SmallCuba

Havanese

"A lively and intelligent Cuban charmer, known for its silky coat and cheerful spirit, winning hearts everywhere – the perfect companion for active families."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 25 cm

Age13-16 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Height

Shoulder Height: 23-27cmHead Height: ~36cm (est.)

The standard size measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder (withers).

Weight4.5-7.5 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€35+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

Loves play and daily walks but is not overly demanding or hyperactive.

Trainability

The willingness of the breed to cooperate with humans and learn commands quickly.

Highly intelligent and eager to please, responding well to positive reinforcement and quick to learn tricks.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

Extremely affectionate, patient, and well-known for being great with children.

Sociability

Behavior towards strangers and other dogs/pets.

Naturally very social and friendly towards strangers as well as other pets.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

An easy-going and adaptable companion, making it an excellent choice for first-time owners.

Apartment Friendly

Considers barking behavior, space requirements, and the general need for rest indoors.

Due to its size and relatively calm indoor temperament, it is perfectly suited for city apartments.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

The long, silky coat requires near-daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Does not have a seasonal coat change and sheds very little, making it suitable for many allergy sufferers.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

The Havanese is a charming bundle of energy, characterized by intelligence and a gentle disposition. They learn remarkably fast and cooperate well during training when positive reinforcement is used. Their cheerful nature makes them excellent partners for learning tricks or participating in dog sports. Being highly sensitive to their owner's emotions, they thrive with affectionate yet consistent guidance. Aggression is completely alien to this breed, making them a perfect companion for various lifestyles.

Living & Exercise

Despite their compact size, the Havanese is far from a lazy lap dog. They enjoy long walks and mental challenges. Since they barely shed, they are pleasant apartment dwellers but require significant attention. This affectionate Cuban breed struggles with being left alone, as they prefer to accompany their humans everywhere. A home with close family contact and plenty of time for daily play, both indoors and outdoors, is essential for their overall well-being.

Health & Grooming

Maintaining their lush, silky coat is time-consuming and requires daily brushing to prevent painful matting. Since the Havanese sheds very little, dead hair must be removed manually. Generally robust, the breed is occasionally prone to knee issues like luxating patella or certain eye conditions. Regular checks of the ears and teeth are vital to prevent infections and tartar buildup. With proper care and a healthy diet, these dogs often reach a remarkable age of up to 15 years.

History

The Havanese traces its roots back to the western Mediterranean, arriving in Cuba with sailors centuries ago. In the grand houses of Havana, it evolved into a treasured luxury dog for the aristocracy. Following the revolution, exiles saved the breed by bringing their dogs to the United States. Today, 'Cuba’s national dog' is celebrated worldwide for its irresistible charm and long history as a loyal social companion.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.