog shampoo to keep their coats clean and smelling fresh. After bathing, the coat needs to be thoroughly dried using a force drier or hair dryer on a low setting to prevent matting.
Trimming and Stripping
Two main coat trims are common for the Havanese – the shorter “puppy cut” and the fuller show coat length. Puppy cuts involve trimming the coat down to 1-2 inches in length all over using scissors or clippers. This low-maintenance trim is popular for active or pet Havanese.
For the show ring, Havanese need painstaking hand-stripping twice per year to remove loose, dead coat and encourage new growth. Stripping and trimming the longer show coat into the breed’s distinctive rectangular silhouette is typically done by professional groomers.
Shedding
One advantage of the Havanese’s double coat is that they are minimal, year-round shedders compared to other breeds. However, during seasonal coat blows in Spring and Fall, more brushing and de-shedding is needed to remove the excess undercoat.
Overall, the Havanese’s grooming needs are significant due to their profusely coated nature. Most owners opt for professional grooming every 6-8 weeks in addition to regular at-home brushing and bathing. Proper coat care is essential to prevent matting and keep their luxurious coats looking their best.
Temperament & Personality
Affectionate Nature
One of the biggest draws of the Havanese breed is their affectionate, people-oriented temperament. These are companion dogs through and through who thrive on human interaction and being a part of the family. Havanese love cuddling up in their owner’s laps and shadowing them from room to room, earning them the nickname “velcro dogs.”
Energy Levels
Don’t let their small size fool you – Havanese dogs pack a ton of energy and liveliness into their petite frames! They have a spirited zest for life and an enduring playfulness from puppyhood well into their senior years. A Havanese’s idea of a good time involves games, tricks, agility courses or any activity their beloved humans join in on.
Playfulness
With their bright, inquisitive expressions and bouncy strides, Havanese seem to maintain a perpetual puppylike playfulness. They love to jump, run, chase, and frolic with zany exuberance. This breed’s comedic antics and mischievous streak of stubborn silliness provide endless entertainment.
Barking Tendencies
Like many small companion breeds, Havanese were bred to bark – a trait that made them excellent watchdogs in their Cuban palace origins. Today’s Havanese still retain that innate barking tendency which can become excessive without proper training. However, their high pitch, yappy barks are more annoying than intimidating.
Family/Kid-Friendly
Havanese make wonderful family companions due to their overall friendly, gentle dispositions and enjoyment of playful roughhousing. With early socialization, they get along splendidly with children and have enough flexibility to adapt to lively, chaotic households. Their small size does require supervision around rambunctious youngsters.
Trainability
Bred as beloved companion pets, Havanese aim to please their owners and are quite intelligent and eager learners when activities are fun and positive-reinforcement based. They excel at agility, trick training and therapy work but can be stubborn if training methods are harsh. Proper socialization from puppyhood is a must to prevent shyness.
Overall, the Havanese has one of the most outgoing, lively personalities in the Toy Group. Their inquisitive nature, comedic silly streaks, and boundless affection endear them to all. As beloved family members, they crave activity and quality time yet are still portable lap companions at the end of the day. With the right training and socialization, their spirited personalities shine.
Training & Socialization
Positive Reinforcement
The key to successfully training a Havanese is using positive reinforcement techniques focused on praise, treats, and making the process fun. This intelligent breed tends to shut down if scolded or trained using harsh methods. With their food-motivated nature, tasty rewards go a long way in teaching desired behaviors.
Socialization Tips
Like all dogs, Havanese need early socialization from puppyhood to prevent shyness, fear, and reactivity issues later on. Puppy kindergarten classes are highly recommended to help acclimatize Havanese pups to new people, sounds, and environments in a controlled setting.
Owners should make an effort to regularly expose their Havanese to a variety of stimuli – from car rides and visitors in the home to trips around town. This breeds confidence. However, care must be taken not to overwhelm them, as Havanese can be sensitive.
