Havanese Dog: Your Complete Guide
Havanese dogs, also called the Havanese silk dog, are known for their long and silky double coats. Named after Havana, the capital city of Cuba, they were once a status symbol among Cuban aristocrats and wealthy farmers. The Havanese dog’s legacy continues, thanks to the wealthy owners who brought their beloved dogs to the U.S. with them during the Cuban Revolution.
The earliest known record of Havanese dogs goes back to the 16th century when they first gained popularity among the Cubans. Their coat was thick but silky, which protected them from the tropical sun.
In this article, we are going to talk about the Havanese dog’s unique traits and cover many other aspects of the breed’s personality, so you can decide if this dog is the right fit for your home.
Quick Look at the Havanese Dog
Below is a quick glance at the Havanese dog in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 8.5 to 11.5 inches, 7 to 13 pounds |
| Coat Type | Long and silky |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Playful, affectionate, and social |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 14-16 years |
What Is the History of Havanese Dogs?
The Havanese is a bichon-type dog breed that is Cuba’s national dog. Their origin is still a topic of debate among Cubans, with some believing they came with Italian sea captains, while others are of the opinion that they were brought by the Spanish during the colonization of the West Indies.
What we know for certain is that these dogs were brought to Cuba from Europe in the 17th century. These dogs are a result of crossbreeding between bichon-type dogs and the Blanquito de la Havana, a breed that is now extinct.
European travelers, fascinated by the beauty of these dogs, brought them back to England, France, and Spain. Their popularity soared in the 1800s when people found out that Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens owned a few
At the time of the Cuban revolution in 1959, the Havanese dog breed was nearly extinct. Only 11 dogs, kept by a few Cuban families, were brought to the United States. Bert and Dorothy Goodale, an American couple, were captivated by the intelligence and loving nature of these dogs, and they made it their mission to reestablish the breed.
Most Havanese dogs outside of Cuba can trace their lineage back to those 11 dogs that were brought to the U.S. by Americans. Unlike many other breeds, Havanese were not bred for working purposes. They were instead considered status symbols and meant to live luxuriously as lap dogs. The Havanese dog was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996.
What Do Havanese Dogs Look Like?
Havanese dogs have round faces with medium muzzles, and they have naturally drooping ears that are covered in long, silky fur. They have dark brown almond-shaped eyes, and their tails are known for having a distinctive sickle shape.
Unlike other dogs with double coats, the Havanese coat is long, soft, and silky, which is cool to the touch. They come in almost 16 different coat colors with eight marking patterns, including black and silver, brown, red brindle, black brindle, and fawn. The marking includes parti-color and others, such as cream marking.
What Size Is a Havanese Dog?
The Havanese is a small dog, and its height at the withers ranges between 8.5 and 11.5 inches. 9 to 10.5 inches is the ideal height. Both males and females weigh between 7 to 13 pounds.
What Is a Havanese Dog’s Coat Type and Length?
A Havanese dog has a double coat that is long and silky, and unlike other types of double coats, their coat is soft rather than overly dense and coarse.
What Is a Havanese Dog’s Temperament?
The Havanese dogs are some of the most friendly and playful dogs out there. They love to socialize and will easily become friends with anyone they meet on their daily walks. They’re affectionate with everyone and love to play.
They love to be petted and will do all sorts of cute stuff to please their owner. If you’re looking for a furry companion to snuggle with on the couch as you watch TV and to keep you entertained while you’re doing chores, then a Havanese dog is the perfect match for you.
These dogs adore physical touch, whether it’s snuggling on your lap or curling up at your feet. They make the perfect foot warmers, always trying to get close to their humans.
Most Havanese dogs are highly intelligent and have incredible mental competency. They will learn tricks quickly and will happily perform them in front of your friends to impress them.
Are Havanese Dogs Good With Kids?
Yes, they love to play with children as they are highly attention and affection-seeking furballs. They’ll guard your baby’s crib when they’re sleeping as they like to care for their families. However, because they are small in size, you have to make sure your kids don’t accidentally hurt them.
You’ll have to teach your children how to properly interact with the dog, and you may also have to supervise their interactions.
The Havanese’s toy-like appearance and size may tempt children to pull their tail or ears, making early socialization of both dog and child very important for their safety.
Are Havanese Dogs Good With Other Animals?
Yes, they love to interact with other dogs as they are playful and friendly. Even with other house pets, such as a cat, they can adapt quickly. Havanese dogs are gentle and affectionate; they become friends with other animals easily and make great family dogs.
However, early socialization of these dogs with other house pets will make sure they always get along. If your neighbors have pets, then we recommend that you introduce your dog to them as early as possible.
Are Havanese Dogs Aggressive?
No, it’s very rare for a Havanese dog to be aggressive, but they can be a bit mischievous. These mischievous tendencies are a result of poor training in the stages of the dog’s life. The dog, if not trained properly, will try to get away with things like biting and nipping at people’s hands.
Havanese dogs require a lot of attention as they have separation anxiety. Lack of attention will bring out the dog’s destructive nature. They are also very sensitive, so always use positive reinforcement to train the dog.
Do Havanese Dogs Bark?
No, they’re not yappy dogs that bark at the sight of anyone or anything. They’re not prone to barking at strangers or other dogs as much as other breeds. That’s why they’re considered one of the best choices for apartment living.
These dogs tend to bark either when they’re experiencing separation anxiety or when they want your attention. Other than that, they are quiet and happy dogs. If they’re not properly socialized when they’re young, then they might become fearful and aggressive, leading to excessive barking.
Are Havanese Dogs Affectionate?
Yes, they are very affectionate and loving dogs that love to seek their owner’s attention for cuddles and snuggles. They’ll be your companion in nearly all your daily activities. For instance, they might join you while you wash dishes, adding their own goofy theatrics. When you’re watching a movie, you’ll find them either curled up in your lap or by your feet.
