Havanese

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Havanese

Havanese Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Havanese Breed Information

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 7-13 lbs

Height: 8-11 inches

Color(s): cream, gold, silver, champagne, tan, blue, black, parti-color and tri-colored

Overview

The Havanese is a small breed that is happy and affectionate. They are true companions who love to be part of the family. They are extremely social and will lavish attention on those who lavish attention on them. Since this breed is odorless and low shedding they are popular choices for allergy sufferers.

Character

The Havanese is a true delight. They are intelligent, curious, and playful. This breed thrives on companionship and adores children. The Havanese are good watch dogs who will alert their family to danger or visitors. They will look to their family for reassurance before welcoming strangers. Once they befriend someone they are friends for life.

Temperament

The Havanese is a highly devoted breed. They are at their best in the family environment and do not like to be left alone for extended periods of time. They get along very well with children and other pets. The Havanese are neither aggressive nor timid, and do not exhibit a possessive nature. They truly have an endearing personality that makes them a lovely house pet.

Care

The Havanese require brushing and combing a minimum of two times per week although the coat may be clipped for easier care. It is important to check the eyes and ears regularly and keep them clean. They are susceptible to genetic eye disease and ear infections. The Havanese need to have their teeth brushed weekly so early tooth loss is prevented.

Coat

The Havanese is a double-coated breed that is low shedding. The hair is soft in texture, very long and in great abundance. The Havanese coat has different types from straight to curly. They come in many colors such as pure white to cream, black, silver, chocolate, or parti-colored. In the adult Havanese the coat reaches a length of 6-8 inches.

Training

The Havanese is always eager to learn. They do well in both agility and obedience. They also love to swim and enjoy many water sports. They take great delight in being the center of attention and with their quick wit are easily trained to perform tricks. Their sweet and loving dispositions make them great therapy dogs. The Havanese, like many toy breeds, may be difficult to housebreak. It is important to train this breed using firm, fair, consistent and loving direction.

Activity

The Havanese has an energetic nature that requires walking, a play session, or a swim. However, they do not require an inordinate amount of exercise. They do well in apartments and also homes with small yards. Since they are adept at learning tricks, they benefit from this activity. The Havanese are moderately active indoors but do need toys and social stimulation so as not to become bored and irritable.

Ask a Question Havanese Questions & Answers

QUESTION: I want 2 buy a havanese ? whts the price range ? plz help. :)

Anonymous - 5/13/2012 3:17:56 AM

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Anywhere from $300 to $1200. Anything outside this range, you should be suspicious. BTW, anything over $800 is way too high.

Anonymous - 5/19/2012 10:39:03 PM

QUESTION: I noticed that my 3 yr old havanese doesn't seem to see properly, please what can I do to this?

Anonymous - 5/3/2012 4:52:28 AM

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You should definitely talk with your vet and have a check up as the havanese breed is prone to eye issues.

Anonymous - 5/14/2012 5:54:43 PM

QUESTION: My Havanese pup is 10 weeks old. We just got him about a week ago. He plays n plays all the time. Poops n potties regularly but this morning I have not seen him go pee pee. He is normally pee peeing on a potty pad. He tends to go on our tile sometimes. We are still potty training him but this morning I have not seen him pee pee. He has his water out but has not drank a lot. Do you think something is wrong. He has also been napping a lot.

Anonymous - 4/29/2012 1:31:05 PM

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QUESTION: My family and I have a big dog and we want to get him a friend. My dog gets along very well with little dogs. Do Havanese get along with big dogs?

Anonymous - 4/25/2012 5:10:43 PM

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My daughter has 3 BIG dogs; two adults and 1 one-year-old like my Havanese. My dog/puppy DEARLY loves to play with all three of the big dogs. They all wear-out before mine. She loves to play with the big dogs. No problem.

Anonymous - 5/10/2012 11:54:33 AM

We just bought a 8 week old Havashire {Havanese/Yorkie}. We also have 9 year old Lab. They get along beautifully! The pup is very playful with the Lab. She will bite on the Lab's trail and jump on her. The Lab does not mind at all.

Anonymous - 5/5/2012 9:20:07 AM

QUESTION: I live with my family and I want to get a Havanese puppy but we already have a small rabbit. What should I do?

Anonymous - 4/15/2012 3:33:05 PM

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QUESTION: Are Havanese good with small children and bigger dogs?

Anonymous - 4/11/2012 4:01:56 PM

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Havanese are great with small children but I'm not sure about big dogs

Anonymous - 4/15/2012 3:25:21 PM

QUESTION: I want a Havanese but i will be gone 8-11 hours monday-friday. Should i get two havanese dogs so they will have company? Thanks ! :)

Anonymous - 4/11/2012 12:52:15 PM

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if you want doudble the work but I'm sure that is the best idea for now

Anonymous - 4/15/2012 3:24:01 PM

you should! but make sure that they are potty trained before you leave them alone :). Also make sure that if you are going to be gone for that long, that you give them some type of exercise when you get home or as they grow older they can became lazy, overweight, and they will grow out of their puppyhood fast and wont want to play as often!

Anonymous - 4/15/2012 1:06:21 PM

QUESTION: I have a 9lb Havanese female, 15 mo. old who aggressively barks at small children while wagging her tail. When she is out for a walk she growls at all strangers. I've used a citronella collar, that doesn't always help. My grandchildren are afraid of her. She generally is the sweetest, most kissing dog I've known. Any suggestions?

Anonymous - 4/8/2012 3:37:48 PM

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QUESTION: I have a 9 year old Yorkie. She is 3 pounds and has every malady a Yorkie could have including chronic kidney disease. I have an opportunity to get a havanese puppy. My Yorkie is very possessive and is queen. Will the havanese pup adapt to a hierarchy?

Anonymous - 3/1/2012 8:32:35 PM

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QUESTION: I have a female Havanese and would like her to have puppies. Living in Dubai, its very difficult to find a male for her. However, I've been told by a few people now that she can mate with a Maltese as that's in the bloodline. Is this true and can the puppies be called Havanese?

Anonymous - 2/22/2012 11:39:38 PM

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No, they will not be able to be called a Havanese. Maltese are related but each is its own breed. In order for the puppies to be called a Havanese they must have parents that are both Havanese. This makes them a pure bred dog. Please make sure that both dogs are from excellent lines if you plan to breed. You must do research and make sure that both dogs are very healthy and will not pass health problems to their offspring.

Anonymous - 2/26/2012 10:31:12 AM

QUESTION: I have 1 white Havanese doggy who's not very nice to males but nice to females, he is starting to mature. I dont know what to make of this, I want him to love me.

Anonymous - 2/12/2012 10:51:48 PM

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QUESTION: I really want a havanese but im allergic to them. I had looked up allergy shots and it seems like they take too long so should I take shot and I want one by march/14/12 please help. amber

Anonymous - 1/4/2012 4:34:50 PM

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Havanese dogs are hypoallergenic! so they dont shed or have dander, so you should not get a reaction! im also allergic to dogs, but i do have a havanese and i have not had one problem! I think you should go ahead and get the dog and dont take the shots untill after you have gotten the dog, if you end up needing them- but you probably wont need them!- i hope you wont!

Anonymous - 4/15/2012 1:15:40 PM

QUESTION: In Cuba what were Havanese dogs bred for example : hunting, swimming, or anything else that you might have in mind.

Anonymous - 12/23/2011 4:49:08 PM

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Havanese are infact used as chicken herds. They are also a common circus dog.

Anonymous - 3/4/2012 10:49:30 PM

From all the literature I have read and researched, I believe that Havanese were bred simply as companions and to give as gifts. That is why the were considered a dog of the aristocrats. That is also why many of them were killed after the Cuban Revolution when Castro seized power. To truly find out what this breed's "job" was you would probably have to research its origin breeds. A good starting point would be Bichon. My dog seems to love to hunt moles. He has an excellent sense of smell and will track them from hill to hill and when he hears one, he will start to dig feverishly. I have seen him catch one digging out of a mole hill. My dog approached quickly, stopped and stayed motionless for a couple of minutes and when the mole surfaced, he pounced and grabbed the mole. He shook it violently and released. Sorry if the detail is too gory, but hope this helps.

Anonymous - 1/10/2012 3:24:58 PM

I have read that Havanese were used for gathering, "herding" the chickens .

Anonymous - 12/28/2011 11:13:35 AM

QUESTION: I rescued a little dog last year, was told he was a puppy mill puppy, a designer dog that didn't get sold..He is adorable. I have figured he was part Shih Tzu, and now that I have come across the Havanese breed, I am wondering if that is what he is..Is there any way I can send a picture..He has curly hair, that gets matted if not brushed frequently, and has a long curly tail? He is black and white. Thanks, Josie

Anonymous - 12/22/2011 9:11:32 PM

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Havanese do have a striking resembelance to Shih Tzu in coat, tail and build but the telling is in the face (especially the nose and jaw)

Anonymous - 3/4/2012 10:53:25 PM

Josie, The nose is a big difference in the Havanese and ShihTzu. Havanese have longer noses, not the pug-type short nose of the Shih tzu. Havanese are also typically submissive, and Shih's are not. Several poodle crosses also look similar to Havanese. It will probably be difficult to tell definitively, but I am glad you have the little guy and hope he is a great friend for you.

Anonymous - 2/4/2012 7:41:18 PM

QUESTION: i am going to get a havanese soon but i dont know about how long they can be home alone that could set the whole thing off - how long can i leave a havanese alone at home

Anonymous - 12/20/2011 9:50:01 PM

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It all depends on their raising. My havanese stay in the kitchen by themselves while I am at work. I work 11 hour shifts. They have a doggie door available, each other, food and water. There are some that come from situations that will have great seperation anxiety and can't be left without having destruction constantly. but they can get used to a routine.

afaust1 - 1/2/2012 1:15:06 PM

QUESTION: We were told our 7 month old puppy was a Shih Tzu but the groomer said he is Havanese which by all accounts he does seem to be but at 7 months he weighs 17 lbs and is larger than any of his siblings. Is this normal for him to be larger?

Anonymous - 12/17/2011 10:28:25 AM

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We bought 2 havanese from a reputable breeder in New York. One is a male and his sister. The female is 13 pounds and her brother is 24 pounds! Both are from the same parents which I am certain of. Sometimes the male especially can grow much larger. It's not all that common but it does happen.

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 9:27:16 AM

Not true! We have 2 Havanese...both from the same local breeder and are brother and sister. She is a little female weighing only 13 pounds and he is a big male weighing in at 23 pounds! He is the picture perfect Havanese, but is a big boy for the breed! Your dog is not a mix! Sometimes they can grow larger than normal! My male has been larger since day one and we've had him since he was 9 weeks old!

Anonymous - 12/24/2011 8:44:40 AM

17 lbs is a very large havanese. It has to be a mix. As far as the confusion of the breeds, a Shih is easy to identify by the pug nose and the buggy eyes. The havanese will have a longer nose and large almond shaped eyes. 17 lbs for either breed is way outside of standard.

grandhavanese - 12/20/2011 10:05:20 PM

QUESTION: My female Havanese ( will be one in February) has started scratching on walls, whining, and sometimes putting herself in the corner. I really don't know what to make of this, I'm home a lot with her, and she has dog companions. She is very well adjusted or at least I thought. Any ideas on why she may be doing this? Thanks

Anonymous - 12/9/2011 10:17:44 AM

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PLEASE check her anal glands to see if they are impacted or full. If your dogs stool is generally soft the glands will not empty on their own. Our havanese displayed the same symptoms when his glands were full. It can be painful to them and they get a bit skittish from this as well. Have your vet check the dog for any other problems as well such as ear infections

Anonymous - 5/22/2012 9:30:33 AM

havanese love company. i think you should buy her a friend she will love it.

Anonymous - 1/3/2012 8:32:57 PM

Havanese are very loyal and need attention from a single owner. If you lavish praise on your other dogs make sure your Havanese gets extra praise. In addition, DO NOT YELL or scold your Havanese! They take every bad word to heart!

Anonymous - 12/24/2011 8:50:39 AM

QUESTION: When is a Havanese considered an adult?

Anonymous - 12/3/2011 6:22:58 PM

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1 year

grandhavanese - 12/20/2011 10:10:45 PM

QUESTION: My havanese max is making weird noises like he is gonna puke but he never does or like he is having breathing problems or he needs to clear his throat. I dont know what to do. I cant get any advice from the vet - what should I do?

Anonymous - 11/25/2011 6:15:48 PM

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My female Havanese does that too! Sounds like she is puking but nothing comes out.

