The Havanese breed is one of the most popular in the world, and it’s no surprise why.

They have a small build, coming in at around 9-12 inches and 7-13 pounds, giving them the nickname ‘Velcro Dog’ due to their tendency to follow their owners around everywhere! And with a lifespan between 14-16 years, you can enjoy plenty of precious moments with your pup before they are gone. Related Breeds: Havapoos.

Not to mention, their unique coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns that give it an enviable aesthetic appeal, such as double coats that can be either long or wavy, bicolor, tricolor, sable, spotted, merle, blue and tan, liver and tan, and black and tan – sure to make them stand out from other dogs.

Furthermore, their hypoallergenic low-shedding coat not only means less mess for you but is also beneficial for those with allergies.

History

Let’s take a look back at the history of the Havanese breed and see how they went from their roots in Cuba to homes all over the world. 

The Havanese originates from Cuba and dates back to the early 1500s. This breed was believed to be created by crossing several other breeds, including Maltese, Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel. This combination provided a small-sized companion with a long, silky coat and an affinity for people—perfect for anyone looking for a loyal lapdog! 

The Havanese became very popular among wealthy families in Cuba during the 1800s, but they were almost completely wiped out when Fidel Castro took power in 1959. Fortunately, some brave individuals risked their lives to smuggle these dogs out of Cuba so they could be preserved outside their native country. 

In 1996, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed and began registering them as purebreds. Since then, their popularity has skyrocketed, and they are now one of America’s most beloved companion dogs! They have also made appearances on television shows like “Dancing With The Stars” and “America’s Got Talent.” 

Appearance

Their most striking feature is their adorable appearance – long, low-hanging ears combined with expressive brown eyes create an alert expression that is sure to grab your attention. The tail of this breed is also extraordinary, curling up over the back like a half-moon.

Coat

The Havanese is known for its beautiful coat, and although the topcoat can range from straight to wavy, it’s always double-layered. It’s made of a soft and silky undercoat coupled with an outer guard coat that helps protect this toy breed from the elements.

Not only are their coats beautiful, but they’re also hypoallergenic, so people with allergies still have a chance at owning one! Plus, their low shedding makes them perfect for owners who don’t want pet hair completely coating the house.

If you really want to stand out in the Havanese world, consider some of the specific colors you can find: bicolor, tricolor, sable, spotted, merle, blue and tan, liver and tan, and black and tan. The variations in shade give even more life to these bouncy little pups!

Size

The Havanese breed of dog is not only an adorable and loyal companion, but also a small pup! On average, these little ones weigh anywhere from 7 to 13 pounds and are usually around 9 to 12 inches tall. That makes them perfectly petite and great for living in apartments or smaller homes.

Lifespan

On average, the Havanese lifespan is around 14 to 16 years, although some outliers have lived for as long as 18 years. The key to keeping them healthy comes from regular vet visits and a proper diet.

Additionally, exercise helps keep them both in a good mood and healthy lifestyle. With so much life in them, it’s no wonder the Havanese remains one of the most popular breeds worldwide!

Environment

The Havanese are fantastic companions, as they’re incredibly adaptable and content to be right by your side. Whether you live in an apartment in the city or a home with a fenced-in yard, the Havanese will make themselves at home quickly.

They’re beloved by seniors and families alike since they provide loyal companionship without requiring intense physical activity. Havanese don’t need hours of daily runs or hikes to keep them satisfied. In other words, these precious little dogs are perfect for any type of lifestyle or living space!

Temperament

The Havanese is renowned for its friendly, affectionate temperament. It is an intelligent, playful breed that is often said to be more human-like than most other breeds! This cheerful pup loves to make its feelings known and can usually turn heads wherever it goes due to its bright personality.

It makes the perfect companion for any family, as it has a gentle and even-tempered nature that lets them easily bond with humans and other animals. With dedicated training, socialization, and exercise, they will truly shine as one of the best family friends you could ask for.

Grooming

Grooming your Havanese dog is an essential part of keeping them healthy and happy. Not only does it keep their coat looking great, but it also allows you to check for any signs of skin issues, parasites, or other health concerns. With regular grooming, you can help ensure a long and healthy life for your Havanese pup! Here are some tips on how to groom your Havanese. 

