Havanese

• ExerciseModerate

  A daily walk plus some playtime hits the spot.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Living spaceApartment-friendly

  Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment14–16 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Patellar luxation · Cataracts · Deafness

The Havanese, Cuba's only native breed, is a silky little social butterfly that treats every stranger as a friend it hasn't met yet. Bred purely for companionship, it is playful, gentle, clever and adaptable, thriving equally in a city flat or a family home — as long as it is not left alone. Havanese bond intensely and genuinely dislike solitude, and a lonely one can develop separation anxiety, so this is a dog for people who want a constant, involved companion. Bright and eager, it is easy and fun to train with positive methods. The long silky coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent matting (many owners keep it in a shorter clip), plus routine eye and ear care. The breed is generally healthy and long-lived, but buy from a breeder who screens for its known issues: patellar luxation, eye conditions such as cataracts, congenital deafness, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes hip disease. As with all small dogs, diligent dental care is essential. Give a Havanese constant companionship, gentle training, grooming and dental care, and it will be a joyful, devoted little shadow for fourteen to sixteen years.

• How much exercise does a Havanese need?

  Moderate. A daily walk plus some playtime hits the spot.

• How much grooming does a Havanese need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Is a Havanese suited to apartment living?

  Apartment-friendly. Happy in smaller homes with regular outings.

• Is a Havanese a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Havanese live?

  14–16 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Havanese?

  Keep an eye out for Patellar luxation, Cataracts, Deafness. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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