Thinking About Adopting a Havanese? Here’s What You Should Know

The Havanese is a small dog with a big heart. Known for their cheerful personality, silky coat, and affectionate nature, Havanese dogs make wonderful companions—especially for families and people living in smaller spaces.

But like every breed, they have unique needs. Here’s what you should know before adopting a Havanese.

🐕 Temperament: Friendly, Social, and Clingy (In the Best Way)

Havanese are:

• Very affectionate and people-focused
• Great with children, seniors, and other pets
• Playful, cheerful, and eager to please
• Naturally sociable—they don’t like being left alone

They’re often called “Velcro dogs” because they love being close to their humans at all times.

🧠 Trainability: Smart, Eager, and Gentle

Havanese are quick learners:

• Respond well to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, gentle correction)
• Excel at tricks, agility, and even therapy dog work
• Can be sensitive—harsh discipline will backfire

Potty training may take some patience, but overall, Havanese are very trainable and love to engage with people.

⚡ Energy Level: Moderate and Manageable

Though they’re small, Havanese are full of energy:

• Need 30–60 minutes of activity per day (walks, playtime, enrichment)
• Love interactive games and learning new skills
• Settle nicely indoors with enough daily stimulation

They’re lively without being hyper—ideal for families or singles who want a playful but calm companion.

🧼 Grooming & Shedding

Havanese have a beautiful, long, silky coat:

• Low shedding but not low maintenance
• Need regular brushing (3–4 times a week, or daily if kept long)
• Many owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” for easier upkeep
• Regular eye, ear, and dental care are also important

They’re a great choice for allergy-sensitive homes, but their coats require commitment.

🩺 Health Overview

Havanese are generally healthy and long-lived, but they are prone to:

• Luxating patellas (kneecaps that slip)
• Eye disorders (cataracts, retinal issues)
• Heart murmurs
• Allergies and tear staining

With regular vet care and a healthy lifestyle, they often live 13–16 years.

🏡 Lifestyle Fit

Think about your home life:

• Do you want a dog that stays close and loves attention?
• Can someone be home often? (They don’t love long alone time)
• Do you want a dog that travels well and fits in small spaces?

Havanese are adaptable to apartments, condos, or houses—as long as they have companionship and playtime.

🍗 Feeding & Nutrition

Feeding a Havanese is straightforward:

• They eat about ½ to 1 cup of food per day (split into meals)
• Look for small-breed formulas with lean proteins and omega-3s
• Avoid overfeeding—small dogs can gain weight easily

Regular feeding times and a good-quality diet support their long-term health and coat quality.

🐾 Puppy vs. Adult

Havanese puppies are:

• Bouncy, curious, and full of energy
• Sometimes slow to housetrain
• In need of early socialization to avoid becoming too timid or clingy

Adult Havanese are often calmer and already trained—great for people who want a low-key transition.

🧬 Adoption vs. Breeder

Adoption:

• Check local rescues and shelters or breed-specific rescues like Havanese Fanciers of Canada
• Many adult Havanese are rehomed due to life changes—not behavior issues

Breeder:

• Ask about health testing for eyes, knees, and heart
• Meet the parents and ensure puppies are raised indoors, with early socialization
• Avoid breeders who overbreed or won’t provide references and documentation

Final Thoughts

Havanese are charming, loyal, and surprisingly playful companions who fit beautifully into many types of homes. If you want a dog that will follow you around, cuddle in your lap, and bring a little sunshine to your day, a Havanese might be the perfect fit.

At Playday Pups, we’ve had the pleasure of caring for some wonderful Havanese dogs. They do great in our small group play environment, especially when matched with other gentle, social pups. If you’re thinking about adopting a Havanese, we’d love to help you get to know the breed better—or introduce you to one of our regulars!