Bichon Havanese Dog Breed

Breed Overview: Cuba's National Treasure

The Bichon Havanese dog breed — more commonly called the Havanese — is Cuba's only native breed and a member of the Bichon family that includes the Bichon Frisé, Coton de Tulear, and Maltese. Originating in the 18th century when Spanish colonists brought small companion dogs (the now-extinct Blanquito de la Habana) to the island, these dogs were later crossed with French and German poodle-type dogs to create the silky-coated companion we recognize today. By the 1950s, the Cuban Revolution nearly wiped out the breed; a handful of families fleeing to the United States carried the foundation stock that rebuilt the entire global population from fewer than a dozen dogs.

The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Havanese in 1996, and since then the breed has climbed steadily in popularity — ranking 25th out of 201 AKC-registered breeds as of recent registration data.

Havanese Quick-Reference Table

Size Class	Toy / Small
Weight	7–13 lb (3.2–5.9 kg)
Height	8.5–11.5 in (21.5–29 cm) at the withers
Lifespan	14–16 years (some reach 18)
Coat Type	Long, silky, lightly wavy double coat; hair-like, low-shedding
Energy Level	Moderate — playful but not hyperactive
Grooming Needs	High — brushing 3–5× per week, professional groom every 6–8 weeks
Family Fit	Excellent with children, seniors, multi-pet homes, and apartment dwellers
Trainability	High — eager to please, responds well to positive reinforcement

Temperament & Personality: What Living With a Havanese Is Really Like

Havanese dogs earn their reputation as "Velcro dogs" — they form intense bonds and prefer to be in the same room (if not the same lap) as their people at all times. This is not a breed that tolerates long stretches of solitude; expect separation distress if left alone for more than 4–5 hours regularly.

Five core personality traits define the breed:

• Outgoing and clownish: Havanese are natural performers. Many excel in trick training and canine freestyle because they genuinely enjoy an audience. You'll notice your Havanese "talking" with soft grumbles and head tilts when you interact with them.
• Gentle and non-aggressive: Unlike some toy breeds prone to snappishness, well-socialized Havanese are notably soft-mouthed and patient. They rarely show aggression toward strangers or other dogs, making them poor guard dogs but outstanding therapy dog candidates.
• Intelligent and biddable: They learn new commands in 5–15 repetitions (compared to 25–40 for average breeds, per canine psychologist Stanley Coren's working/obedience intelligence rankings). However, they are sensitive to harsh tones — even a raised voice can shut down a Havanese's willingness to work.
• Alert without excessive barking: They will announce visitors but typically settle quickly. They are not yappy by nature, though under-stimulated Havanese can develop nuisance barking habits.
• Adaptable: Whether in a 500-square-foot studio apartment or a sprawling suburban home, Havanese adjust to their environment as long as their social needs are met. They don't require a yard.

Physical Characteristics: Size, Coat, and Build

According to the AKC breed standard, the ideal Havanese stands 8.5 to 11.5 inches (21.5–29 cm) at the shoulder and weighs between 7 and 13 pounds (3.2–5.9 kg). There is no separate weight standard for males and females — both sexes fall within the same range. Dogs outside these parameters are disqualified from conformation shows but make perfectly healthy pets.

The Havanese coat is their defining feature: a long, silky, lightweight double coat that drapes over the body in gentle waves. Unlike the cottony coat of the Coton de Tulear or the curly coat of the Bichon Frisé, the Havanese coat has a soft, flowing texture. All colors and color combinations are accepted — white, cream, fawn, chocolate, black, silver, parti-color, and sable are all common.

Structurally, the Havanese is slightly longer than tall, giving them a rectangular silhouette. They have a plumed tail that arcs over the back, dark almond-shaped eyes, and drop ears that frame the face. Their gait is notably springy — the AKC standard describes it as "lively" with a "springy" quality unique to the breed.

Exercise & Activity Requirements

Havanese need 30 to 45 minutes of structured activity per day, which is moderate for a toy breed but less demanding than a Jack Russell or Miniature Poodle. This typically breaks down as:

• Two leash walks of 15–20 minutes each — Havanese enjoy sniffing and exploring at a leisurely pace. They are not jogging companions (their short legs and brachycephalic-adjacent muzzle make sustained running uncomfortable in heat).
• 10–15 minutes of indoor play — fetch in a hallway, flirt pole sessions, or puzzle feeders satisfy their mental stimulation needs. Food-dispensing toys like the Kong Classic (size XS) or Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick work well for this breed's problem-solving drive.
• Optional enrichment 2–3× per week: trick training sessions (5–10 minutes), beginner agility on low equipment, or supervised playdates with other small dogs.

Weekly Exercise & Care Schedule for an Adult Havanese

Day	Physical Activity	Mental Enrichment	Grooming Task
Monday	2 × 15-min leash walks	Puzzle feeder at dinner	Full-body brush (15 min)
Tuesday	2 × 20-min leash walks	5-min trick training session	Eye wipe, teeth brush
Wednesday	2 × 15-min leash walks	Snuffle mat for breakfast	Full-body brush (15 min)
Thursday	2 × 20-min leash walks + indoor fetch	New trick introduction	Eye wipe, ear check
Friday	2 × 15-min leash walks	Puzzle feeder at dinner	Full-body brush (15 min)
Saturday	25-min walk + dog park or playdate	Free play with other dogs	Nail trim, paw pad check
Sunday	2 × 15-min leisurely walks	Hide-and-seek game indoors	Eye wipe, teeth brush

Heat caution: Havanese are sensitive to temperatures above 85°F (29°C). In summer, walk during early morning or evening, and carry water. Their long coat actually provides some insulation against heat (it shades the skin), so a full shave in summer is not recommended — a shorter "puppy cut" to 1–2 inches is preferable.

Common Health Issues in the Havanese

The Havanese is generally a robust breed, and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) ranks them favorably compared to many purebreds. However, responsible owners should be aware of these breed-specific conditions:

Havanese Health Conditions & Prevalence

Condition	Description	Estimated Prevalence	Screening / Prevention
Juvenile Cataracts	Clouding of the lens appearing before age 6; can progress to blindness if untreated. Surgical removal costs $1,500–$4,000 per eye.	~4–6% of Havanese screened (CERF/OFA data)	Annual CERF eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist; ask breeder for parent CERF certificates
Patellar Luxation	Kneecap slips out of groove, causing intermittent "skipping" gait. Grades I–II may be managed conservatively; Grades III–IV require surgery ($1,500–$3,500).	~5–8% of OFA-screened Havanese	OFA patella evaluation; avoid jumping from high furniture; maintain lean body condition
Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) with IVDD Risk	A genetic variant causing shortened legs also predisposes to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Disc herniation can cause pain, paralysis. Surgery costs $3,000–$8,000.	CDDY variant present in ~30–40% of Havanese (UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab); clinical IVDD in ~3–5%	DNA test for CDDY/CDPA variants; use ramps instead of stairs; harness instead of collar; maintain ideal weight
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)	Progressive heart valve degeneration common in small breeds. Leads to heart murmur, coughing, eventual heart failure. Managed with medications (pimobendan, furosemide).	Onset typically age 8–12; ~15–20% of Havanese over age 10	Annual cardiac auscultation by your vet; OFA cardiac screening for breeding dogs
Idiopathic Epilepsy	Seizure disorder with unknown cause (idiopathic). Onset usually between 1–5 years. Managed with phenobarbital or levetiracetam.	~2–3% (estimated; Havanese are over-represented compared to general dog population)	No preventive screening available; consult your veterinarian immediately if seizures occur

Responsible breeders should provide OFA or PennHIP health clearances for both parents covering patellas, cardiac evaluation, CERF eye exams, and DNA results for the CDDY variant. The Havanese Club of America maintains a recommended health testing protocol that goes beyond minimum AKC requirements.

🚨 When to Call Your Vet Immediately:

• Sudden hind-leg weakness, dragging, or inability to walk (possible IVDD emergency — treatment within 24 hours dramatically improves prognosis)
• Seizure lasting more than 3 minutes or multiple seizures in 24 hours
• Sudden cloudiness or blue tint to one or both eyes
• Persistent coughing, especially at night or after excitement (possible MVD progression)

Grooming Requirements: Tools, Frequency, and Costs

The Havanese coat grows continuously (like human hair) rather than shedding seasonally, which is why they're considered hypoallergenic. However, "low-shedding" does not mean "low-maintenance." Without regular grooming, their fine, silky coat mats quickly — especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the hindquarters.

Brushing (3–5 times per week, 15–20 minutes per session): Use a slicker brush (Chris Christensen Big G or similar) followed by a stainless-steel greyhound comb to check for tangles. Always mist the coat lightly with a detangling spray before brushing — dry-brushing breaks hair and causes discomfort.

Professional grooming (every 6–8 weeks, $50–$90 per session): Most owners opt for a "puppy cut" (1–2 inches all over) which is far easier to maintain than the full-length show coat. Expect to pay $400–$720 annually on professional grooming alone.

Daily tasks:

• Tear stain removal: Wipe around the eyes with a damp cloth or veterinary-approved eye wipe (e.g., Eye Envy or Arava). Light-coated Havanese are especially prone to reddish-brown porphyrin staining.
• Dental care: Brush teeth daily or at minimum 4× per week using a canine enzymatic toothpaste. Toy breeds are disproportionately affected by periodontal disease — by age 3, an estimated 80% of small-breed dogs show signs of dental disease.
• Ear cleaning: Check drop ears weekly for moisture and debris. Clean with a veterinary ear cleanser (Epi-Otic or similar) every 1–2 weeks to prevent yeast infections.

