What You Should Know Before Adopting a Havanese Dog
Thinking about adding a Havanese to your life? We get it — they're irresistible little charmers.
Sweet, silly, and endlessly people-oriented, the Havanese is a small dog with a big heart. But before you fall completely under their spell, there are a few things worth knowing.
Here's exactly what to expect from this Cuban-born cuddle expert — the good, the demanding, and the delightfully goofy.
Small Size, Big Personality
Don't let the pint-sized frame fool you. The Havanese packs the energy — and the comic timing — of a much bigger dog.
They're often called "little clowns," and honestly, the nickname fits.
Whether they're zooming laps around the living room or flopping belly-up for a scratch, they live to entertain and to be right in the middle of the action.
“Expect a dog that sticks close, cuddles often, and follows you from room to room like a furry little shadow.”
Affectionate to the core, this is a breed that wants to be part of everything you do. If you're looking for an independent, do-your-own-thing dog, this isn't it.
That charm comes with one big responsibility — the coat.
Grooming: It's a Real Commitment
That gorgeous, silky coat? It does not take care of itself.
Here's the catch: skip brushing for even a few days and you'll be fighting knots that are painful to untangle.
- Brush daily to prevent mats and tangles
- Bathe regularly to keep the coat clean
- Trim nails and clean ears on a routine
- Brush teeth several times a week
- Assume the coat is "wash and go" — it never is
Start grooming young so your Havanese learns to tolerate — even enjoy — the routine early on.
Playful — But Not High-Energy
Good news for busy people: Havanese don't need marathon exercise.
They do need daily movement and mental stimulation, but a couple of short walks plus some indoor play usually covers it.
Fetch
A short indoor game satisfies both body and brain.
Tug-of-war
Great for bonding and burning a little energy.
Trick training
Their favorite — smart dogs love a mental challenge.
Puzzle toys
Keeps them busy and mentally engaged solo.
Smart and Sensitive
This breed is whip-smart and eager to please, which makes training genuinely enjoyable.
But there's a big "if" here: it only works if you keep it positive.
Harsh corrections or shouting will shut a Havanese down fast. They're sensitive souls.
The Havanese training playbook
- Lead with rewardsTreats, praise, and play get you far more than pressure.
- Keep sessions shortA few upbeat minutes beat one long, boring drill.
- Socialize earlyIntroduce new people, places, and sounds while they're young.
- Stay patientSensitivity means they read your mood — keep it calm and fun.
Skip early socialization and you may end up with a shy, anxious adult. Put the work in now and you'll have a confident, adaptable little dog.
There's one thing this breed truly can't handle.
They Don't Like Being Alone
If there's a dealbreaker to consider, this is it.
The Havanese thrives on companionship and struggles with long stretches of solitude.
Left alone too much, a bored, stressed Havanese may chew, bark, or dig — classic signs of separation anxiety.
Quick poll
How long is your dog typically home alone each day?
Health Considerations
Like every breed, the Havanese comes with a few health issues worth watching.
The good news? Most are manageable with routine care and early attention.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dental health | |
| Eye health | |
| Skin & coat |
Regular vet visits are your best tool for catching issues before they become serious.
Hypoallergenic — Sort Of
You've probably heard Havanese called hypoallergenic. Let's clear that up.
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Havanese are low-shedding and produce less dander than many breeds, but they still produce some.
Actually the opposite. Because they shed little, dead hair and dander stay trapped in the coat — so regular grooming matters even more.
Bottom line: they're a great option for many allergy-sensitive households, but always spend time with the breed before committing.
Apartment-Friendly and Adaptable
Thanks to their small size and moderate energy, Havanese adapt beautifully to apartments and condos.
Apartment living
ExcellentSmall footprint, happy with indoor play.
Families
GreatAffectionate and playful with all ages.
Seniors
GreatCompanionable and easy to exercise indoors.
Left alone all day
Poor fitProne to separation anxiety — needs company.
Just give them room to move indoors, plus daily walks and social time. And expect them to claim the coziest blanket or sunbeam in the house as their own.
Feeding and Nutrition
Feeding a Havanese is simple, with one thing to keep an eye on.
Choose a high-quality food matched to their age, size, and activity level — and don't overfeed. Small dogs gain weight fast.
Pros
Do
- Feed age- and size-appropriate portions
- Keep fresh water available at all times
- Give treats in moderation
- Weigh them periodically to catch creep
Cons
Avoid
- Free-feeding without measuring
- Caving to those pleading eyes with extra treats
- Table scraps and rich human food
- Cheap fillers over quality nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — they're smart, eager to please, and adaptable, which makes them a forgiving first breed. Just be ready for the grooming commitment and their need for companionship.
A few hours is fine once they're grown, but they don't do well left alone all day. Beyond about four hours, plan for a sitter, daycare, or plenty of enrichment to prevent separation anxiety.
They can be vocal, especially when bored, anxious, or alerting you to visitors. Early training and enough mental stimulation keep the barking in check.
Very. They're affectionate and playful with kids of all ages. As with any small dog, supervise young children so playtime stays gentle.
Generally yes — they're sociable and tend to get along with other dogs and even cats, especially when socialized early.
The daily grooming and their dislike of being alone. If you can commit to both, the rest is smooth sailing.
They're low-shedding and low-dander, which helps many allergy sufferers, but no dog is truly allergy-proof. Spend time with one before deciding.
Judith Aleguen is a freelance writer, editor, and shelter volunteer who fosters rescue cats and dogs. She turns hands-on experience into practical, easy-to-read pet care guides.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.