Havanese
Havanese are one of the better choices for a family with children. Expect a toy-sized dog that is moderately active, barely sheds and needs professional grooming on a cycle. The big catch is company: this breed genuinely struggles when the house is empty all day.
The numbers
| Height | 8.5–11.5 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7–13 lb |
| Life expectancy | 14–16 years |
Source: American Kennel Club breed standard.
What Havanese are actually like
The Havanese is Cuba's only native breed, descended from Bichon-type dogs brought by Spanish settlers and developed as a companion for the Havana aristocracy. When families fled Cuba after the revolution, a handful of dogs came with them, and the modern breed rebuilt from that tiny founding group. They are sturdier and more athletic than they look, unusually trainable for a toy breed — they were circus performers as well as lap dogs — and they are one of the most reliably people-loving small dogs there is. The silky coat is low-shedding and high-maintenance in equal measure. The main caution is separation: a Havanese bred for centuries to be carried around by someone does not enjoy an empty house.
Day to day. Moderately active — a proper daily walk plus some play in the garden or the hallway keeps this breed happy. On noise, it is about average for noise.
The coat, honestly. This breed barely sheds and needs professional grooming on a cycle. That is the trade every low-shedding dog asks for: you are not vacuuming hair, you are booking and paying for a groom every few weeks, and brushing between visits or the coat mats down to the skin.
Being left alone. Struggles on its own. If your house is empty from the school run until the evening, this is the breed most likely to be unhappy about it — and separation problems are one of the top reasons dogs end up back in rescue.
Training. Eager and easy to train. That makes it a forgiving choice for a family training their first dog, as long as everyone is consistent.
Get one if…
- You want a dog with a reputation for putting up with children
- You would rather brush and pay a groomer than vacuum every day
- You are short on space and want a dog that fits your home
- This is your first dog and you want one that makes training feel possible
Think again if…
- Your house is empty from the morning drop-off until the evening
- Nobody has budgeted for a groomer every few weeks
- A surprise vet bill would be a real problem this year
What it costs to keep one
Rough running cost: $$$ (one of the pricier dogs on our list) — because it eats very little, which keeps food costs down, and the coat needs a professional groom on a cycle, and that is the bill people forget.
Those are relative bands, not live prices. For real numbers across every pet we cover, see the pet cost study and the cost calculator.
Looking for one? Start at a shelter
Rescues do have Havanese and Havanese crosses, usually adults whose size, coat and temperament you can see rather than guess at.
Often compared with
❓ Common questions about Havanese
Is a Havanese good with kids?
Yes — Havanese have a strong reputation with children. As with any animal, an adult should supervise young kids and the dog together, and children need to learn to leave it alone while it eats or sleeps.
Do Havanese shed a lot?
Very little. The trade is grooming: this coat needs regular brushing and professional trims, or it mats.
Can a Havanese be left alone during the day?
Not really. This is one of the breeds most likely to become distressed alone all day, and separation problems are a common reason dogs are given up.
Is a Havanese a good first dog?
It is one of the more forgiving choices. Easy to train and tolerant with families — the usual caveats about exercise and grooming still apply.
Should I get a Havanese?
Havanese suit a home that keeps to a routine, is rarely empty, and has grooming in the budget. Meet the dog itself before deciding. Get one if: You want a dog with a reputation for putting up with children; You would rather brush and pay a groomer than vacuum every day; You are short on space and want a dog that fits your home; This is your first dog and you want one that makes training feel possible. Think again if: Your house is empty from the morning drop-off until the evening; Nobody has budgeted for a groomer every few weeks; A surprise vet bill would be a real problem this year.
📚 Where this comes from
We check our care advice against vets, animal charities, and government health guidance. Here is what this page is built on.
Vets, charities & official guidance
- Breed standards & vital statistics — American Kennel Club
- Preventing dog bites — AVMA
- Brachycephalic dogs policy — British Veterinary Association
- Puppy socialization position statement — AVSAB
- People foods to avoid feeding your pets — ASPCA
- Spaying and neutering — AVMA
Keeper & species-community guides
Checked August 2026. These are other people’s websites, and none of it replaces your own vet — if a pet seems unwell, call one.