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Havanese
Health grade A- Shoulder height23–27 cm
- Weight3–6 kg
- Life expectancy13–15 yrs
- Puppy price1,400–1,900 €
- Energy3/5
The essentials at a glance
The Havanese is a cheerful, extremely people-oriented companion dog—bred to keep its humans company and soak up every mood in the room like a sponge.
- Health grade A: The Havanese is considered a robust small dog breed, but conditions such as patellar luxation (PL) and eye diseases like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA) do occur.
- You are looking for a true companion dog whose only genetic job is to be by your side and share your everyday life.
- You live in an apartment (even without a garden) and are looking for a dog that is content with moderate but varied walks.
- You are out of the house for long periods every day and have to leave him alone often—for a dog bred like this, social isolation is the ultimate punishment.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Verband Deutscher Kleinhundezüchter e.V.
Self-check
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Is the Havanese right for you?
At a glance
Havanese overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
13–15 yrs
Shoulder height
23–27 cm
Weight
3–6 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,400 – 1,900 €
- Coat: long, soft, smooth top coat and poorly developed undercoat
- Origin: Cuba
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Havanese, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Havanese come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Havanese — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Amber
Coat type
Long
Silky
Double coat
Perfect for you if:
- You have a family or frequent visitors and want an open-minded, playful buddy without a protective instinct.
- You are a beginner dog owner and appreciate a cooperative nature that is forgiving of mistakes and enjoys learning little tricks.
Less ideal if:
- You don't want to deal with daily brushing and regular visits to the dog groomer, as the silky coat mats immediately without maintenance.
- You are looking for an athletic companion for long jogging sessions, bike rides, or ambitious dog sports.
The real vibes check
A Havanese is like a little, fluffy shadow that follows you into the bathroom with pure enthusiasm. He doesn't come with an exhausting hunting or protective instinct, but in return he demands your undivided presence. You aren't getting an independent outdoorsy type, but a highly social optimist who literally wilts without his family.
Breed Profile
Havanese are intelligent, trainable, extroverted dogs. Havanese are also excellent watchdogs who take their job seriously but usually keep barking to a minimum. Havanese, the only dog breed native to Cuba, are cheerful little dogs that always cause a stir with their large, brown eyes. These lively and sociable companions are particularly popular with American city dwellers. Typical of small dog breeds, the Havanese is also a breed that likes to be active. In short: a small dog that appreciates exercise, play and training. It is therefore not surprising that this loyal companion would be particularly happy about a home with a garden. Are you not a fan of dog breeds that shed a lot? Then you've come to the right place with the Havanese! The Havanese is one of the dog breeds that sheds little. Are you still unsure whether the breed is right for you? Then we have a little bonus here: Do you have children? Perfect! Because the breed is known for being child-friendly. The average life expectancy of the Havanese is approximately 15 years.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 23 - 27 cm (Female), 23 - 27 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 3 - 6 kg (Female), 3 - 6 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 13 - 15 yrs
- Character
- affectionate, bright, playful, alert, happy
- Coat
- long, soft, smooth top coat and poorly developed undercoat
- Coat Color
- White, fawn, black, Havana brown, reddish brown
- Price
- 1400 - 1900 €
Character & Temperament
The Havanese is a lively and friendly companion dog, distinguished by its cheerful nature and strong attachment to people. It loves spending time with its family and is always affectionate and playful. Due to its small size, it is well suited as an apartment dog but still requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain balanced. The Havanese is very eager to learn and adaptable, making it a pleasant partner for families, singles, and seniors. It is sensitive to its environment and benefits from loving but consistent training. Despite its friendly nature, it can be alert and reliably alerts to strangers without becoming aggressive. Its coat requires regular care as it is long and silky but does not shed heavily. The Havanese shows little prey drive, making it easy to control, and it is generally compatible with other dogs and pets. Overall, the Havanese is a cheerful, intelligent, and affectionate dog, characterized by its social and balanced nature as a loyal companion.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Loves every new person immediately and without reserve. | Very open |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Barely any prey drive — small animals trigger nothing. | Very low |
Fun Fact!