Obedience Training
Basic obedience training from an early age helps set a strong foundation for a well-behaved Havanese adult. Mastering commands like sit, stay, come, and leash manners prevents bad habits from forming. Many owners continue advanced obedience, agility, or trick training to mentally stimulate these bright dogs.
Mental Stimulation
The Havanese’s intelligence means they need outlets to challenge their minds through interactive toys, food puzzles, obedience exercises, or canine sports. Bored Havanese can become destructive chewers or excessive barkers. Providing daily enrichment prevents problem behaviors.
By using positive reinforcement methods, properly socializing from puppyhood, and providing ongoing training and activities, owners can unlock the full potential of their Havanese’s trainability and sharp mind. These efforts build confidence while deepening that desired owner-dog bond.
Living Needs & Care
Exercise Requirements
Despite their small stature, Havanese are lively little dogs who need regular daily exercise to expend their energy reserves. A Havanese getting at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day through playtime, walks, or backyard romping tends to be better-behaved.
However, their exercise needs are moderate compared to many breeds. Short, frequent activity sessions suit this breed well as they can quickly become overheated. Games like fetch, hide-and-seek, flirt poles, or chasing after toys help wear out a Havanese’s zest in short bursts.
Indoor/Outdoor Living
The portable size and moderate activity levels of Havanese make them ultra-versatile companions for apartment, condo, or suburban living. With proper potty training and daily walks, Havanese can absolutely thrive in indoor, city environments.
That said, they also flourish with access to securely fenced yards where their playfulness can be unleashed through outdoor games and supervised romping. Their minimal shedding and lack of doggy odor are pluses for indoors.
Adaptability
Few breeds match the adaptability of the Havanese across living situations. These naturally sociable, people-oriented dogs do best with ample family interaction and shouldn’t be isolated for long periods. But with proper exercise and training, they readily adjust to households with children, other pets, frequent guests, and more.
Watchdog Ability
Don’t let their small size and cute looks fool you – Havanese were historically prized for their skills as watchdogs in Cuban aristocratic households. Today’s Havanese retain that innate territorial barking instinct, alerting owners to any new sights or sounds with yappy outbursts. However, their portable size and lack of menace mean they’re better regarded as energetic “watch dogs” rather than true guards.
Separation Anxiety
Havanese are companion dogs prone to separation anxiety if left alone too often or for extended periods. This breed thrives on regular family interaction and struggles with prolonged isolation. Crate training, doggy daycare, dog walkers, and other management tools can help when owners must be away.
With proper daily exercise, mental stimulation, and quality time with their families, the wonderfully adaptable Havanese can slot seamlessly into a variety of living situations – from bustling city apartments to spacious suburban homes with yards. Their trainability and moderate energy levels make them great companions across lifestyles as long as their need for companionship is met.
Health & Lifespan
Common Health Issues
Overall, the Havanese is regarded as a generally healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain hereditary health conditions prospective owners should be aware of.
Some of the more common health issues seen in the Havanese breed include:
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease – A degenerative hip disorder caused by poor blood supply to the femur bone. Early detection is key.
- Deafness – Both congenital and late-onset deafness can occur in Havanese.
- Patellar Luxation – A knee condition where the kneecap becomes easily dislocated.
- Liver Disease – Havanese can be predisposed to certain liver conditions.
- Eye Conditions – Issues like cataracts, dry eye, and distichiasis (eyelash abnormalities) sometimes arise.
Reputable breeders should screen for these and provide documentation of health certifications from organizations like the OFA and CERF.
Preventive Care
In addition to genetic screening, preventive care measures like routine vet visits, parasite prevention, dental cleanings, and keeping Havanese at a healthy weight are important for longevity. Their long dental formula and small mouths put Havanese at risk for periodontal disease without proper brushing.
Nutrition & Diet
A high-quality, portion-controlled diet formulated for a small breed’s higher metabolism and life stage is recommended for Havanese. Avoiding overfeeding and free-feeding prevents weight gain. Many owners succeed with a combination of measured meals and praise/treat-reward training.