Anonymous - 5/3/2012 12:23:56 PM

My havanese Kassy almost 5 years old shes does that too can't catch her breath it could be too excited when she sees you when your gone for a long time when my dog does that i rub her throat and she stops doing that - i calm her down.

Anonymous - 2/21/2012 8:55:24 AM

My vet said that it's also like them trying to clear their throat. I have one little havanese girl who has teary eyes occassionally, that is when she does it the most, it's when she has a runny. What she is doing is trying to clear her throat due to the drainage, but nothing to worry about. She is also my dog that has allergies.

afaust1 - 1/2/2012 1:18:34 PM

Those sounds are called reverse hiccuping! When your dog does this, gently put him/her on your lap and you'll feel a small hiccup as he's doing it! My little girl Havanese does this once in awhile! Ask your breeder or vet!

Anonymous - 12/24/2011 8:47:03 AM

QUESTION: my havanese max started making these weird noises somtimes it will sound like he is having troble breathing then it sounds like he is going to puke but he never does then it sounds like he needs to clear hes throat and i cant get any advice from the vet

Anonymous - 11/24/2011 11:45:40 PM

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How old is your havanese? It sounds like his trachea may be partially collapsing and then he is coughing and gagging to try and get it back to normal. This is common with some smaller breeds and can be very disconcerting. If you can't get advice or help from your vet it may be time to get a new vet. Make sure you take copies of all your records from the old vet if you can though.

Anonymous - 4/22/2012 11:07:33 PM

QUESTION: I have a white male Havanese. He is sweet but very moody. He is very loving to family, but a great watch dog. He is really smart and has beautiful fine silky hair. He is very muscular and he weighs 19lbs. He was purchased from a quality breeder. We have papers and appropriate certifications. Love him but.... I am confused about his size. Anyone heard of Monster Havanese Dogs

Anonymous - 11/13/2011 4:01:03 PM

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Yes, there are such things. As a havanese breeder, when breeding, we want to create one within the breed standards, but sometimes that is not going to happen. Things we think about are, if you breed with large to a large, you get larger. How do you think there are 3 schnauzer sizes? They all came from the original Schnauzer bloodline, just bred bigger and bigger. There are miniature, standard, and giant. It doesn't mean that they don't need love too, but as a breeder, that is why we place them in "Pet" families, not to breed with. A puppy mill will not consider this, they breed whatever they can get their hands on, and to whatever dogs. So Yes, there are monster size havanese out there.

afaust1 - 1/2/2012 1:22:50 PM

My male is a whopping 23 pounds and is a picture perfect Havanese! Some are just big and very strong like mine.

Anonymous - 12/24/2011 8:48:41 AM

That is very large for a Havanese. 8-13 lbs is the normal size but they can be larger. How tall is he at the shoulder?

grandhavanese - 12/20/2011 10:15:20 PM

My Chocolate & White Havanese (Harrison) is expected to be around 25lbs. He is 5 months & already weighs 15lbs so he might end up bigger than expected. I have read of many over 20lbs so I believe it is not that uncommon. I got Harrison from a quailty breeder also.

Anonymous - 11/15/2011 1:14:40 PM

QUESTION: Where are Havanese from?

Anonymous - 10/25/2011 12:13:02 PM

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They are the National Dog of Cuba. Specifically,Havana..... Henceforth the name. Havan...ese.

afaust1 - 1/2/2012 1:24:16 PM

The Havanese do not come from Puerto Rico. They are from Cuba. Their namesake is Havana.

txtailwag - 10/25/2011 1:47:14 PM

The Havenese comes from Puerto Rico!

Anonymous - 10/25/2011 1:02:36 PM

QUESTION: My Havenese is 17 months old. How many times a day should she eat? Recently, she has begun eating only once a day. Should I be concerned?

Anonymous - 10/24/2011 9:10:46 PM

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Once daily is fine for an adult Havanese. I would suggest monitoring the weight and speaking with your vet if it becomes an issue.

txtailwag - 10/25/2011 1:47:55 PM

QUESTION: I have a deposit on a Havanese puppy and recently found out that both parents have a common mother. What should I do? The deposit is non refundable. Will the puppy be affected by having common mothers?

