Havanese
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba and the only dog breed native to that country, developed from Bichon-type dogs brought by Spanish settlers in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Cuba
Lifespan
14–16 years
Weight
3–6 kg (7–13 lbs)
Height
23–28 cm (9–11 in)
Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — small-breed quality kibble
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba and the only dog breed native to that country, developed from Bichon-type dogs brought by Spanish settlers in the 16th and 17th centuries. The aristocracy of Havana embraced the breed as a fashionable companion. When Cuban exiles fled to the United States after the Cuban Revolution, many brought their Havanese — and the breed was rebuilt from these refugees. Today the Havanese is one of the fastest-growing breeds in popularity, prized for its hypoallergenic coat, cheerful personality, and remarkable adaptability.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Havanese has a distinctive silky, wavy or slightly curly coat that is soft in texture and never wiry or coarse. The coat insulates against tropical heat rather than cold — a unique trait. The dog is small and sturdy with an expressive face, dark almond-shaped eyes, and drop ears covered with long hair. The tail is carried arched over the back. Colours are remarkably diverse.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Brushing
Daily
Bathing
Every-2-3-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Havanese are gentle, sociable, and extraordinarily people-oriented — they are sometimes called "velcro dogs" for their tendency to follow their owners from room to room. They are playful and entertaining, often described as clownish. Their intelligence makes them eager and capable trainees. They do not do well when left alone for long periods and thrive in households with regular human company.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
5/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Ideal Weather
10°C to 32°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
50%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
velcro behaviour, whining, excessive licking, appetite loss, separation anxiety
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •The coat requires brushing every 2–3 days to prevent matting; many owners opt for a shorter practical trim. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Tear staining is common. Teeth need daily brushing. Moderate daily exercise of 30 minutes suits most. They excel in agility, obedience, and therapy dog work.
Nutrition Notes
Relatively healthy breed with few dietary restrictions. Tear staining can worsen with certain food colourings. Small-breed formula. Low-calorie treats — can gain weight if overfed despite active nature.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Luxating patella may require surgery by mid-life. Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy from age 8. Chondrodysplasia (dwarfism gene) in some lines. Liver shunt — check at purchase. Deafness in some lines. Generally long-lived (13-16 years) and healthy for a toy breed.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
500 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
350 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Generally healthy and long-lived. Hereditary cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy occur. Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are seen. Chondrodysplasia (dwarfism) affects some lines. Cardiac issues occur in older individuals.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Cuba's national dog — rare in India. Popularity surged after being named AKC's fastest-growing breed. Corded coat option exists (like a mini Puli) but most owners keep a puppy cut. Grooming is major ongoing cost.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The entire North American Havanese population descends from just 11 dogs brought out of Cuba by exiles following the 1959 revolution.
The Havanese coat is unique in the dog world — it was developed to insulate against tropical heat (not cold), acting like a natural coolant in Cuban summers.
Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemingway both kept Havanese dogs.
