The Havanese is Cuba's only native dog breed and โ quietly, without the marketing budgets or social media campaigns of flashier breeds โ it has become one of the best urban companion dogs in the world. The Havanese combines the affectionate loyalty of a toy breed with the sturdiness and trainability of a larger dog, wrapped in a non-shedding coat that adapts to virtually any climate. It is, in many ways, the answer to the question: "What dog works best for modern city living?"
History
The Havanese descends from the Bichon family of breeds, brought to Cuba by Spanish colonists in the 1600s. The breed developed in Havana's aristocratic households, adapting to the Cuban climate with a silky, lightweight coat that insulates against heat rather than cold. When the Cuban Revolution displaced many families in 1959, some brought their Havanese to the United States. The entire American Havanese population descends from approximately 11 dogs โ a genetic bottleneck that responsible breeders actively manage.
Temperament: The Velcro Dog With a Sense of Humor
- "Velcro" attachment: Havanese are the original velcro dogs. They follow their person from room to room, sit at their feet, and want to be involved in every activity. This is not a dog that tolerates being left alone well.
- Clownish: Havanese have a genuine sense of humor. They learn which behaviors make their owners laugh and repeat them. They play to an audience and clearly enjoy getting a reaction.
- Trainable: Among the most trainable toy breeds. Food-motivated, eager to please, and quick to learn. Excellent in obedience, agility, and trick training.
- Social: Friendly with everyone โ strangers, children, other dogs, cats. Lacks the suspicion of many toy breeds.
- Quiet: Less barky than most toy breeds. They alert but are not nuisance barkers.
- Sturdy: At 7-13 pounds, Havanese are sturdier than most toy breeds. They can handle gentle play with children and aren't as fragile as Chihuahuas or Yorkies.
Coat Options
The Havanese coat is unique โ silky, lightweight, and designed for tropical heat rather than cold. It provides more grooming flexibility than most long-coated breeds:
| Style | Maintenance | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Full coat | Daily brushing, bathing every 1-2 weeks | Flowing, elegant, show-ready |
| Puppy cut | Brushing 2-3x weekly, groomer every 6-8 weeks | Short, easy, practical |
| Corded coat | Cord separation and maintenance | Dreadlocked appearance โ unique to Havanese |
The corded option is unique among toy breeds and recalls the breed's Bichon heritage. Corded Havanese look like tiny mops and attract attention everywhere.
Health
Havanese are generally healthy dogs with a moderate health profile:
- Luxating patella: Most common orthopedic issue. OFA screening for breeding dogs.
- Chondrodysplasia: Abnormal cartilage development. Genetic test available.
- Legg-Calvรฉ-Perthes: Deterioration of the femoral head. More common in small breeds.
- Deafness: Congenital deafness occurs in the breed. BAER testing for breeding dogs.
- Eye conditions: Cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy. Annual CERF exams recommended.
- Heart murmurs: Mitral valve disease occurs at moderate rates. Annual cardiac auscultation.
- Liver shunt: Occurs at slightly elevated rates. Bile acid test screening.
- Dental disease: Small breed predisposition. Daily brushing recommended.
- Lifespan: 14-16 years โ among the longest-lived breeds.
Exercise & Training
- Exercise: 30-60 minutes daily. Walks, play, agility. Havanese have more energy than most toy breeds and enjoy active engagement.
- Training: Positive reinforcement with treats and praise. Quick learners who enjoy the process.
- Socialization: Generally easy โ Havanese are naturally social. Early exposure reinforces their friendly disposition.
- House training: Moderate difficulty. Consistent schedule with positive reinforcement. Paper training or pee pads work well as supplements for apartment dwellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Havanese hypoallergenic?
Among the best breeds for allergy sufferers. Low-shedding coat, less dander production. Many allergy sufferers tolerate Havanese well. Spend time with the breed before committing.
Are they good apartment dogs?
Excellent โ arguably the best toy breed for apartment living. Moderate exercise needs, relatively quiet, adaptable size, and people-oriented temperament. The Havanese was born for city life.
Havanese vs. Bichon Frise?
Both are excellent companion breeds from the same family. Havanese have a silkier coat with more grooming options (including corded), are slightly more trainable, and tend to be calmer. Bichons have a curlier, more powder-puff coat, are slightly more energetic, and may be marginally more independent. Both are outstanding choices for companion-focused owners.
