Havanese
Also known as Bichon Havanais, Havanais
- Height at the withers
- 23 to 27 cm
- Weight
- 3 to 6 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 45 minutes
- Origin
- Cuba
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A sturdy little companion dog with a long, silky double coat and a cheerful temperament. The national dog of Cuba, it is known for its intelligence and for being an ideal companion for city life.
History and origins
Developed from Bichon-type ancestors brought over by Spanish settlers, it became the companion of the Cuban aristocracy. Nearly extinct after the Cuban Revolution, it was saved by Cuban families who fled to the United States.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Cataracts
- Deafness
- Chondrodysplasia
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, silky coat. Almost no shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very open, 5 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Ideal, 5 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very low, 1 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Havanese FAQ
How big does the Havanese get?
The Havanese stands 23 to 27 cm at the withers and weighs 3 to 6 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Havanese shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a lot of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Havanese live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment.
How much exercise does the Havanese need each day?
Allow about 45 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Havanese good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Havanese live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.
