Find a Responsible Source for Your Next Puppy
Looking for Havanese breeders? Learn what to expect from this toy breed, health risks to ask about, typical costs, and how to identify a responsible breeder.
If you've been searching for Havanese breeders, you already know this fluffy, affectionate toy breed has a devoted following. The Havanese is Cuba's national dog and the country's only native breed — a small, sturdy companion with a silky coat, a springy gait, and an almost uncanny ability to read their owner's emotions. But before you put down a deposit with the first breeder you find, it pays to understand exactly what you're signing up for: the breed's real temperament, health predispositions, grooming demands, and lifetime costs.
This guide gives you the breed-specific knowledge you need to ask the right questions when evaluating Havanese breeders — and to decide whether this breed genuinely fits your household.
Breed Overview: Origin, Size Class, and Lifespan
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Cuba (developed from Tenerife/Bichon-type dogs brought by Spanish colonists in the 1500s–1600s; refined as a companion breed in Havana by the 18th century) |
| Size Class | Toy / Small |
| Adult Weight | 7–13 lb (3.2–5.9 kg) |
| Adult Height | 8.5–11.5 inches (21.5–29 cm) at the shoulder |
| Lifespan | 14–16 years (some individuals reach 17–18) |
| Coat Type | Long, silky, slightly wavy double coat; low-shedding |
| AKC Group | Toy Group (recognized 1996) |
| Energy Level | Moderate for a toy breed |
| Family Fit | Excellent — adaptable to apartments, families, seniors |
The Havanese descended from the now-extinct Blanquito de la Habana ("little white dog of Havana"), which itself came from Bichon-type dogs European settlers brought to Cuba. By the 1800s, Cuban aristocracy kept them as lap dogs and status symbols. After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, the breed nearly vanished — only a handful of dogs brought to the United States by exiled families formed the modern gene pool. According to the American Kennel Club, every Havanese alive today traces back to approximately 11 dogs that left Cuba.
This genetic bottleneck is why responsible Havanese breeders prioritize health testing so heavily. A narrow gene pool means inherited conditions can spread quickly if breeders don't screen breeding stock.
Temperament and Personality: What Living With a Havanese Is Really Like
Havanese dogs are not generic "loyal companions" — their personality has specific, well-documented traits that separate them from other toy breeds like the Maltese or Bichon Frise.
Core Temperament Traits
- Velcro attachment style: Havanese form intense bonds with their primary person and will follow you room-to-room. They do not do well left alone for 8+ hours — expect separation anxiety if you work long days without a pet sitter or doggy daycare.
- Comedic playfulness: Unlike the more sedate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese retain a puppy-like playfulness well into adulthood. They'll "zoom" around the coffee table, perform little hops when excited, and invent games with whatever toy is nearby.
- Alertness without excessive barking: They'll announce visitors at the door but typically settle quickly once you acknowledge the alert. This is notably less yappy than a Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher.
- Social adaptability: Havanese tend to warm up to strangers within minutes, especially if food is involved. They're not one-person dogs — they'll charm your guests.
- Sensitivity to tone: Harsh corrections shut a Havanese down. They respond to cheerful encouragement and will sulk if scolded. This makes them easy to train with positive methods but fragile under heavy-handed handling.
Real-world example: If you're cooking dinner, expect your Havanese to sit at your feet or on a nearby chair, watching every move. They're not begging aggressively — they're just deeply invested in whatever you're doing. This "shadow" behavior is nearly universal in the breed.
Physical Characteristics: Size, Build, and Coat Details
The AKC breed standard specifies a Havanese should stand 8.5 to 11.5 inches (21.5–29 cm) at the withers and weigh between 7 and 13 pounds (3.2–5.9 kg). Dogs outside this range may be penalized in conformation, but for pet homes, a slightly larger or smaller Havanese is perfectly healthy as long as their body condition score (BCS) is ideal — you should feel ribs easily without pressing hard and see a visible waist from above.
The coat is the Havanese's defining feature: a long, silky double coat that can be straight, wavy, or lightly curled. All colors are accepted — white, cream, fawn, chocolate, black, silver, and parti-colors. The coat has a lightweight, almost fluid quality that moves when the dog walks.
Coat care note: Many pet owners opt for a "puppy cut" (1–2 inches all over) to reduce grooming time. This is completely acceptable and does not damage the coat. If you keep the full-length show coat, daily brushing is non-negotiable.
Exercise and Activity Needs
Havanese are more active than people assume for a toy breed. They're not marathon runners, but they're not couch ornaments either.
| Activity Type | Daily Recommendation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leash walks | 30–45 minutes total (split into 2 walks) | Shorter strides mean they cover less distance; a 20-minute walk for a Havanese equals a longer outing for a large breed |
| Indoor play sessions | 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times/day | Fetch, tug, puzzle toys, flirt pole (low to ground) |
| Mental stimulation | 10–15 minutes/day | Snuffle mats, lick mats, trick training sessions, food-dispensing toys like the Kong Classic (XS size) |
| Off-leash time | As available | Secure yard or fenced dog park; Havanese have poor recall reliability off-leash in open areas |
Total daily exercise target: 45–75 minutes combining physical and mental activity. Understimulated Havanese tend to develop nuisance barking, destructive chewing, or excessive clinginess.
A word on heat sensitivity: while Havanese are not brachycephalic (they have normal-length muzzles), their double coat can trap heat. In temperatures above 85°F (29°C), limit walks to early morning or evening and keep sessions under 15 minutes.
Common Health Issues: What to Ask Havanese Breeders About
A reputable Havanese breeder will proactively share health test results for both parents. The Havanese Club of America and the AKC recommend specific screenings. Here's what you need to know:
| Condition | Description | Estimated Prevalence | Required Health Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cataracts (juvenile) | Clouding of the eye lens, can appear as early as 1–3 years old; may progress to blindness | ~5–8% of the breed | Annual CERF/OFA ophthalmologist exam |
| Patellar luxation | Kneecap slips out of groove; ranges from Grade I (occasional skip) to Grade IV (permanent dislocation) | ~7–10% screened dogs | OFA patella evaluation |
| Hip dysplasia | Malformation of hip joint causing arthritis; less common in Havanese than large breeds but present | ~4–6% (OFA data) | OFA hip evaluation (PennHIP also accepted) |
| Deafness (congenital) | Unilateral or bilateral; linked to certain coat color patterns (especially extreme white/merle) | ~2–4% | BAER hearing test |
| Heart murmurs / mitral valve disease | Progressive valve degeneration, typically appearing in dogs 8+ years | ~3–5% in older dogs | OFA cardiac exam by veterinary cardiologist |
What to demand from breeders: Ask for OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certificates for hips, patellas, cardiac, and eyes — not just "vet checked." A general wellness exam is not equivalent to breed-specific screening. You can verify any OFA result at ofa.org using the dog's registered name or number.
Additionally, ask whether the breeder tests for the CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) number, which indicates all recommended health tests have been submitted and made public. Always consult your veterinarian about any health concerns you notice in your Havanese, especially early signs of joint issues like reluctance to jump or a skipping gait.
Grooming Requirements: Tools, Frequency, and Costs
The Havanese coat requires consistent maintenance regardless of cut length. Here's what the routine looks like:
- Full-length coat: Brush daily with a slicker brush (Chris Christensen Big G or similar quality) followed by a metal comb to catch tangles near the skin. Expect 15–20 minutes per session.
- Puppy cut (1–2 inches): Brush 2–3 times per week with a slicker brush. Bath every 2–3 weeks.
- Professional grooming: Every 4–6 weeks for bath, blow-out, and trim. Budget $60–$90 per session depending on your area. That's $720–$1,080 annually.
- Ears: Check weekly; Havanese drop ears trap moisture. Clean with a vet-approved ear cleanser (e.g., Epi-Otic Advanced) as needed.
- Tear staining: Common in lighter-colored Havanese. Wipe daily with a damp cloth; consider a tear stain remover like Angels' Eyes if staining persists.
- Nails: Trim every 2–3 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they're too long.
Key tools: Slicker brush, stainless steel greyhound comb, detangling spray (Chris Christensen Ice on Ice or BioSilk), dog-safe shampoo and conditioner, and a high-velocity dryer if you bathe at home.
Training and Intelligence
Havanese rank as above-average in trainability among toy breeds. They're not Border Collie-level problem solvers, but they learn commands quickly, retain them well, and genuinely enjoy training sessions — especially when treats and praise are involved.
Recommended methods: Positive reinforcement exclusively. Clicker training works exceptionally well with Havanese because they're attentive to the marker sound and food-motivated. Force-free, LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) methods produce the best results. Never use shock collars, prong collars, or alpha rolls — Havanese are sensitive dogs and aversive methods will damage your relationship and may trigger fear-based behaviors.
Housebreaking timeline: Havanese are slower to housebreak than larger breeds — their small bladders mean they physically cannot hold it as long. Expect 4–6 months of consistent crate training and scheduled potty breaks (every 1–2 hours for young puppies) before reliable housebreaking. A dog door to a secured potty area can accelerate this process.
Trick aptitude: Havanese excel at trick training, agility (modified for small dogs), and therapy dog work. Their eagerness to please and compact size make them popular in hospitals and nursing homes.
Family Suitability: Kids, Other Pets, and Apartment Living
Children: Havanese are generally excellent with respectful children ages 6 and up. They're sturdy for a toy breed (less fragile than a Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier), but toddlers who grab, squeeze, or drop them can cause injury. Always supervise interactions between any dog and young children.
Other pets: Havanese typically get along well with other dogs and can coexist peacefully with cats, especially if introduced gradually. Their low prey drive makes them safer around small animals than terrier breeds. That said, individual personalities vary — always arrange a meet-and-greet before introducing a new pet.
Apartment living: This is where the Havanese truly shines. Their moderate energy, small size, and relatively quiet nature make them one of the best toy breeds for apartments. They don't need a yard — two daily leash walks and indoor play sessions are sufficient. Just be aware that their velcro attachment means they'll be underfoot in a small space.
Seniors and single owners: Havanese are equally well-suited to quieter households. Their exercise needs are manageable, and their companionship drive means they thrive with someone who's home often.
Cost of Ownership: Puppy Price and Annual Expenses
Understanding the financial commitment is essential before contacting Havanese breeders. Here's a realistic breakdown based on 2025–2026 market data:
| Expense Category | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy from responsible breeder | $2,000–$3,500 | Includes health testing, early socialization, AKC registration; puppies priced below $1,500 often come from breeders who skip health testing |
| First-year veterinary care | $600–$1,000 | Includes DHPP series, rabies vaccine, spay/neuter, fecal exams, heartworm prevention |
| Annual veterinary care (after year 1) | $400–$800 | Wellness exam, vaccines/titers, dental cleaning, parasite prevention |
| Grooming (professional) | $720–$1,080/year | Every 4–6 weeks at $60–$90 per session |
| Food | $300–$500/year | High-quality small-breed kibble or AAFCO-approved diet; Havanese eat ~½ to ¾ cup/day |
| Pet insurance | $300–$600/year | Varies by provider, deductible, and coverage level; recommended given breed-specific health risks |
| Supplies (first year) | $300–$500 | Crate, bed, harness, leash, bowls, grooming tools, toys |
| Total first-year cost | $4,600–$7,980 | Including puppy purchase |
| Annual ongoing cost | $1,720–$2,980 | Excluding emergency vet care |
Over a 14–16 year lifespan, expect total lifetime costs between $25,000 and $50,000+, depending on health issues and whether you carry pet insurance. Emergency veterinary care for conditions like patellar surgery ($1,500–$3,500 per knee) or cataract surgery ($2,500–$4,000 per eye) can significantly increase this figure.
Finding Responsible Havanese Breeders: Red Flags and Green Flags
Not everyone advertising Havanese puppies operates ethically. Here's how to distinguish responsible breeders from backyard breeders and puppy mills:
Green Flags (Signs of a Responsible Breeder)
- Provides OFA health certificates for both parents (hips, patellas, eyes, cardiac, BAER)
- Asks you detailed questions about your lifestyle, experience, and home environment
- Offers a written contract with a health guarantee and a take-back clause (requires you to return the dog to them if you can no longer keep it)
- Raises puppies in their home with early neurological stimulation (ENS) and structured socialization programs like Puppy Culture or Avidog
- Allows you to visit their home and meet the mother dog
- Provides a CHIC number verifiable on the OFA website
- Typically has a waitlist of 3–12 months
Red Flags (Walk Away)
- Multiple litters available simultaneously or year-round
- No health testing documentation beyond "vet checked"
- Unwilling to let you visit where puppies are raised
- Prices significantly below market ($800–$1,200 for a "purebred Havanese")
- Ships puppies without a phone or video conversation first
- Sells puppies before 8 weeks of age
- No contract or take-back clause
Where to start your search: The Havanese Club of America maintains a breeder referral directory. You can also check the AKC Marketplace, but always independently verify health testing — AKC registration alone does not guarantee health or ethical breeding practices. Consider reaching out to Havanese rescue organizations as well; occasionally, adult dogs need rehoming through no fault of their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Havanese right for first-time dog owners?
Yes — the Havanese is one of the most forgiving breeds for first-time owners. Their eagerness to please, manageable size, and adaptable nature make them forgiving of beginner mistakes. The main challenge is housebreaking (plan for 4–6 months of patience) and grooming commitment. If you can budget for professional grooming and commit to consistent positive-reinforcement training, a Havanese is an excellent first dog.
How much exercise does a Havanese need daily?
Plan for 45–75 minutes of combined physical and mental activity per day. This typically breaks down into two 15–20 minute leash walks, plus 2–3 indoor play sessions and a short training or puzzle-toy session. They don't need intense exercise, but they do need consistent daily activity to prevent boredom-driven behaviors.
What health problems is the Havanese prone to?
The most common breed-specific conditions are juvenile cataracts (5–8% prevalence), patellar luxation (7–10%), hip dysplasia (4–6%), congenital deafness (2–4%), and mitral valve disease in older dogs (3–5%). Responsible Havanese breeders screen for all of these through OFA testing. Always consult your veterinarian about a screening schedule appropriate for your dog's age and lineage.
How big does a Havanese get?
Adult Havanese typically weigh 7–13 pounds (3.2–5.9 kg) and stand 8.5–11.5 inches (21.5–29 cm) at the shoulder. Males and females are similar in size. Some individuals may fall slightly outside this range while still being healthy.
Is the Havanese good with children and other pets?
Havanese are generally excellent with children ages 6+ and get along well with other dogs and cats. They're sturdier than many toy breeds, but small children should always be supervised to prevent accidental injury. Their low prey drive makes them safer around small pets compared to terrier breeds.
How much does a Havanese cost to buy and maintain?
Expect to pay $2,000–$3,500 for a puppy from a responsible breeder who health-tests breeding stock. Annual ongoing costs (vet care, grooming, food, insurance) run $1,720–$2,980 per year. Over a 14–16 year lifespan, total lifetime costs typically range from $25,000 to $50,000 or more.
Dr. Hannah Wickes
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
