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🐾 Small · Cuba

Havanese: Size, Weight & Temperament

A friendly, affectionate bichon-type breed with a long, silky coat that bonds closely with its people and rarely shows aggression or anxiety.

✓ Beginner-friendly
Havanese dog breed portrait
Photo: Szabozs · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Weight male3–6 kg
Weight female3–6 kg
Shoulder height23–27 cm
Size classSmall (under 12 kg)
Fully grownat approx. 12 months
Life expectancy14–16 years
Activity levelModerate
OriginCuba
ClassificationFCI Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs)

Havanese: temperament & character

The Havanese is playful, people-oriented, and eager to learn, while seldom aggressive or fearful. It generally gets along well with children and other pets.

How much exercise does a Havanese need?

One to two walks plus short training sessions cover its exercise needs adequately. The Havanese is versatile and also suits low-level dog sports such as agility.

Havanese: grooming & shedding

The long coat mats quickly and needs thorough brushing several times a week, which leads many owners to keep it trimmed short. Eye and ear checks are part of routine grooming.

Is the Havanese suitable for beginners?

The Havanese is considered a true beginner's dog, being adaptable, trainable, and not at all domineering. Coat care should not be underestimated, however.

Havanese health problems

Reported conditions include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, and heart valve disease such as mitral valve endocardiosis. Regular eye and heart checks are recommended.

Is a Havanese right for you?

With childrenYes
SheddingLittle
Grooming effortHigh
BarkingModerate
Home alonePoor
Other petsGood
TrainabilityEasy

The Havanese sheds little and is therefore considered comparatively well tolerated by allergy sufferers. No breed is truly hypoallergenic, though: the allergy is triggered by the protein Can f 1 in saliva and dander, not by the hair itself.

Good with: Families, seniors, apartment living

Is your Havanese at a healthy weight? Calculate the ideal weight and the right portion size for free in the Souldog app.

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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.