Brushing

Brushing your pet’s fur is the first step in a good grooming routine. It helps remove dirt, debris, and dead hair from their coat, which can cause skin irritation and infection. The best brush to use on a Havanese is a slicker brush, which will effectively remove tangles and mats without damaging the coat.

Brush the fur in the direction of hair growth, starting at the head and moving down the back towards the tail. Be gentle when brushing around sensitive areas such as the face, ears, and paws. 

Bathing

The frequency with which you bathe your dog largely depends on their lifestyle; if they spend a lot of time outdoors playing in muddy puddles or rolling in the grass, then they may need weekly baths. Bathing should be done with warm water using mild shampoo for dogs.

Make sure not to get soap or shampoo into their eyes or ears, as this can cause irritation. After bathing, dry your pet thoroughly by blotting with towels before allowing them out into cooler temperatures where they could get chilled easily. 

Ears

Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly is essential, as buildup of wax can lead to ear infections if left unchecked. To clean their ears, gently wipe them out with a cotton ball dipped in an ear-cleaning solution made specifically for dogs (never use human products).

Wipe away visible dirt or wax but do not insert anything further than you can see – inserting objects too far into your pet’s ear canal can cause injury or infection! If you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge from either ear, contact your vet immediately, as these may be signs of an underlying problem that needs medical attention right away.  

Nails

Trimming your pet’s nails is another important aspect of grooming that should be done regularly (about once every 4-6 weeks). Keeping their nails trimmed prevents pain from long nails digging into their foot pads when walking and prevents overgrowth, which can lead to infection if left unchecked.

Use nail clippers explicitly made for pets (not humans), as they are designed to cut through thicker nails more effectively while minimizing the risk of injury from accidentally cutting too deep into the nail bed itself.

Be sure to have styptic powder on hand – this will help stop bleeding if you accidentally cut too short! 

Teeth

Just like humans, it’s important to take care of our furry friends’ teeth so that they stay healthy throughout life! Regular brushing is key – brushing daily or several times per week with toothpaste made specifically for pets helps prevent plaque buildup that leads to bad breath and gum disease over time.

Additionally, feeding dental treats specially designed for dental health helps keep teeth clean between brushings! 

Nutrition

While proper nutrition for your Havanese might seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be! Feeding your pup twice daily is usually more than sufficient; one-half to one cup of food should make up the daily intake.

When deciding which food works best for your dog, look for high-quality proteins, fruits, and vegetables to ensure they’re getting all the essential vitamins and minerals they need. Don’t forget to beef up their meal plan with homemade treats too – both you and your pup will love them!

With just a little bit of effort, you can help your Havanese live an active and healthy life.

Training

Training a Havanese can be pretty enjoyable because this little pup is intelligent and eager to learn! While small in stature, they have an abundance of energy and intelligence, making teaching new tricks easy. Havanese love to please their owners, making obedience training almost effortless.

As with any canine, positive reinforcement techniques work best for housetraining and behavioral training. Be sure to use plenty of treats, verbal praise, and occasional physical affection. Also, don’t forget to design a series of short play sessions in between learning sessions to keep things fun and motivate your pup.

If you set consistent boundaries, remain patient throughout the process, and provide a calm yet playful learning environment for your furry companion, you’ll be thrilled with the results!

Exercise

Exercise is an integral part of being a Havanese owner and keeping your pup happy and healthy. The good news is you don’t have to spend hours taking them on long walks – 30 minutes of exercise per day is all that’s needed for these energetic little dogs.

While the exact type of exercise you do will depend on their age, what they enjoy, and any medical issues they may have, generally speaking, daily walks (perhaps in combination with a game of fetch or swimming) should definitely be included in your plan.

Not only will it benefit their physical health, but it’ll give them some great mental stimulation too!

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the perfect pet companion, there’s no better choice than a Havanese! These little dogs are adorable, smart, and friendly—ideal for any dog owner who wishes for an affectionate four-legged friend who loves spending time with their family.

So if you’re looking for your next canine companion, consider getting a Havanese today! You won’t regret it!