Dog breed · Toy
Havanese
Playful, affectionate, sociable
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 3–6 kg (7–13 lb)
- Height
- 22–29 cm (9–11 in)
- Life span
- 14–16 years
- Origin
- Cuba
By Maya HartThe coat
Long
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Havaneses right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Quick to learn
- Copes well in a flat
- Sheds little
Be ready for
- Coat needs regular grooming
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Havaneses weigh 3–6 kg (7–13 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Havanese
Cuba’s national dog, the Havanese is a cheerful, gentle companion that loves people of all ages and usually gets along with other pets. They are clever and learn tricks quickly, which made them popular as circus performers.
The soft, low-shedding coat needs regular brushing or a practical short trim. Havanese are true companion dogs: they want to be with their people and can become distressed if left alone for long hours, so they suit homes where someone is around for much of the day.
Health to know about
- Luxating patella
- Cataracts and other eye conditions
- Deafness
- Chondrodysplasia (shortened legs)
- Liver shunt
Care in short
- Brush several times a week, or keep a short trim
- Clean around the eyes
- Short walks and play
- Avoid long periods alone
Kit for a Havanese
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Best everyday brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush
4.6Fine bent wires lift loose undercoat; a button pushes the hair off.
- Quick to clean
- Suits most medium and long coats
Best for long coats
Pin brush and comb set
4.5Pins get through a thick coat; the comb finds the knots it missed.
- Gentle rounded pins
- Comb has two tooth widths
Best for walks
Padded no-pull harness
4.5Front clip discourages pulling without pressure on the throat.
- Four adjustment points
- Reflective trim
Similar breeds
| Trait | Havanese | Bichon FriseCompare |  Miniature SchnauzerCompare |
 Shih TzuCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) | 5–8 kg (11–18 lb) | 5–9 kg (11–20 lb) | 4–7.5 kg (9–17 lb) |
| Energy | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Good with children | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Shedding | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Grooming needs | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Havanese get?
Adults usually weigh 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) and stand 22–29 cm (9–11 in) tall.
How long do Havaneses live?
Typically 14–16 years.
Are Havaneses good with children?
Known for being excellent (5 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Havaneses shed?
Very little.
What health problems are Havaneses prone to?
Luxating patella; Cataracts and other eye conditions; Deafness; Chondrodysplasia (shortened legs); Liver shunt.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts