Dog breed · Toy
Havanese
Cuba's national dog: a sturdy, sunny little companion that gets along with almost everyone.
Small14–16 yearsCubaCan suit apartments
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Toy
- Origin
- Cuba
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 3–6 kg (7–13 lb)
- Height
- 21–29 cm
- Lifespan
- 14–16 years
- Coat
- Long, soft, low-shedding double coat
- Temperament
- CheerfulSociableTrainableAttached
History
Descended from bichon-type dogs brought to Cuba by Spanish settlers.
Appearance
Small and slightly longer than tall, with a flowing coat in many colours.
Exercise and activity
Thirty to sixty minutes daily plus trick training.
Care and grooming
Daily brushing or a pet trim every six weeks; check ears and eyes routinely.
Health considerations
- Patellar luxation
- Chondrodysplasia
- Cataracts
- Deafness
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Havanese
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Thirty to sixty minutes daily plus trick training. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Patellar luxation, Chondrodysplasia, Cataracts, Deafness, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice