Havanese Temperament: What Owners Need to Know About This Breed
Explore the Havanese temperament in depth — from core personality traits and trainability to family suitability, health risks, and real ownership costs.
If you've spent any time around a Havanese, you already know they have a way of inserting themselves into whatever you're doing — cooking, working from home, or trying to read on the couch. The Havanese temperament is one of the most distinctive among toy breeds: velcro-level attachment, genuine sociability with strangers, and an almost uncanny ability to mirror their owner's mood. But beyond the cheerful exterior, there are real behavioral nuances that prospective owners should understand before committing to this breed.
This guide covers the Havanese temperament in practical, owner-focused detail — including what drives their behavior, how they fit into different household types, and the care requirements that keep them thriving.
Breed Overview: Cuba's National Treasure
The Havanese is Cuba's only native dog breed and its national dog. Originating in the 1800s from Bichon-type dogs brought to Cuba by Spanish colonists, the breed was refined through crossbreeding with European toy breeds including the Poodle and Maltese. By the mid-20th century, the Cuban revolution nearly wiped out the breed entirely — a handful of families fleeing to the United States carried the remaining bloodlines that form the foundation of every Havanese alive today.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Havanese in 1996, and the breed has steadily climbed in popularity since, currently ranking around 25th among AKC-registered breeds.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size Class | Toy / Small |
| Weight Range | 7–13 lb (3.2–5.9 kg) |
| Height Range | 8.5–11.5 inches (21.5–29 cm) at the shoulder |
| Lifespan | 14–16 years (some live to 18) |
| Coat Type | Double coat, long, silky, slightly wavy to curly |
| Energy Level | Low to moderate |
| Grooming Demand | High — daily to every-other-day brushing required |
| Family Fit | Excellent for families, singles, seniors, and apartment dwellers |
The Havanese Temperament: 5 Core Personality Traits
The Havanese temperament isn't a single-note "friendly dog" story. These dogs have layered personalities shaped by centuries of selective breeding as companion animals. Here are the five traits that define the breed in real-world living situations:
1. Extreme Human Attachment ("Velcro Dog" Syndrome)
Havanese don't just like being near you — they need to be in physical contact or line-of-sight at virtually all times. Expect your Havanese to follow you from room to room, press against your leg while you cook, and attempt to burrow under the covers at night. This attachment is breed-defining, not a phase they outgrow. The downside: Havanese are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for more than 4–5 hours regularly. If you work 10-hour days without a dog walker or daycare arrangement, this breed will struggle.
2. Genuine Sociability Without Nervousness
Unlike many toy breeds that are friendly with family but skittish around strangers, a well-socialized Havanese greets newcomers with tail wags and curiosity rather than alarm barking or hiding. They're not guard dogs — they'll announce a visitor with a few barks, then immediately seek belly rubs from the intruder.
3. Playful Without Being Hyperactive
Havanese have bursts of playful energy — they love fetch, tug, and especially learning tricks — but they're not the kind of dog that will bounce off the walls if they miss a walk. A 20-minute play session followed by a nap on the couch is a typical daily rhythm. This makes them unusually adaptable among toy breeds.
4. Emotional Sensitivity
Havanese read their owner's emotional state with remarkable accuracy. Tense arguments, loud voices, or prolonged sadness in the household will visibly affect them — they may become clingy, withdrawn, or develop stress-related behaviors like excessive licking. Homes with frequent conflict or chaotic environments are not ideal for this breed.
5. Stubborn Streak Masked by Intelligence
Don't mistake their eagerness to please for simple obedience. Havanese are intelligent enough to learn complex trick sequences, but they also decide when cooperation is worth their effort. Training sessions that are repetitive or lack positive motivation will result in a Havanese that simply disengages — they'll look away, sniff the ground, or walk off entirely.
Exercise and Activity Needs
The Havanese exercise requirement is lower than most breeds, but "low" doesn't mean "none." A sedentary Havanese is an overweight, anxious, and destructive Havanese.
| Activity Type | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Leash walks | 20–30 minutes | 1–2 times daily |
| Indoor play (fetch, tug) | 10–15 minutes | 2–3 times daily |
| Trick training / puzzle toys | 10–15 minutes | Daily |
| Off-leash yard time (fenced) | 15–20 minutes | As available |
| Dog sports (rally, agility at low height) | 20–30 minutes | 1–2 times weekly |
Total daily exercise target: 30–45 minutes of combined physical and mental activity. Havanese are not built for long-distance running, hiking, or intense outdoor exercise, especially in heat. Their brachycephalic-adjacent muzzle structure (shorter than mesocephalic breeds) means they overheat more easily than longer-nosed dogs. Keep walks to cooler parts of the day in summer, and always carry water.
Training and Intelligence
Havanese rank above average in trainability among toy breeds. According to canine intelligence researcher Stanley Coren's framework, they typically learn new commands within 15–25 repetitions and obey known commands on the first attempt roughly 70% of the time — solidly in the "above average" working intelligence tier.
