Temperament
The national dog of Cuba, the Havanese is sociable, playful and affectionate. They get along with kids, strangers and other pets. They're "velcro dogs" that like to follow you from room to room.
Exercise and energy
Moderate: 30–45 minutes a day of walks and play. They adapt easily to city or country life.
Grooming
Long coats need daily brushing; many owners keep a shorter clip trimmed every 6–8 weeks.
Training
Smart and eager to please; they're great at tricks. House-training may take patience. Teach them to be comfortable home alone early.
Health
Generally healthy and long-lived. Watch for kneecap problems, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, eye problems, deafness and liver shunts.
Is the Havanese right for you?
✅ A great match if you…
- Are a first-time owner
- Live in an apartment
- Work from home or are home a lot
- Want a low-shedding family dog
⛔ Think twice if you…
- Are away for long hours — they're prone to separation anxiety
- Don't want to brush regularly
- Want an independent dog
- Want a big, rugged dog
Breed traits are general tendencies, not guarantees. Health information is a summary of issues commonly reported in the breed — ask breeders for health-testing results and discuss screening with your veterinarian. Weights and heights are typical adult ranges and vary by line and sex.
