Havanese

The Havanese is a sturdy, deeply affectionate companion dog that thrives in the center of family life—and living well with one is mostly about managing their intense need for company and their demanding grooming routine. This guide covers daily life: the patience needed for house-training, their adaptable approach to walks, and the temperament you can expect.

Toy size3–6 kgmale3–6 kgfemale14–16 yrs lifespan

Coloured-pencil illustration of a Havanese

Daily-care planners

House-training

Challenging to house-train

Like many toy breeds, their small bladder means frequent trips. They are velcro dogs and may refuse to go outside if it's raining or if you don't go out with them.

Typically 6–9 months

Open the potty planner

Walks

Moderate exercise needs

Adaptable and happy to stroll through the neighborhood. They enjoy daily walks but don't require intense exercise. Their long coat can collect debris and snow.

Plan walks

Temperament

This is a sturdy, joyful toy breed that bonds intensely with its people and simply wants to be wherever you are.

They are highly adaptable to apartment living as long as their moderate needs for daily walks and mental stimulation are met. Because they are moderately tolerant of heat, indoor play and training are good ways to keep them engaged on warmer days.

They are eager to please and generally wonderful with children, making them a great fit for attentive first-time owners and families alike. However, they are classic velcro dogs with a high risk of separation anxiety, so they thrive best in households where someone is usually home to guide them and keep them company.

With a low prey drive and a naturally social disposition toward other dogs, they generally integrate very well into multi-pet households when introduced patiently.

Originally developed in Cuba as a companion dog, they possess a long, silky coat that requires dedicated daily brushing. In modern homes, this heavy coat can act as a magnet for outdoor debris, so owners should be prepared for regular grooming sessions after neighborhood strolls.