What makes training a Havanese different from training, say, a Border Collie is their motivation structure. They don't work for work's sake. Effective methods include:
- Positive reinforcement only: Small, high-value treats (pea-sized pieces of freeze-dried chicken or cheese), verbal praise, and play rewards. Never use aversive methods — shock collars, prong collars, or alpha rolls will destroy a Havanese's trust and trigger fear-based shutdown.
- Short sessions: 5–8 minutes maximum. Havanese lose focus quickly in repetitive drills.
- Trick training emphasis: This breed genuinely enjoys learning tricks — spin, wave, play dead, retrieve specific named toys. Trick training satisfies their mental stimulation needs more effectively than basic obedience repetition.
- Early socialization: Between 8 and 16 weeks, expose your Havanese puppy to at least 50 different people, surfaces, sounds, and environments. The AVMA recommends structured socialization during this critical window to prevent fear-based reactivity later in life.
Physical Characteristics and Grooming
The Havanese is a sturdy toy dog — not fragile like some breeds in this size class. They have a slightly rectangular body, dark expressive eyes, and dropped ears that frame the face. Their most defining physical feature is the coat: a long, silky double coat that can be straight, wavy, or curly. All coat colors and patterns are accepted under the AKC breed standard — white, cream, fawn, chocolate, black, silver, parti-color, and combinations.
Many pet owners opt for a "puppy cut" (1–2 inches all over) to reduce grooming demands. If you keep the coat long, expect significant maintenance:
| Grooming Task | Frequency | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Full-body brushing | Daily or every other day (long coat); 2–3× weekly (puppy cut) | Slicker brush (medium), metal comb with wide and fine teeth |
| Face cleaning / tear stain removal | Daily | Soft cloth, canine-safe tear stain remover (e.g., Eye Envy) |
| Bathing | Every 2–3 weeks | Oatmeal-based dog shampoo, conditioner, low-heat dryer |
| Ear cleaning | Weekly | Veterinary ear cleaning solution, cotton balls (never Q-tips) |
| Nail trimming | Every 2–3 weeks | Guillotine or scissor-style small-dog nail clipper, styptic powder |
| Professional grooming | Every 6–8 weeks (long coat); every 8–10 weeks (puppy cut) | Professional groomer — expect $50–$80 per session |
Matting is the number-one grooming risk. Mats form quickly behind the ears, under the front legs, and around the hindquarters. A matted coat pulls on the skin and can cause pain, hot spots, and secondary infection. If you cannot commit to brushing every other day at minimum, keep the coat short.
Common Health Issues in Havanese Dogs
Havanese are generally a healthy toy breed with a long lifespan, but they carry predispositions to several conditions. Responsible breeders test for these through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and Canine Health Information Center (CHIC).
| Condition | Description | Estimated Prevalence | Screening / Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patellar Luxation | Kneecap slips out of position, causing intermittent lameness or a "skipping" gait | ~10–15% of Havanese | OFA patella evaluation; avoid jumping from furniture; maintain lean weight |
| Chondrodystrophy / IVDD | Intervertebral disc disease causing back pain, weakness, or paralysis — Havanese carry the CDDY gene variant | ~5–8% develop clinical signs | DNA test for CDDY/CDDY genotype; use ramps for furniture; harness instead of collar |
| Cataracts | Clouding of the eye lens leading to progressive vision loss, often appearing in middle age | ~5–7% | Annual CERF/OFA ophthalmologist exam; breeding stock should be cleared |
| Heart Murmurs / Mitral Valve Disease | Progressive degeneration of the mitral valve leading to congestive heart failure in senior years | ~8–12% in dogs over 10 years | Annual cardiac auscultation by veterinarian; echocardiogram if murmur detected |
| Deafness (Congenital) | Unilateral or bilateral hearing loss present from birth, more common in predominantly white-coated lines | ~2–4% | BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing for puppies; responsible breeders test litters |
Always consult your veterinarian for breed-specific health screening recommendations. Your vet can advise on an appropriate wellness schedule based on your dog's age, lineage, and individual risk factors.
Family Suitability: Kids, Other Pets, and Apartment Living
Havanese are among the best toy breeds for families with children, provided the children are old enough (typically 6+) to handle a small dog gently. A Havanese will happily engage in gentle play with kids — dress-up, trick training, soft fetch — but toddlers who grab, squeeze, or drop the dog pose a real injury risk. At 7–13 lb, a Havanese can be seriously hurt by rough handling.
With other pets, Havanese are generally excellent. They show low prey drive and typically integrate well with cats, other small dogs, and even larger dogs when introduced properly. Multi-dog households often report that their Havanese acts as a social bridge, helping new dogs settle in.
Apartment living is arguably where the Havanese temperament shines brightest. They don't need a yard, they're relatively quiet (they'll alert-bark at the door but rarely engage in prolonged nuisance barking), and their exercise needs are easily met with neighborhood walks and indoor play. One consideration: if you live above neighbors, be aware that even small dogs create footstep noise on hard floors — area rugs help.