Life Expectancy
With a typical life expectancy of 12-15 years, Havanese rank among the longer-lived smaller breeds when provided excellent preventive health care, proper nutrition, and an active lifestyle. Providing mental enrichment and avoiding obesity also aids longevity.
By being proactive about their breed’s potential health concerns through preventive screenings, nutrition management, and regular veterinary care, Havanese owners can help ensure many happy, healthy years with their lively companions.
Finding a Havanese
- Reputable Breeders
For those interested in adding a Havanese puppy to their family, it’s crucial to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the breed’s health and temperament. Responsible breeders conduct all recommended health screenings on parent dogs, breed selectively, raise puppies in their homes, and provide proper socialization.
Signs of a good Havanese breeder include:
- Requiring detailed puppy applications
- Only breeding dogs with health certifications from OFA and CERF
- Providing references from previous puppy buyers
- Interviewing potential owners to ensure their lifestyle fits the breed
- Offering guidance on puppy care, training and socialization
- Not breeding females on consecutive heat cycles
- Limited number of litters per year
- Not selling through pet stores or online ads
Bad breeders are profit-focused puppy mills that breed indiscriminately with no concern for health or temperament standards. Their priorities are making money over ethical breeding practices.
Adoption/Rescues
For those open to rescuing instead of going through a breeder, Havanese occasionally end up in need of adoption through breed-specific rescues, all-breed rescues, or humane societies. Rescues make efforts to assess each dog’s temperament and provide basic vetting prior to adoption.
Puppy & Up-front Costs
From a reputable breeder, the average cost of a Havanese puppy ranges from $1,000 to $2,500. This covers investments breeders make into health screening, socialization, care for the litter, etc. Pet stores and online ads for much cheaper puppies should be avoided.
In addition to the puppy’s cost, there are many up-front expenses new owners should calculate like:
- Spaying/neutering: $200-$800
- Crate and exercise pen: $100-$300
- Puppy safety gates: $50-$200
- Food dishes, toys, grooming supplies: $150
- Puppy training classes: $75-$150
Supplies Needed
Some key supplies needed for a new Havanese puppy include size-appropriate crates, exercise pens, gates, food/water bowls, age-specific puppy foods, chew toys, grooming tools like brushes and shampoo, puppy pads for housetraining, treats for training, collar and leash, and potentially doggy steps for accessing furniture.
By budgeting accordingly for a well-bred Havanese puppy and preparing with all necessary supplies ahead of time, owners can start off on the right foot in welcoming their new furry family member home.
Conclusion
With their irresistible looks, boundless affection, and enduring puppy-like spirit, it’s no wonder the Havanese has captured so many hearts worldwide. This once elite Cuban breed reserved for the aristocracy has rightfully earned its place as a beloved companion dog for modern families.
Havanese make wonderfully portable yet hardy little pals suited for city apartments or suburban homes alike. Their moderate exercise needs and adaptability across living situations shine. But it’s their vibrant, loving personalities that truly make this breed so appealing.
From their initial greeting of enthusiastic wriggling and profuse face licking to their sprightly prances trailing you from room to room, Havanese constantly enliven their owners’ lives with joy and entertainment. Their gentle natures, eager-to-please responsiveness to training, and overall companionability ensure they seamlessly integrate into any family.
While their long, luxurious coats require considerable grooming, those willing to make this commitment are rewarded with hypoallergenic dogs who are minimal shedders. With proper exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization, few breeds match the versatility of the Havanese across ages and lifestyles.
As family members, therapy aides, playful companions, and lively entertainers, the Havanese excels in nearly any role. By providing this once nearly extinct rarity with a loving home, you’ll gain a devoted friend whose profound affection and zest for life will brighten your days for years to come.
With their portability, hardiness, longevity, and inimitable charm, the Havanese truly offers the total package for those seeking a small, allergy-friendly companion. This ancient breed has undoubtedly earned its rightful status as one of the world’s most beloved toy dogs.