Sometimes the Havanese have small speckles on their bellies, which adds a special touch to their charming appearance.
What Awaits You
Havanese are active, intelligent and adaptable dogs. They are very popular with beginners, but should also be kept busy and given activities suited to their type.
Housing & Care
Havanese are friendly and affectionate companion dogs that are excellent as family dogs. They are very social and get along well with children as well as other pets, provided they are socialized early. Due to their size and temperament, they are also well suited for city life and apartments, but require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Havanese love to spend time with their people and are therefore not dogs for long periods alone. Their cheerful and balanced nature makes them ideal partners for active families or individuals looking for a loyal and lively companion.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog.
Excellent with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all.
Ideal city dog
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
Havanese dogs are intelligent and eager-to-learn companion dogs who enjoy working together with their humans. Their training should be varied and playful, as they learn quickly but can also be easily distracted. Due to their friendly and sensitive nature, they respond particularly well to positive, reward-based training methods. The Havanese requires regular mental stimulation, such as through small tricks, scent work, or gentle dog sports like rally obedience. Physical exercise is important but should not be overwhelming – walks and playing together are usually sufficient. Frustration tolerance should be encouraged early on, as the Havanese can sometimes be stubborn. Socialization and loving, consistent training are essential to raise a balanced and confident dog. The Havanese is not a dog for passive owners, but for people who enjoy actively promoting and challenging their little companion. With patience and positive reinforcement, the Havanese develops into a loyal, obedient, and joyful partner.
Nutrition & Care
Havanese: The Havanese is a small, lively companion dog that requires a balanced diet to stay healthy and fit. High-quality food with a good proportion of proteins and essential nutrients is ideal to support its energy. Be careful to avoid overweight, as the Havanese can be prone to gaining weight. The Havanese's coat is long, soft, and silky, without an undercoat, which often makes it suitable for allergy sufferers. Regular brushing, ideally several times a week, is necessary to prevent matting and keep the coat shiny. Occasional baths and trimming the hair around the eyes and paws help keep the dog well-groomed. The Havanese adapts well to the Central European climate. Its coat protects it from the cold, but in very hot weather, sufficient shade and water should be provided to prevent overheating.
| Care Level Needs regular professional grooming — time-consuming and costly. | High-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
The Havanese is considered a robust small dog breed, but conditions such as patellar luxation (PL) and eye diseases like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA) do occur. The Verband Deutscher Kleinhundezüchter e.V. makes testing for patellar luxation (PL) mandatory for breeding, with a cutoff limit of PL 0. Responsible breeders additionally test the parent animals for cataracts, screen for hip dysplasia (HD), and rule out hemophilia as well as prcd-PRA. Before buying a puppy, have the breeder show you the official certificate for patellar luxation (PL 0) as well as the ophthalmological findings confirming freedom from cataracts; for prcd-PRA, one parent animal may be a carrier as long as the mate is clear.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure a healthy weight and joint-friendly exercise to relieve the knees, as well as schedule regular eye and heart check-ups.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders document the breed club requirement of PL 0 for patellar luxation (PL) and additionally test the parent animals for cataracts, hip dysplasia (HD), progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA), and hemophilia.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
7
Risks tracked
2
Core standard
6
High severity
Eyes
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 is the core standard: the tests Verband Deutscher Kleinhundezüchter e.V. requires, plus further tests from the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Core standard. Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Verband Deutscher Kleinhundezüchter e.V. for breeding approval; the others are part of the recommended health standard for this breed. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Havanese cost?
A Havanese costs around ~€180 per month (€90 – €330, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,640 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (14 years) it comes to about ~€32,690.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€170 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€180
In the first year
~€4,640
Across the dog's life
~€32,690
Purchase price per HonestDog's market analysis (asking prices in Germany, as of October 2026): €1,400 – €1,900
Small sample: 13 unique listings in the rolling three-month window. Data for this breed · Methodology
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
Looking for a Havanese?
Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The history of the Havanese begins in the 19th century in Cuba. Originally, the breed descends from small Bichon dogs brought by Spanish and French immigrants. The Havanese was valued as a companion dog of the Cuban upper class and was known for its friendly nature and silky coat. Despite political upheavals and economic difficulties in Cuba, the breed survived. In the 1950s, the Havanese reached the USA, where it was further bred and became internationally known. Today, the Havanese is a popular family dog, appreciated for its zest for life and adaptability.
Original Use
The Havanese was bred as a companion dog for the Cuban upper class and is known for its friendly and lively nature.
Origin
Cuba
Date
1800
Owner experiences
Owner accounts almost universally describe the Havanese as a very cheerful, adaptable, people-oriented companion in everyday family life.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Owner accounts almost universally describe the Havanese as a very cheerful, adaptable, people-oriented companion in everyday family life. Many owners appreciate its even temper at home and its enthusiasm for doing things together outdoors. It has little to no hunting drive, usually comes back easily when called on walks, and as a rule gets along fine with children, other dogs, and cats. It's often jokingly called a "little shadow" that follows its people from room to room.
The flip side of this close bond is one of the most frequently mentioned challenges: being left alone. Many owners report that Havanese are very sensitive to separation and, if training is skipped or rushed, quickly develop separation stress, whining, howling, or house-soiling. Owners therefore stress again and again that time alone has to be built up in very small steps from puppyhood, and that the breed isn't suited to people who are regularly away from home for many hours at a stretch.
Sources:hundeforum.comdogssupreme.dedogforum.derund-ums-baby.dereddit.com
A dominant topic when owners compare notes is coat and body care, and new owners often underestimate how much time it takes.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
A dominant topic when owners compare notes is coat and body care, and new owners often underestimate how much time it takes. The silky coat hardly sheds around the house, but it mats very quickly, especially behind the ears, in the armpits, and on the legs. Many owners report that combing and brushing several times a week, sometimes daily, becomes a must, above all while the puppy coat is changing to the adult coat. On walks through wet grass or woods, the dense coat also quickly collects burrs, dirt, and small twigs.
That's why quite a few owners opt for a practical short trim at the groomer. Owners also mention daily eye care: in many dogs, watery eyes leave reddish-brown tear stains and crusts that need gentle, regular cleaning. Overall, experienced owners advise getting puppies used to the grooming table, brush, scissors, and having their paws handled in a playful way from the very first week, to avoid battles over grooming later on.
When it comes to training and temperament, many owners stress the breed's intelligence and eagerness to learn.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
When it comes to training and temperament, many owners stress the breed's intelligence and eagerness to learn. Havanese often pick up cues and tricks remarkably fast and are happy, motivated partners. Owner accounts point out again and again, however, how sensitive they are to their people's mood: harsh words, pressure, or impatient corrections unsettle them for a long time. Owners see gentle but consistent leadership with positive reinforcement as the only approach that works.
Another recurring topic is watchdog behavior and alert barking. These dogs are by no means seen as nonstop barkers for no reason, but a Havanese will often reliably sound off at unfamiliar noises in the stairwell or at the property line. If this alerting isn't gently kept in check from the start, it can turn into a barking habit that takes patience, especially in apartment buildings. Some puppy owners also report that housetraining these little dogs sometimes takes longer and calls for plenty of patience. Healthy dogs from responsible breeders are considered sturdy and long-lived, and owners mainly advise checking that the parents have been examined for patellar luxation and eye diseases before buying.
Sources:hundeforum.comdogssupreme.derund-ums-baby.dereddit.com
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
Community posts
FAQ & more
Is a Havanese the right dog for me?
The Havanese is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Havanese live?
The average life expectancy of a Havanese is 13-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Havanese need?
Havanese grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Havanese good for families with children?
The Havanese can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Havanese come in?
The Havanese comes in these colors: White, Fawn, Brown, Black, Sable, Cream, Red, Grey, Silver, Bicolor, Tricolor, Merle. Colors that fall outside the breed standard are marked as such on the breed page.
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Are you a Havanese breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Havanese.