Guide: Havanese dog breed
Havanese Dog Breed Guide: Size, Temperament and Care
The Havanese dog breed is a small, sturdy companion from Cuba. It weighs 7 to 13 pounds and lives 14 to 16 years, according to the American Kennel Club. It is cheerful, clever and devoted to its people. It is also one half of every Havapoo, so knowing the Havanese helps you understand the mix.
Havanese dog breed at a glance
| American Kennel Club figures | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Cuba. It is the national dog and the island’s only native breed. |
| Height | 8.5 to 11.5 inches |
| Weight | 7 to 13 pounds |
| Life expectancy | 14 to 16 years |
| Coat | Long, soft and silky, in many colors |
| Shedding | 2 out of 5 |
| Energy | 3 out of 5 |
| Trainability | 4 out of 5 |
| Barking | 4 out of 5 |
Source: the AKC Havanese page.
A short history
The Havanese belongs to the Bichon family of small companion dogs, which reached Cuba with early sea voyages. There it became the lap dog of wealthy Cuban households. Later, after the Cuban revolution, a few families brought their dogs to the United States.
According to the AKC and the Havanese Club of America, nearly all Havanese outside Cuba today descend from just 11 of those dogs (AKC).
Temperament of the Havanese dog breed
The AKC gives the Havanese its top score of 5 for affection with family, friendliness with young children, getting along with other dogs and openness to strangers. In other words, this is a social dog that likes everyone.
It is also sensitive. The AKC advises gentle, positive training, because harsh scolding upsets the breed. In addition, Havanese are happiest with company and do not like being left alone for hours.
Coat care
The long coat needs daily brushing to stay free of mats. For that reason, many pet owners keep it clipped short. The AKC also suggests wiping the corners of the eyes every day to limit tear stains, and checking the ears often.
Health and testing
The AKC describes Havanese as generally healthy and fairly long-lived. However, the breed can be prone to eye disorders, deafness, heart murmurs, loose kneecaps, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease of the hip and chondrodysplasia.
The Havanese Club of America recognizes dogs that pass four tests registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: a yearly eye exam, a hearing test, a hip X-ray and a knee check. So ask any breeder which of these the parents have had. See health testing before breeding.
How the Havanese dog breed shapes a Havapoo
In a Havapoo, the Havanese parent brings the sturdy little body, the sociable nature and the silky texture. The Poodle parent adds curl, lower shedding and extra drive. Because of that, a Havapoo is often a slightly busier, curlier version of a Havanese.
We raise Havapoos, and Havanese in some seasons. Compare the two in Havapoo vs Havanese, or read What is a Havapoo?
Related guides
- What Is a Havapoo?
- Havapoo vs Havanese: Which One Fits Your Home?
- Potty Training a Small Breed Puppy: A 30-Day Plan With Crate Training
- Havapoo Pros and Cons: An Honest List From a Breeder
- Toy Poodle vs Miniature Poodle: Size and Other Differences
See all our puppy guides, or meet our Havapoo puppies for sale.
Sources
- American Kennel Club. Havanese breed information. akc.org
- American Kennel Club. Havanese History: Bouncing Back from Exile. akc.org
- Havanese Club of America. History. havanese.org
Sources were checked on October 7, 2026.
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