Havanese
A cheerful, affectionate, and playful breed with a silky, flowing coat. Thrives as a loving companion and brings joy with a gentle, outgoing personality.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
23–27 cm (male)
21–24 cm (female)
WEIGHT
4.5–7.3 kg (male)
3.6–6.8 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
14–16 years
Havanese: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Havanese isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Havanese's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Havanese is an affectionate, sociable breed known for its gentle demeanor and strong attachment to family. They typically get along well with children and other pets.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate with people and other animals
Learns commands and routines quickly
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to new environments and changes
Strengths
- Affectionate with family and children
- Adapts well to apartment living
- Generally sociable with other dogs
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat
Challenges
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Requires frequent grooming and coat care
- Can be shy around unfamiliar people
- Sensitive to harsh training methods
- May develop nuisance barking if bored
Protect your Havanese
Havanese can develop cataracts and patellar luxation. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Havaneses are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
Havanese are intelligent, eager to please, and generally respond well to positive reinforcement training. They learn commands quickly and can excel in obedience and canine sports.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–60 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has moderate energy levels and benefits from daily walks and play sessions. Mental stimulation through interactive games or training helps keep them content and prevent boredom.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Havaneses are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Havanese would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Easygoing nature and adaptability make Havanese manageable for new dog owners
Apartment Living
Small size and moderate energy suit apartments with limited space
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys play but may tire quickly during intense activities
Kids
Affectionate and gentle, making them safe playmates for young children
Multiple Pets
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and can develop separation issues
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Havaneses compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Havanese
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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