Havanese
Cuba's national toy dog, a small, cheerful companion with a long silky coat. Affectionate, sociable and easy to train, making an excellent first dog, though it dislikes being left alone.
Overview
Cuba's national toy dog, a small, cheerful companion with a long silky coat. Affectionate, sociable and easy to train, making an excellent first dog, though it dislikes being left alone.
Good to know — a Havanese is flat-friendly and great for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Havanese is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a moderate barker, and as a guide they are great for first-time owners. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Havanese typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is high upkeep and shedding is low. Plan on frequent brushing — often several times a week — plus regular trips to a professional groomer to keep the coat free of mats.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Havanese should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a toy breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Affectionate, sociable and trainable
- Low-shedding, apartment-friendly companion
Things to consider
- Silky coat needs regular grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
Similar breeds
Yorkshire Terrier
A tiny, feisty toy terrier with a big personality — ideal for flats but delicate around small children.
View breed guide →
Chihuahua
The world’s smallest breed — devoted, sassy and perfect for flats, but not the easiest with young children.
View breed guide →
Pomeranian
A lively, fox-faced toy dog with a luxurious coat — bold and fun, but tiny and quite vocal.
View breed guide →
Italian Greyhound
A tiny, elegant sighthound — affectionate, clean and quiet, but delicate and sensitive.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Havaneses good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Havaneses tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Havanese need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Havanese needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Havaneses shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Havaneses easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Great for first-time owners. Havaneses are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Havaneses bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Havaneses good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Havaneses suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Havanese can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.