General Information

Dog NameHavanese
Other NamesHavanezer
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupToy
Breed ForCompanionanion
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginCuba

Physical And Size

SizeSmall
Min Life Span12
Max Life Span16
Min Ideal Weight for male3
Max Ideal Weight for male5
Min Ideal Weight for female3
Max Ideal Weight for male5

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentLively, Bright, Outgoing
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyHigh
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyHigh
Dog FriendlyHigh
Office FriendlyHigh
Apartment FriendlyHigh
Senior Citizens FriendlyHigh
Service DogHigh
Search and Rescue DogHigh
Biting PotentialLow
Country of OriginCuba, Mediterranean region
Nicknames and Other NamesHavanezer, Havanese,
Bichon Havanes,
Bichon Habanero,
Havanese Cuban Bichon
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupToy Group, Companion Group
Bred Forcompanion dog
SizeSmall-sized
Recognized ByFCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC, CKC, KC
Life Span14-16 years
Ideal Weight7-13 pounds (male and female)
Ideal Height8.5-11.5 inches (male and female)
Fur TypeDouble coat, soft, silky, flowing and
slightly wavy or straight
Common ColorsBlack, Chocolate, Cream, Gold,
Black and Silver, Black Brindle,
Gold Brindle, Gold Sable, Red, Silver,
Red Brindle, Silver Brindle, White
MarkingsParti-color, Irish Pied, Cream markings,
Silver Points, White markings, Tan Points
AvailabilityWidely available
AchievementsNational Dog of Cuba
Suitable for ApartmentsVery Suitable
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToLhasa Apso

Cuba’s national dog, Havanese are very beautiful breed with long and smooth coats. They are affectionate with everyone and will melt your heart with their amazing eyes and loving personality.

If you want a dog who is small yet sturdy then Havanese maybe the right breed for you. Havanese are known to be the sturdiest among the toy breed and are recommended even for novice owners.

Origin And History

Havanese are originally from Cuba brought by the Spanish settlers probably in the 18th century. The Havanese is the member of the Bichon family which includes Coton de Tulear, Bolognese, Maltese, and Bichon Frise.

After the 1958 Cuban revolution, the breed was almost extinct, saved by Cuban refugees who moved to the U.S. carrying their dogs. In 1979, the Havanese Club of America was formed and was registered to American Kennel Club’s Toy Group in 1999. Since then, the breed has become immensely famous among people and holds 31st position among the registered breeds.

Behavior Around Children

Havanese are excellent family dogs making a strong relationship with the kids of all ages. You might be thinking that the Havanese are couch potatoes, rather they are extremely energetic when left outdoors. They love playing the whole day with their playmate and learning new tricks.

Watch This Cute baby Havanese Playing.

Your Havanese will follow your child wherever around every where as they love staying under the supervision of them. They even love listening to stories told by your children. Because they are so small, you should teach your kid how to treat a dog or else, they might get accidentally hurt while playing.

Behavior, Temperament And Personality

Havanese are spunky little dogs, who are happiest when they are among their loved ones. They are affectionate and will follow you around the house. They were bred for be a family companion and knows how to make his loved ones happy whether by being mischievous or naughty.

Photo Credit- Instagram @havaneseoftheworld

Havanese are small but their barks sound la large dog’s barking. The Havanese are alert but are poor guard dogs. They will welcome your guests wagging their tail as if they’ve known the person for ages.

The Havanese toy breed has a cheerful and loving temperament. Wonderfully happy breed, watching them playing means giggling continuously. They are something to watch when they do things on their own. You won’t have a bad day when you’ve got a Havanese in your house.

Training Your Havanese

Training can be easy as Havanese are highly trainable. They will do anything to get attention and are often found performing in the circus. Training followed by treats, will be more fun for them and will thrive on it.

Havanese Dog Playing Ball.
Playing Time. Image Source- Wag!

Havanese are highly intelligent and smart which makes them a quick learner. However, early socialization is important as they can sometimes be overprotective and wary of strangers. Introducing them to a lot of new peoples and animals can save a lot of eardrums from Havanese bark.

Health Issues

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesCataracts, Mitral Valve Disease,
Patellar Luxation, Heart Murmurs,
Hip Dysplasia, Deafness, Legg-Perthes Disease,
Chondrodysplasia
HypoallergenicYes
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Distemper, Canine Parvovirus,
Canine Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis,
Kennel Cough, Canine Coronavirus
SheddingNone to Minimal
DroolingLow Drooler
GroomingAverage Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage to High
Separation AnxietyHigh Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 23%
Fat: 8%
Glucosamine
Omega-3 and 6 Fatty Acid
Antioxidants

Deafness

Deafness is often a congenital condition in Havanese.

Patellar Luxation

This is a condition which can lead to loose lameness and knee arthritis.

Hypothyroidism

The Havanese has a rate of underactive thyroid glands and may require treatments throughout the dog’s life.

Fun Facts

  • The favorite toy of Havanese is paper. Throw him a toilet paper and you see how they enjoy. But not you definitely!
  • Havanese love sitting on the top of the couch and seats to watch the world pass by.
  • Havanese breed were crossed between poodles and the extinct breed Blanquito de la Habana.

Color Patterns

Havanese are found in six colors.

  • White
  • Fawn
  • Black
  • Tobacco
  • Havana Brown
  • Mahogany

Puppies

The Havana gives birth to an average 4-9 puppies at a time. The cost of the pure breed of Havana is $1,500.

Height And Size

The Havanese stands up to 8.5-11.5 inches weighing up to 7-13 pounds.

Breeds Similar To Havanese

As with any breed, make sure you research a lot and everything about them. However, the behavior and health issues depend on their raising. Make sure you take care of your Havanese like your own child.

Visit Doglime For more Dog Breed Information.

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