Havanese

The Havanese: Cuba's Cheerful Companion

The Havanese is a small, sturdy companion dog and the only breed native to Cuba, where it earned its place as a beloved lapdog of families and nobility alike. Friendly, playful and bright, with a flowing silky coat and an irrepressibly sweet disposition, it lives to be by its owner's side. Havanese stand 22 to 29 cm tall, weigh just 3 to 6 kg and enjoy a long lifespan of around 14 to 16 years.

From Havana to the World

The breed descends from small Tenerife companion dogs brought to Cuba by Spanish settlers in the early 1500s. By the 18th century the little dogs charmed visiting European nobility and became fashionable across Spanish, French and British high society. When many Cubans fled the revolution to the United States, a handful brought their Havanese along, and just eleven of these dogs became the foundation of the breed worldwide today.

Temperament

The Havanese is intelligent, outgoing, funny and affectionate. Happy, social and accommodating, it bonds intensely with its people and is at its best when given plenty of companionship. It is also clever and trainable, shining in trick training and even therapy work. Because it craves company, it can bark excessively or fret if left alone too long or not properly trained, so it suits homes where someone is usually around.

Exercise

This is a low-demand breed in terms of activity: around thirty minutes of total daily exercise, split between short walks and indoor play, keeps a Havanese fit and content. Its small size and adaptable nature make it a natural apartment dog.

Grooming

The long, silky double coat is the Havanese's main commitment:

• Brush at least four days a week, ideally daily, to prevent tangles and mats
• Bathe in moderation, no more than about twice a month, to preserve the coat's protective oils
• Many owners opt for a shorter pet trim to simplify upkeep

Health Considerations

Generally a healthy, long-lived breed, the Havanese can be prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patellar luxation and dental disease, which is especially common in small breeds, so regular dental care and veterinary checks are important.

Who It Suits

The Havanese suits families, seniors and apartment dwellers who want a small, joyful, devoted companion and can offer the company it craves and the grooming its coat needs. In return it gives endlessly cheerful, loving companionship.