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The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, a small, sturdy companion breed with a silky coat and a cheerful, sociable personality. It was bred to be a house dog and family entertainer, and it remains one of the most adaptable small breeds available. It suits apartments, families with children, seniors, and first-time owners, and its low-shedding coat is often tolerated by people with mild allergies.
Havanese are affectionate, playful, and outgoing, with an eagerness to please that makes them easy to train. They are typically good with children, other dogs, and cats, and they tend to be friendly rather than wary with strangers. They are people-focused dogs that want to be part of everything and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long stretches. Many enjoy performing tricks and do well in agility and obedience.
The AKC standard calls for a height of 8.5 to 11.5 inches at the shoulder and a weight of 7 to 13 lbs. The build is slightly longer than tall, with a springy gait.
The Havanese has a long, silky double coat that is low-shedding and often described as hypoallergenic, though no dog is truly allergen-free. In full coat it needs daily brushing to prevent matting; most family dogs are kept in a shorter puppy clip that needs professional grooming every six to eight weeks and brushing a few times a week. Eyes should be wiped to manage tear staining and ears cleaned routinely.
Havanese can inherit patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, cataracts and other eye conditions, deafness, and heart conditions including mitral valve disease. Chondrodysplasia, a form of dwarfism affecting the legs, occurs in some lines. Recommended parent testing includes patella evaluation, hip clearances, eye clearances, cardiac evaluation, and BAER hearing testing.
Havanese have moderate energy and are satisfied with daily walks and indoor play. They adapt very well to apartments and small homes and are excellent city dogs. They should live indoors with the family and do not tolerate being left alone all day.
Typical lifespan is 14 to 16 years. Dental care, weight management, and eye and heart monitoring support a long life.
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