The Havanese is Cuba's only native dog breed, developed from a now-extinct ancestor and shaped by island isolation into something distinctly their own: a small, silky-coated companion dog that is sociable, adaptable, and disarmingly funny. They are one of the better-kept secrets of the toy breed world.
Why They Suit Apartment Living
Havanese are not working dogs. Their exercise requirements are modest — two short walks and indoor play cover it. They are quiet by toy breed standards, do not need a garden, and adapt well to urban environments. They are also highly social and tend to get on well with strangers, other dogs, and cats, which makes them genuinely easy to take places. The caveats: they do not like being alone for long periods, and the coat requires daily attention.
The Coat: Beautiful and Demanding
The Havanese coat is long, silky, and tends to mat from the roots if not brushed through daily. Many owners choose a shorter "teddy bear" clip that requires professional grooming every 6-8 weeks and daily brushing of furnishings. The long natural coat requires daily full brushing plus professional grooming. Neither option is low maintenance — this is a dog whose coat needs to be part of your routine from day one.
Common Health Conditions
- Patellar luxation: Common in small breeds. Intermittent skipping gait. Grade I-II managed conservatively; grade III-IV may need surgery.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Genetic testing available. Always buy from tested parents.
- Cataracts: Hereditary cataracts occur in the breed. Annual eye checks from age 3 are worthwhile.
- Chondrodysplasia: Some Havanese carry a gene affecting cartilage development — associated with shorter limbs and potentially with disc disease later in life.
- Deafness: Congenital deafness occurs, particularly in dogs with high white colouring. BAER testing for breeding stock is recommended.
Separation and Socialisation
Havanese form strong bonds and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Build alone time tolerance gradually from puppyhood. They are also prone to being "velcro dogs" in a way that can shade into anxiety — reward settled, independent behaviour alongside the natural closeness. Early socialisation produces the confident, gregarious dog the breed is known for.
Havanese Care Summary
- Daily coat brushing to the skin — no exceptions without matting.
- Buy from PRA-tested parents.
- Annual eye checks from age 3.
- Build alone time tolerance from puppyhood.
- Two short walks daily plus indoor enrichment — exercise needs are modest.
Track your Havanese's health calendar and grooming reminders on the Woofio Havanese care page.