Havanese dogs were bred in Cuba primarily as companion dogs. They were originally presented as gifts to the wealthy wives and daughters of sugar plantation owners; no one outside elite society could have a Havanese.

The Havanese is in the Bichon family. Dogs of this type were brought to Cuba from the Canary Islands and bred into smaller dogs with incredibly silky coats. Then, in the 1800s, Poodles were brought and crossed with these “Havana Silk Dogs” to create what is known today as the Havanese.

Havanese live to be between 14 and 16 years old. However, individual lifespans can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to helping dogs of all breeds live long and healthy lives.

Havanese are fully grown by one-year-old, but many tend to reach their full size around six to eight months old.

Yes, Havanese are known for being good with kids. Because they are so small, however, it is best to teach kids to be gentle with these dogs so as to avoid any accidental injury, and for pet parents to teach their dogs how to gently interact with children. As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Havanese to keep both the child and dog safe.

Yes, Havanese make wonderful family dogs. They are small but have a lot of energy, so they will be best matched with a family with a fenced-in yard or an active family that will provide them with a ton of attention and playtime. They are very dedicated to their families and make delightful little companions.

Yes, Havanese are excellent for first-time pet parents. They are affectionate, playful, and adaptable. Their long, silky coats require brushing but don’t shed. They are also good watch dogs and can learn many tricks.

Havanese also tend to be good with children, other dogs, and cats. However, pet parents should always supervise interactions between any dogs and kids to ensure that both the dog and the child understand how to behave appropriately around each other.

No, Havanese do not bark a lot. Like most dogs, they may bark upon the arrival of people to their homes, but they can be discouraged from barking as frequently with proper training and exercise.

Yes, Havanese are quite tolerant of cats. They are a social breed and are typically eager to make friends with cats. Always be sure to introduce your Havanese to your cat slowly and carefully.

Yes, Havanese are good with other dogs if properly socialized as puppies. They are friendly, affectionate, and sociable and usually get along well with children and other pets. Like any breed, individual personalities can vary, but early socialization and positive experiences with other dogs can help ensure that they develop good manners and positive interactions with their canine companions.

Havanese are dogs of average intelligence, but they have many other strengths that make them quite loving friends. Havanese are considered very emotionally intelligent, and they are quite sensitive. Havanese form unbreakable bonds with their humans and are enthusiastic about a variety of activities.

Yes, Havanese are affectionate and cuddly dogs — perhaps one of the most cuddly dog breeds.

Yes, Havanese are calm dogs and can help reduce stress levels. They are sometimes known as the “velcro dog” because they are known to stick closely to their parents and provide emotional support. They are quite peaceful with people and other pets and don’t usually show aggression towards strangers unless provoked.

Yes, Havanese are quite good apartment dogs because of their friendly nature, adaptability, and manageable size. However, some Havanese may experience separation anxiety and struggle with extended periods left alone. They need moderate amounts of exercise to avoid becoming mischievous and loud, so be sure not to skip any walks.

Yes, Havanese dogs have the potential to become excellent therapy dogs. They can sense mood changes and have a loving personality. Their small size makes them well-suited for visits to senior facilities and nursing homes, where they can curl up on laps or cuddle on beds. Havanese are also eager to perform tasks, which makes them exceptional psychiatric service dogs. Their genuine concern for their human friends is a trait that sets them apart in the realm of emotional support animals.

Yes, Havanese are generally intelligent and cooperative, making them relatively easy to train. However, training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed. What's more, Havanese are not always easy to house train. Many parents choose to crate-train their young Havanese pups to help with that process.

Havanese are pretty healthy, sturdy dogs with a long lifespan. Diseases to watch out for include:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Havanese, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.

• Legg-Calve-Perthes: This condition causes the head of the femur (located in a dog’s hind leg) to spontaneously degenerate. Over time, this will lead to erosion of the hip joint and arthritis. Havanese suffering from Legg-Calve-Perthes will become lame, limp while walking, and experience pain when moving the hip joint. Surgery is the most effective treatment for the disorder.

• Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place, which can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

• Heart problems: The Havanese sometimes develop heart murmurs, heart vibrations caused by a disturbance in blood flow that indicate disease, and mitral valve insufficiency, where the valve directing blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle begins to fail, which can lead to heart failure.

• Eye disorders: The Havanese is prone to glaucoma, a condition causing excessive pressure on the eye and making fluid drainage difficult; cataracts, a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision; and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness. The lighter-colored Havanese are also prone to aquiring tear stains beneath their eyes.

• Portosystemic liver shunt: Portosystemic liver shunt (PSS) is a hereditary issue that obstructs proper blood flow to the liver. Since the liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, PSS sends the toxins in unfiltered blood to the heart, brain, and other body parts. Signs can include but are not limited to behavioral changes, loss of appetite, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), jaundice, urinary tract problems, vision problems, and stunted growth. PSS can be life-threatening if not treated early. Antibiotics and diet changes can help in the short term, but surgery is the only permanent treatment for the problem.

• Hypothyroidism: A thyroid malfunction resulting in poor hormone production

• Chondrodysplasia: A genetic disorder that causes abnormally short limbs.

Yes, the Havanese is considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, their coats shed less, which can help reduce the amount of hair and dander in the environment.

It’s important to note that allergens are not only present in a dog’s hair but also in their skin cells, saliva, and urine. Even hypoallergenic breeds can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. 

Regular grooming practices such as brushing and bathing can help reduce allergens on a dog’s coat and skin. Spending time around a Havanese before bringing one into your home is recommended to gauge the potential for allergic reactions.

Havanese only require moderate exercise, but they have a high-maintenance coat that requires more grooming than other breeds.

No, Havanese are not brachycephalic, which means their noses are not flat.