Havanese love being with their humans and thrive on being centre of attention. cheerful little companions bring intelligence, humour and personality to any household.
Personality and temperament
Havanese pooches love nothing more than to receive praise and attention. It doesn’t help that these little extroverts have adorable eyes and a fluffiness that just screams ‘cuddle me!’. This sociable breed bonds quickly with their humans and are happiest by their side at all times, though early socialisation can help with separation anxiety. Their energetic and cheerful nature make them popular housemates with young families and with those wanting a cute-as-a-button small dog with a big personality.
Size and appearance
A small, study breed, Havanese have long, silky coats, large dark eyes, a plumed tail and a sweet face that beckons pats from strangers. Their luscious fur has a slight wave to it and can be clipped short or worn long like a super model. They are the perfect weight to be carried and cuddled, with males weighing up to 7kg. While they look like precious posh pooches, these little guys are actually pretty adaptable and hardy.
History
Once the hound of choice for writers like Ernest Hemmingway and Charles Dickens, Havanese have a long and illustrious history dating back over five hundred years. They belong to the Bichon canine family and are the only dog breed native to Cuba. Popular with Cuban aristocracy in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Havana Silk Dog (as they were nicknamed) became much-loved lap dogs rather than working dogs. They nearly became extinct in the mid-20th century but are now a popular small-breed around the world, including Australia and New Zealand.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Havanese are generally pretty healthy little Latinos, however they can be prone to the following health conditions:
- Patella luxation (dislocating kneecap)
- Hip and elbow dysplasia (where the hip joints don’t form properly)
- Eye diseases, including cataracts, dry eyes and progressive vision loss
- Heart disease
- Allergies and skin sensitivities
- Dental disease
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Havanese healthy.
Food and exercise
Small and food-motivated, Havanese need portioned-controlled, highly nutritious meals that are specially formulated for small breeds. Weight gain can happen quickly in these guys, putting a strain on their bodies, so limit treats where possible (if you can say ‘no’ to their cute little faces).
Although they are a small and love a cuddle, Havanese need at least 30-40 minutes of exercise a day. Rather than high-impact workouts, they’ll enjoy playtime, short walks and interaction with their humans far more. Havanese also love to get in on the action with their human family – ‘anything you do, I’ll do too’ is their motto.
Grooming and maintenance
Havanese dogs are low-shedding, so they won’t leave much fur around the house, but their grooming requirements put them in the high-maintenance category. To keep them happy and healthy, you will need to commit to brushing several times a week and a regular appointment at the groomers every couple of months.
- Bathe: every 3-4 weeks
- Professional groom: every 6-8 weeks
How to groom your Havanese
- Fur: brush 3-4 times a week using a slicker brush and comb
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: clean weekly for wax and debris
- Eyes: wipe with a damp cloth daily to reduce tear stains
Training and space requirements
Known for being highly trainable, Havanese can pick up basic cues easily and love learning tricks to show off with. Short training sessions that keep their attention are best, as is positive reinforcement with praise and treats (but not too many!).
Havanese don’t need a lot of space to thrive, they’ll be happy with a warm, safe home whether that’s an apartment or a mansion. What they do need, though, is enough time with their humans. Early socialisation can help with separation anxiety, but nothing can substitute for their family.
Best suited for…
Be warned, Havanese happily use their adorable good looks to attract attention from their humans. They will request food, playtime and cuddles on a daily basis. They suit apartment dwellers, young families, seniors and anyone looking for a humorous, hypoallergenic companion, that’s full of life and craves attention. Just make sure you get friendly with your local dog groomer – you’ll be spending plenty of time there.