Strengths
- Exceptional companion bond — genuinely attuned to owner's routine and emotions
- Adaptable to apartments, condos, and small homes
- Good with children (6+), cats, and other dogs
- Low exercise requirements compared to most breeds
- Highly trainable with positive methods — excels at tricks and dog sports
- Minimal shedding — often tolerated by people with mild dog allergies
- Long lifespan of 14–16+ years
Challenges
- Severe separation anxiety risk — not suitable for owners away 8+ hours daily
- High grooming demands and cost ($50–$80 per professional session)
- Prone to tear staining requiring daily face cleaning
- Housebreaking can take 4–8 months — slower than many breeds
- Sensitive to household tension and loud environments
- Not suitable for homes with very young toddlers (injury risk)
- IVDD risk requires furniture ramps and harness-only walking
Cost of Ownership
Budget realistically before bringing a Havanese home. The initial purchase is just the beginning — long-term care costs add up over a 14–16 year lifespan.
| Cost Category | Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Puppy from responsible breeder (health-tested parents, AKC registered) | $1,800–$3,500 |
| Adoption from Havanese rescue | $300–$600 |
| First-year veterinary care (vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, wellness exams) | $600–$1,200 |
| Annual veterinary care (adult years) | $400–$800 |
| Annual grooming (6–8 professional sessions) | $300–$640 |
| Annual food cost (high-quality small-breed kibble or balanced fresh diet) | $250–$500 |
| Pet insurance (monthly premium, accident + illness) | $30–$55/month ($360–$660/year) |
| Supplies (crate, harness, ramp, toys, grooming tools — first year) | $200–$400 |
| Estimated first-year total | $3,900–$7,700 |
| Estimated annual cost after first year | $1,300–$2,600 |
Pet insurance is strongly recommended for Havanese. IVDD treatment alone can cost $3,000–$8,000 if surgery is required. Enroll while your dog is young and healthy — pre-existing conditions are excluded by all major insurers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Havanese a good breed for first-time dog owners?
Yes, with one major caveat. The Havanese temperament is forgiving of beginner mistakes in training — they're eager to bond and respond well to gentle, positive methods. However, first-time owners must be prepared for the grooming commitment and the separation anxiety risk. If you're away from home most of the day, a more independent breed like a Shiba Inu or a senior rescue dog may be a better fit.
How much exercise does a Havanese need daily?
Plan for 30–45 minutes of combined activity: one or two 20–30 minute leash walks plus indoor play sessions and mental enrichment (puzzle feeders, trick training). This is significantly less than active breeds like Australian Shepherds (60–90 minutes) but more than ultra-low-energy breeds like Bulldogs.
What health problems is the Havanese prone to?
The five most common breed-specific conditions are patellar luxation (knee), intervertebral disc disease (back), cataracts (eyes), mitral valve disease (heart), and congenital deafness. Responsible breeders screen for all of these. Always ask to see OFA health certificates for both parents before purchasing a puppy.
How big does a Havanese get as an adult?
Adult Havanese typically weigh 7–13 lb (3.2–5.9 kg) and stand 8.5–11.5 inches (21.5–29 cm) at the shoulder. They reach full height by around 10–12 months and fill out to their adult weight by 18 months. There is no recognized "teacup" or "miniature" variety — breeders marketing these terms are often breeding unhealthily small dogs.
Is the Havanese good with children and other pets?
Havanese are excellent with respectful children aged 6 and older, and they integrate well with cats and other dogs. They are not recommended for homes with toddlers under 3 due to the risk of accidental injury to the dog. Always supervise interactions between any dog and young children.
How much does a Havanese cost to buy and maintain?
Expect to pay $1,800–$3,500 for a well-bred puppy from a responsible breeder, or $300–$600 through a Havanese-specific rescue. Annual maintenance costs run $1,300–$2,600 per year, with grooming representing a significant portion. Over a 15-year lifespan, total ownership costs typically range from $22,000 to $42,000.
Do Havanese bark a lot?
Havanese are moderate barkers. They will alert you to doorbells, passersby, and unusual sounds, but they don't typically engage in the persistent, high-pitched barking associated with some toy breeds like Yorkshire Terriers. Training a "quiet" cue from puppyhood is usually effective for managing alert barking.
Can Havanese be left alone during the work day?
Havanese can tolerate being alone for 3–4 hours, but 8+ hours of daily solitude will almost certainly trigger separation anxiety — destructive chewing, excessive barking, house-soiling, and stress behaviors. If you work full-time away from home, arrange a mid-day dog walker, doggy daycare, or consider a more independent breed.
The Havanese temperament makes this breed one of the most rewarding companion dogs available — for the right household. If you're home often, willing to maintain the coat, and looking for a small dog that genuinely wants to be your shadow, the Havanese is hard to beat. If your lifestyle involves long absences, minimal grooming patience, or a chaotic household, another breed may serve you both better. Either way, research thoroughly, meet multiple Havanese in person, and choose a breeder or rescue that prioritizes health and temperament over aesthetics.
Priya Sutaria
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
