This dog breed is friendly and intelligent. They love to play with their owners, tend to be quiet, and have a gentle nature. Well-socialized, they tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets.

Their playfulness and love for attention often mean they enjoy having a consistent playmate. Due to their small size, they can be injured by accidental falls or rough play, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be supervised.

They have outgoing personalities and tend to be open and friendly to meeting strangers. Although they are friendly and outgoing, they are also alert and excellent watchdogs. They don’t tend to bark a lot unless they have been trained into it, but they will take being a watchdog seriously. A Havanese loves attention and will keep you laughing with their comedic antics.

The Havanese is a highly adaptable dog breed. They are well-known as a favorite of apartment city-dwellers, but will also adapt well to larger homes with space to roam. They do well in many climates. As a native breed to Cuba, their coat acts as insulation and also as a barrier against the sun to help prevent overheating.

However, you will still want to keep an eye on them in the heat. Due to their smaller size, they may need to layer up with some winter dog products in climates with colder winters, but are able to adapt. Because they are social companions, they do not like to spend a lot of time alone.

Some potential health conditions to be aware of in Havanese can include deafness, eye disorders, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, heart murmurs, patellar luxation, and chondrodysplasia. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Havanese puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to ensure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The Havanese Club of America recommends BAER testing, a hip evaluation, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a patella evaluation at a minimum.

Because the Havanese is a small dog, they are also more prone to developing dental disease later in life. Proper dental care early on and consistently throughout their lifetime can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Havanese are highly intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly. Since they love attention and being around people, they are also eager to please. These traits make them highly trainable and a good fit for owners of experience level, as long as only positive training methods are used.

Because they are so in tune with people and eager to please, they are also very sensitive. They’ll take any harsh scolding or tones personally and could become withdrawn. They respond best to gentle training methods with plenty of patience and positivity.

The Havanese has a silky coat. It can be kept long or clipped short in a puppy trim. They will need to be brushed regularly to keep their coat tangle-free. If their coat is longer, daily brushing or brushing every other day will be necessary to reduce tangles and mats. If their coat is clipped short, brushing every few days or weekly is likely sufficient. Regular brushing also helps remove loose fur, which keeps shedding contained to the dog grooming brushes instead of all over your home.

They only need to be bathed on occasion and as needed to maintain a healthy coat. Whether your Havanese has a long or short clip, you’ll need to make time for professional grooming several times a year in order to maintain their coat. You will also want to gently clean the corners of their eyes every day to prevent tear stains on the lighter-colored fur. In most cases, discoloration around a dog’s eyes and mouth is normal, especially on dogs with lighter fur.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Havanese’s nails, ears, and teeth. You will need to cut your dog’s nails, check their ears regularly, and brush their teeth. Long nails can make it difficult and painful for your dog to move around, so keeping them short and trimmed is important.

Usually, trimming your dog’s nails once or twice monthly is sufficient. If you’re already taking your Havanese to a professional groomer, they can likely help you keep your dog’s nails in check, but you will still need to do some grooming tasks between visits.

Dogs with ears that flop over are more prone to ear infections than ears that stand up straight because they are more prone to trapping dirt, debris, and moisture. By checking your dog’s ears regularly and cleaning them carefully as needed, you can help reduce the chance of ear infections and make your dog more comfortable too.

Good dental care for your dog is also important. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs and it can also be one of the most preventable. Small dogs are more prone to developing dental disease, so it is especially important to take care of your Havanese’s teeth. Brushing your dog’s teeth daily in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed is recommended and can be supplemented with dental chews, specific diets, and more.

A Havanese has a low-to-moderate activity level. They aren’t usually couch potatoes, but they can seem like one of the laziest dog breeds if you let them. They don’t need a ton of exercise to stay happy and healthy, and they will be energetic when they play.

Daily walks and some playtime are all this dog needs. However, they can easily become overexerted. So, if your Havanese is panting heavily and starts struggling, it’s time for some cuddles and relaxation.

A fully-grown Havanese will usually stand 8.5-11.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 7-13 pounds. This makes the Havanese one of the smallest dog breeds.

Havanese will generally live 14-16 years on average.

One of the facts about the Havanese is that they are the only dog breed native to Cuba. Also, Charles Dickens, Queen Victoria, and Ernest Hemingway all owned a Havanese.