Havanese

also known as Havaneser, Bichon Havanese, Bichon Habanero, Havanezer, Bichon Havanês, Bichon Havanais, Havanese Cuban Bichon

Pros History


The Havanese is a small dog breed that originated in Cuba. This breed is known for its playful, affectionate and outgoing nature. The Havanese has a rich history dating back several centuries.

The origins of the Havanese can be traced back to the 16th century, where it was brought to Cuba by Spanish colonizers. It was developed by crossing small breeds such as the Bichon and Maltese with local island dogs. The resulting breed was a small, lively, and affectionate dog that quickly became a favorite of the Cuban upper class.

The Havanese was primarily used as a companion dog and was highly valued for its playful and affectionate nature. They were also used in circuses and as a watchdog.

In the late 19th century, the Havanese's popularity began to decline, and by the mid-20th century, the breed was close to extinction. However, a group of dedicated breeders in Cuba and later in the United States began working to preserve the Havanese, and in the 1970s, the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Breed Information


Type

Is Havanese a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Havaneses originally used for?

Lapdog

Lifespan

How Long Do Havaneses Live? What is average life expectancy for a Havanese? How long can Havaneses live?

14-16 years

The average Havanese lifespan is somewhere between 14-16 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Havanese Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Havanese?

What is the average height of a Havanese? How big is a Purebred Havanese height? Havanese dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 8-11 inches (20.3 - 27.9 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm)
Female 8-11 inches (20.3 - 27.9 cm) 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm)
What is the average weight of a Havanese? How much should Havaneses weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 10-15 pounds (5 - 7 kg) 6.5 pounds (3 kg) 9.0 pounds (4 kg) 12.5 pounds (6 kg)
Female 10-15 pounds (5 - 7 kg) 6.5 pounds (3 kg) 9.0 pounds (4 kg) 12.5 pounds (6 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Havaneses get fat easily?

The Havanese is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Havaneses Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Havaneses are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Havanese personality? What are Havanese dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Gentle
Playful
Companionable
Intelligent
Responsive
Sturdy
Lively
Amiable
Charming

Shedding Level

Are Havaneses heavy shedders? How Much Does a Havanese Shed?

Havanese will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Havanese dog?

Havaneses are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Havanese is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Havaneses come from?

Cuba

Ancestry

What are Havaneses descended from?

Bichon Tenerife, Blanquito de le Habana

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Havanese breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Havanese Club of America

Date of Birth

When were Havaneses first bred? How old is the Havanese breed?

1700s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Havanese?

Toy (AKC:1996)
Companion (UKC)

Havanese Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Havanese eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Havanese nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Havanese coat be naturally?

Black
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn
Blue
Brindle
Sable
Silver

Coat Length

How long is a Havaneses coat?

The coat of a Havanese dog is generally known for its length.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Havanese Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Havanese?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Havanese have in a litter? How many puppies can a Havanese have in her first litter?

14-16 puppies per pregnancy

A Havanese can have a litter of 14-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Havaneses are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Havanese Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Havaneses have a lot of health problems?

The Havanese is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Havanese?

Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Cherry Eye
Cataracts
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Portosystemic Shunt
Heart Murmur

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Havaneses?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Chondrodysplasia (Chd)

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Havanese breed?

Eye
Hip
Hearing
Heart
Liver Ultrasound
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Havanese Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Havaneses have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Havaneses may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Havaneses need socialization? How social are Havaneses?

Havanese have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Havaneses get?

The Havanese is a breed that requires minimal physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Havanese have? Do Havaneses sleep a lot?

The Havanese breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Havanese drool a lot?

The Havanese is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Havanese dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Havaneses exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Havaneses mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Havanese running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Havanese dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Havaneses enjoy doing? How do I keep my Havanese busy?

Bike ride, Go on Vacation, Walk, Run, Tug-of-war, Go to Park, Play, Chase, Fetch, High Five, Shake, Dog Parks, Eating Snacks, Shopping, Dressing up, Go to Beach, Frisbee, Heel, Speak, Brushing, Boat ride, Catch treats, Play keep away, Walking, Petting, Cuddling, Playing, Sit on lap, Groom, Sniff

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Havanese? How much energy does a Havanese have?

Medium

Havaneses are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Havanese walk each week? How many miles should a Havanese walk every week?

7 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Havanese, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Havanese should exercise a day? How much activity does a Havanese need?

60 minutes

In general most Havaneses usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Havanese?

The Havanese is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Havanese?

Daily

Ideally, Havanese should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Havaneses?

Slicker Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Havanese eat?

1.2 cups

For an average 10-15 pound (5 - 7 kg) Havanese feed 1.2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Havanese Cost Daily?

$1.40 - $1.80 / day

The average cost of a Havanese is somewhere $1.40 - $1.80 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Havanese Cost Per Month?

$42 - $53 / month

The average per month expenses of a Havanese is between $42 - $53. This makes an average of $504 - $636 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Havanese Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Havanese?

Havaneses has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Havanese is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Havanese dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Havanese dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Havanese do well in apartments? Are Havaneses good indoor dogs?

Havaneses are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Havaneses good with kids? Are Havaneses good around children?

A Havaneses typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Havaneses good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Havaneses good with cats? How friendly Havaneses are toward cats?

Havaneses are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Dog Friendly

Do Havanese dogs get along with other dogs? Are Havaneses OK with other dogs?

Havaneses are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Havanese dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Havaneses friendly with strangers?

Havaneses are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do Havaneses like to play? Are Havaneses playful?

Havaneses are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Havanese for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Havanese easily trained?

The Havanese is a breed of dog that is known for being very easy to train. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a great choice for both experienced and novice dog owners.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lack of odor
    The Havanese has a minimal likelihood of having a bad smell.
  • Cat Friendly
    Having a Havanese in the household can be compatible with having a cat as well.
  • Rarely barks
    If you're looking for a quieter breed, the Havanese dog could be a good option as they are known for being relatively silent.
  • Small size
    Suitable for small homes or apartments
  • Good with children and other pets
    Making them a great family pet
  • Intelligent
    Easy to train, suitable for obedience and agility training
  • Minimal to no shedding
    Havaneses are a dog breed that has minimal to no shedding.
  • Hypoallergenic
    Due to their hypoallergenic properties, Havaneses may be a safer option for those with allergies.
  • Affectionate
    Loyal towards their owners, making them great companion dogs

Cons

  • Tendency to gain weight
    The Havanese's weight can become an issue if not kept in check.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Havaneses may find an office setting too stressful.