Training & Intelligence

Havanese rank well above average in trainability. They are food-motivated and praise-driven, which makes them ideal candidates for positive reinforcement methods using small, soft treats (Zuke's Mini Naturals or freeze-dried liver bits work well given their small mouths).

Trainability rating: 8/10 — They learn quickly but are sensitive. A single harsh correction can cause a Havanese to shut down or become avoidant. Force-free, reward-based training is not just preferred — it is essential for this breed. Never use shock collars, prong collars, or alpha rolls; these methods damage the trust-based bond Havanese need to thrive.

Key training milestones and timelines:

• Housebreaking: 4–8 months (longer than larger breeds due to small bladder capacity). Crate training is highly recommended — use a crate sized for a small breed (24-inch crate with a divider). Take puppy outside every 1–2 hours during the day and immediately after meals, naps, and play sessions.
• Basic obedience (sit, down, stay, come): Most Havanese master these by 4–5 months with consistent 5-minute daily sessions.
• Leash walking: Introduce a well-fitted Y-harness (not a collar, to protect the trachea and cervical spine). Practice loose-leash walking indoors first before moving outside.
• Trick training: This is where Havanese shine. They can learn complex trick chains (spin, bow, play dead, fetch specific named toys) and many compete in AKC Trick Dog titles and rally obedience.

Socialization window (8–16 weeks): This critical period is when Havanese puppies form lifelong associations. Expose them to 100+ novel experiences — different floor surfaces, hat-wearing humans, umbrella openings, vacuum sounds, car rides — all paired with treats and praise. Under-socialized Havanese can develop fear-based barking or timidity.

Family Suitability: Kids, Pets, and Living Environments

With children: Havanese are one of the best toy breeds for families with kids, provided the children are old enough (ideally 6+) to handle a small dog gently. Unlike Chihuahuas or Italian Greyhounds, Havanese have a sturdier build and a more forgiving temperament. They enjoy interactive games and are rarely snappy. However, toddlers who grab, squeeze, or drop the dog pose a real injury risk — a Havanese can fracture a leg from a fall off a couch. Always supervise interactions.

With other pets: Havanese are highly sociable with other dogs and generally coexist peacefully with cats when introduced properly. They have minimal prey drive. Multi-dog households are actually beneficial for this breed because a canine companion helps offset separation anxiety when owners are away.

Apartment living: Havanese are among the top-rated breeds for apartments. Their small size, moderate exercise needs, and relatively quiet nature make them ideal urban companions. They don't need a yard — a daily walk routine and indoor play sessions are sufficient. The primary apartment-living challenge is housebreaking (less convenient outdoor access) and managing barking in shared-wall buildings, though Havanese are typically quieter than breeds like Shih Tzus or Miniature Schnauzers.

Seniors and work-from-home owners: This breed is an outstanding match for retirees or remote workers who can provide near-constant companionship. Havanese are registered therapy dogs through organizations like Pet Partners and bring joy to nursing home and hospital settings.

Cost of Ownership: Purchase Price and Annual Budget

The Havanese is a moderately expensive breed to acquire and maintain. Here's a realistic cost breakdown based on current market data:

Havanese Cost Breakdown

Expense Category	Cost Range (USD)	Frequency
Puppy from a responsible breeder (health-tested parents, AKC registration)	$1,800 – $3,500	One-time
Adoption from rescue (Havanese-specific or small-breed rescue)	$300 – $800	One-time
Initial veterinary setup (vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, first exam)	$400 – $900	First year
High-quality small-breed kibble or balanced fresh food	$30 – $55/month	Ongoing ($360–$660/year)
Professional grooming	$50 – $90 per session	Every 6–8 weeks ($400–$720/year)
Preventive medications (flea/tick, heartworm)	$15 – $30/month	Ongoing ($180–$360/year)
Annual vet wellness exam + dental cleaning	$250 – $600	Yearly
Pet insurance (accident + illness, $5,000 annual limit)	$30 – $55/month	Ongoing ($360–$660/year)
Supplies (crate, harness, toys, grooming tools, bed)	$200 – $400	First year (replacement costs after)

Estimated first-year total cost: $3,500 – $7,500 (including puppy purchase).
Estimated ongoing annual cost (years 2+): $1,800 – $3,200.

Pet insurance is strongly recommended for this breed given the potential for IVDD surgery ($3,000–$8,000) and cataract surgery ($1,500–$4,000 per eye). Enroll while the puppy is young and healthy — pre-existing condition exclusions are standard across all major insurers (Trupanion, Healthy Paws, Nationwide).

Frequently Asked Questions