They make very cute lap dogs as they love to snuggle into your lap. Plus, they’re incredibly social and make friends with almost anyone they meet during walks in the neighborhood.
Are Havanese Dogs Intelligent?
Havanese dogs are extremely intelligent. Their emotional intelligence is also very high, and they can easily read human emotions. For this reason, they are often thought to be excellent therapy dogs. Their intelligence makes them empathetic, but they can also be a bit manipulative.
They may also show stubborn behavior at times, using it to manipulate their owners into doing what they want. However, establishing positive boundaries early on can help minimize this behavior.
Are Havanese Dogs Energetic?
The Havanese dogs have moderate energy levels, so a short play session indoors is usually enough to burn off any excess energy. Even a brisk outdoor walk or a game of fetch each day will provide enough exercise. They’re typically content with moderate mental stimulation.
However, excessive physical activity can lead to panting and falling behind during walks; this is something you have to be careful about.
Are Havanese Dogs Easy to Train?
Havanese dogs are easy to train due to their intelligence and willingness to please their owner. They’re quick learners when it comes to new tricks, and they might even pick up a few on their own to keep you entertained.
However, they are clever enough to use their cuteness to make you tolerate bad behavior. Staying firm in your training and values will help you resist their irresistible cuteness. Early socialization with both humans and animals will also prevent undesirable behavior and lead to a well-behaved Havanese in the future.
Are Havanese Dogs Good Watchdogs?
Yes, Havanese dogs can be good watchdogs irrespective of their toy-like stature. They are immensely loyal, which makes them vocal and fierce watchdogs. When it comes to intruders, they won’t hesitate to bark loudly.
However, they’re not known for being guard dogs because of their small size, which doesn’t give off an intimidating appearance.
Are Havanese Dogs Good Service Dogs?
Yes, they can be excellent service dogs as they’re known for their high emotional intelligence. They love to be close to their owners all the time, they are affectionate, people pleasers, and can easily detect mood changes in their owners. These qualities make them very good therapy dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs) for people facing mental health issues.
They form deep emotional bonds with their owners and will be incredibly supportive and comforting in times of need.
How to Care for a Havanese Dog?
Caring for a Havanese dog isn’t supposed to be a 24-hour job, but some amount of effort is still required. These dogs need regular grooming, including brushing their fur. Yearly visits to the veterinarian for vaccines and check-ups are also important.
Like any other dog, they require basic obedience training and light to moderate daily exercise or playtime. It’s important that you don’t isolate them for long periods as they can develop separation anxiety, which means that they are not meant to be kept in the backyard or elsewhere alone.
Their diet, treats, and exercise regimen should be carefully planned, as this breed is prone to obesity.
Do You Need to Groom a Havanese Dog?
Yes, but it’s relatively easier when compared to other breeds. Many owners prefer to keep their dog’s coats clipped short because it’s easier to maintain. However, if you want to keep their coats at their original length, you will have to brush them daily and bathe them frequently.
Tying up the hair above their eyes can help prevent irritation and give them a cute appearance. Trimming their nails monthly prevents tearing, and brushing their teeth daily or at least three times a week will make sure they stay healthy and clean.
Watery eyes and tear stains are often common among Havanese dogs, so make sure you wipe their eyes daily.
Do Havanese Dogs Shed?
Havanese dogs don’t shed a lot. Plus, they are hypoallergenic, which makes them ideal for people who suffer from mild dog allergies. However, no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic, and it’s recommended that you consult your doctor before adopting a Havanese dog.
What Health Problems Do Havanese Dogs Have?
Havanese dogs are known for being a healthy breed overall. However, these are some health issues that you should check before deciding to purchase or adopt a Havanese dog:
- Chondrodysplasia: it’s a genetic disorder that is common among Havanese dogs. Characterized by poor bone and cartilage development, this disease can lead to mobility problems. There is no permanent treatment available. However, pain relievers and joint supplements may ease the discomfort of the dog. Make sure to ask the breeder for genetic screening testing before you finalize the adoption process.
- Hip Dysplasia and Patellar Luxation: Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that is characterized by deformities in the hip joint. Patellar luxation causes the kneecaps to slip out of place. Symptoms of both diseases are pain, lameness, and arthritis. They can be treated with medications and supplements, while surgery may be required in severe cases.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes: It’s a condition characterized by degeneration of the ball portion of the hip joint, which may cause limping and pain. Perthes disease is a hereditary condition that can be diagnosed through an x-ray. It is treatable with surgery.
How Long Do Havanese Dogs Live?
The average lifespan of Havanese dogs is between 14-16 years. Females tend to live longer than their male counterparts.
What Should a Havanese Dog Eat?
The Havanese dog usually thrives on any high-quality dry dog food. One or half a cup of food, divided into two smaller meals, should be enough for them. However, the exact amount of food that needs to be fed depends on the size and age of the dog.
Meat, bone, offal, and veggies in a small amount are among the necessary minerals and vitamins the dog needs for proper growth and nourishment.
As Havanese dogs are small, their nutrition and diet must be customized after consulting the vet, as even a single extra pound can have detrimental effects on their health.
Is a Havanese Dog the Right Dog for Me?
Havanese dogs are affectionate and playful companions who thrive on attention. They’re social butterflies, getting along well with kids, friends, and other pets, and they’re not the least bit shy. These clever furballs are always aiming to please and make you smile.
The best part is that they’re not known for excessive barking, which makes them perfect for apartment living. However, they do need plenty of attention and your constant presence since they may suffer from separation anxiety if you leave them alone for long periods of time. If you work from home and are able to spend a lot of time with them, then they can be the ideal match for you.