fellfolioCompanion dog
Havanese
Small, agile and happiest when included, the Havanese brings plenty of play into family life. Its long coat is lovely, but it needs attention every day.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at shoulder
- 23 to 27 cm
- Weight
- 3 to 6 kg
- Lifespan
- over 12 years
- Activity
- Moderate
- Grooming
- Daily
- Training
- Often cooperative
- Owner experience
- First dog with support
Happiest in the middle of things
Bred as a companion, the Havanese usually likes to be where its people are. Many enjoy lively play and walks. Some announce visitors with a bark; others prefer to watch from a distance at first.
Ask guests not to lean over the dog or pick it up straight away. Let it watch the newcomer from a little distance. If it chooses to come closer, it can say hello. In a crowd, make space or carry it briefly so it does not end up underfoot.
Everyday life
The UK veterinary charity PDSA suggests around 30 minutes of daily exercise for an adult Havanese. Short walks with time to sniff, a search game at home and a few minutes practising a cue bring variety to its day. Teaching the dog to fetch a toy or settle on a mat gives you something useful to do together. Plan time alone with equal care. Start with very brief, calm absences and extend them only while the dog remains comfortable. If you are regularly out for long stretches, arrange dependable company.
Staying home alone
Dogs learn to stay home alone in small steps. The RSPCA advises no more than four hours at a time. Puppies and dogs that become unsettled when left alone need shorter absences and gradual practice. Arrange someone to care for your dog when you will be away longer.
Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗
Day-to-day care
The soft coat mats easily, especially behind the ears, under the front legs and where a harness rubs. Work through those areas with a comb and brush every day, reaching the hair near the skin instead of skimming the surface. A tight mat can hurt when pulled; ask a skilled groomer to deal with one safely. A shorter practical trim may make upkeep easier, but it does not remove the need to comb. Introduce a puppy to brief, pleasant handling of feet, mouth and ears. Regular toothbrushing with dog toothpaste belongs in the routine too.
Size and build
The generous coat can make a Havanese look rounder than its frame really is. Beneath it is a sturdy small dog with relatively low legs and a body slightly longer than its height. The standard of the international kennel federation FCI gives a shoulder height of 23 to 27 cm; PDSA lists roughly 3 to 6 kg in weight. The plumed tail curves over the back. Long outer hair may lie flat or form soft waves, and colours vary widely. A puppy has a shorter coat, so a photograph of its fluffy baby hair does not yet show how much grooming the adult coat will need.
From puppy to senior: caring for your dog through every life stage ↗
Health
Before choosing a puppy, ask about the health of its close relatives. PDSA lists kneecap luxation, eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy and distichiasis, and portosystemic shunt among concerns in Havanese. Progressive retinal atrophy damages the retina and can gradually reduce sight. With kneecap luxation, the kneecap slips out of place; a dog may repeatedly lift a hind leg for a few steps. Distichiasis means extra eyelashes can rub and irritate the eye. In a portosystemic shunt, blood bypasses the liver. Ask to see the parents’ relevant examination results and discuss conditions in the wider family. Repeated limping, irritated eyes or unusual weakness deserve a veterinary check.
Could this breed fit your life?
Could work well if …
- You want a playful companion who can share much of family life.
- You have daily time for coat care, walks and short activities together.
May be less suitable if …
- The dog would spend long periods alone on most days.
- You want a coat that needs only occasional brushing.
Similar needs, different dogs.
Selected by shared size, activity, grooming and training characteristics.
American flushing spaniel
American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel combines a gentle expression and long, silky hair with a sporting dog’s curiosity. Many enjoy close company, unhurried sniffing and games with their people. Its manageable size suits a range of homes. Plenty of time should still be allowed for coat care, ears and an interesting daily routine.
Companion dog
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, playful companion that likes to be near its people. Its white curly coat sheds little, but mats without daily care.
Companion dog
Maltese
The Maltese is a tiny companion with plenty of curiosity. It wants to stay close to its people, explore on its own feet and have its long white coat brushed and combed every day.
Sources and photograph credit
- Teaching your dog to be left alone
Used in this profile for: Staying home alone
- Havanese · FCI breed standard No. 250
Used in this profile for: Size / Weight, Temperament, Size and build
- Home alone: preventing separation anxiety
Used in this profile for: Everyday life, Could this breed fit your life?
- How often should you groom your pet?
Used in this profile for: Day-to-day care
- Havanese · breed guide
Used in this profile for: Size / Weight, Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Size and build, Health, Lifespan, Could this breed fit your life?
Photo credits
Portrait · Lisa from Pexels · Pexels License
Puppy · Denniz Futalan · Pexels License
Side view · Havanese judging · audrey_sel · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Edited
Out for a walk · Choco-havanese · Pcllin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Edited