Anonymous - 10/10/2011 11:52:38 AM

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That is called line-breeding. When there are common ancesters. Many of times, you can get some very nice puppies. It is not recommended that this be done over and over because you increase your risk of duplicating a non-desired trait. It is not detramental to the puppy. You would have to look at the puppy to evaluate for those types of situations.

afaust1 - 1/2/2012 1:26:38 PM

This is a common practice with a lot of breeders. Talk to your vet and get his advise.

Anonymous - 10/26/2011 1:23:04 PM

QUESTION: How can tell if our rescue is a Havanese? He is about 2 years old, long hair coat, very soft, white with apricot, weighs ~12 lbs(too big for a Maltese), 22 inch body w/8 inch tail. Loves to chew his toys, fetch, plays keepaway and runs like superdog. Lays down with his hind legs splayed out and his belly on the floor. Hides under tables. Buries his toys if he can get them outside. Socializes well w/other dogs. Loves people.

Anonymous - 10/4/2011 2:42:23 AM

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sounds like our 15 lb havanese

Anonymous - 1/18/2012 5:34:52 PM

QUESTION: I like coton de tulears, but I also like havanese - which makes a better pet?

Anonymous - 9/28/2011 6:40:51 PM

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The Havanese tend to be a MUCH better pet. They come in beautiful colours and need little food,and connect to the whole family! Hope I helped!

Anonymous - 11/4/2011 11:25:12 AM

Hello! I have owned both Havanese and Coton De Tulears. I prefer the Havanese breed as they come in so many beautiful colors! I also have found my Havanese to be easier to housebreak. Best Wishes!

lttlmelissa - 10/7/2011 12:02:50 PM

QUESTION: I've had 2 dogs so far and we had to give them both up. One was a cute little Havanese puppy and the other one was a big French Lab pup. I've had 2 different types of dogs that I had to give up. Am I not good with dogs or something? What breed would you suggest for me?

Anonymous - 9/24/2011 4:06:54 AM

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I would suggest that you Do Not get ANY DOG. They are a huge commitment you are not able to make. They are not toys, try a cat they require less attention, or maybe a bird

Anonymous - 3/16/2012 10:33:09 PM

I suggest not to adopt another one as giving up pets after adopting them is a bad bad bad thing. I strongly believe you are not a pet person and no need another pet dumped in this world...

Anonymous - 10/10/2011 5:02:16 AM

QUESTION: I am about to acquire my first Havanese. The more I read, the more it seems that this breed NEEDS the companionship of other dogs, not just the owner. Is this true--can the 6 y.o. retired havanese be happy in a home w/no other pets? We are a active but retired couple...but can only have /handle one dog, for sure.... Barb.

aggie103 - 9/21/2011 7:10:09 AM

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A Havanese does not require other animals but it does require companionship from somewhere. Some owners do not have time to commit to this relationship and thus substitute other animals.

txtailwag - 10/25/2011 1:49:14 PM

QUESTION: how many teeth does a havanese puppy lose?

Anonymous - 8/5/2011 11:09:09 AM

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Our havanese puppy lost all her front teeth between 3-4 months of age. Now she's losing her incisors...

Anonymous - 4/28/2012 12:47:48 AM

Typically havanese will lose only their 4 baby incisors at 4 - 6 months old.

Anonymous - 10/4/2011 2:47:56 AM

QUESTION: We've had our Havanese for about a month and a half now, she's about 3 or 4 yrs old. We are concerned about her breathing. Usually at night she seems like she is having trouble breathing. She gets really still and it's almost like she stops breathing. She makes squeaking/snoring noises too. Tonight I brought her in from a walk today and she looked at if she got really weak and almost fell over. Scared us to death. She slept a while and hours later she was her perky playful self again. I know she was just under stress over 4th of July fireworks and am curious what others think. I've also heard that it's just this breed's anatomy for breathing issues when they are really okay??? Like to know what you think please?

Anonymous - 7/13/2011 2:58:39 AM

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take her to the vet

Anonymous - 8/20/2011 1:43:56 PM

To be on the safe side, you should take your Havanese to the vet. She could be just fine but it could be something else like pneumonia

Anonymous - 8/8/2011 12:57:30 PM

If you are looking for Havanese puppies for sale from reputable Havanese breeders or to adopt a Havanese from a Havanese rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Havanese puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Havanese puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.