Havanese
Temperament
Affectionate, Responsive, Playful, Companionable, Gentle, Intelligent, Friendly, Curious, Loyal, Independent, Protective
About the Havanese
The Havanese is the only dog breed native to Cuba, and its origins trace back to the Spanish colonization of the island in the 1500s. Spanish settlers brought small dogs from the Bichon family — likely the Bichon Tenerife — to Cuba, where the breed developed in geographic isolation over the following centuries. Cut off from the continental breeding programs that shaped its European cousins, the Havanese evolved into a distinctly Cuban dog, adapting to the tropical climate with a uniquely structured coat that is silky and lightweight rather than dense and woolly. The breed became a fixture of Cuban aristocratic society, prized by the upper class and frequently gifted to visiting dignitaries. By the 18th and early 19th centuries, Havanese dogs had traveled to Europe with Cuban nobility, briefly becoming fashionable in the courts of Spain, France, and England before fading from prominence there.
The Cuban Revolution of the late 1950s nearly erased the breed. When Cuban exiles fled to the United States — primarily to Florida — a small number brought their Havanese with them. By the 1970s, only a handful of dogs with documented Cuban lineage remained outside the island. An American couple, Dorothy and Gyula Goodale, are credited with locating surviving dogs and establishing the foundation stock that rebuilt the breed in the United States. Their efforts led directly to the formation of the Havanese Club of America (HCA) in 1979, which remains the AKC parent club for the breed today.
The AKC officially recognized the Havanese in 1996, placing it in the Toy Group. The breed has climbed steadily in popularity since recognition, currently ranking 25th out of 205 breeds in AKC registration statistics — a remarkable position for a breed that was nearly extinct forty years ago. The HCA maintains the breed standard and oversees health and breeding education in the United States.
What separates the Havanese from its Bichon relatives is both structural and temperamental. Unlike the Bichon Frisé, which carries a dense, curly double coat, the Havanese has a long, flat or wavy outer coat with a soft, light undercoat — a combination designed to insulate against heat rather than cold. The breed also sits slightly lower to the ground than many toy breeds, with a distinctive springy, rolling gait caused by its rear legs being slightly longer than its front. Among the Barbichon family — which includes the Maltese, Bolognese, and Coton de Tulear — the Havanese is the only member that developed entirely outside the Mediterranean basin, giving it a genuinely unique lineage within the group.
At a Glance
Quick Facts
- Breed Group:
- Toy
- Bred For:
- Companionship
- Origin:
- Cuba
- Life Span:
- 14 - 15 years
- Weight:
- 7 - 13 lbs
- Height:
- 8.5 - 11.5 in
💰 Havanese Cost Guide
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Additional Characteristics
Care Requirements
They are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise and mental stimulation.
They have high grooming needs requiring frequent brushing and regular professional grooming.
Moderately trainable with consistent methods
They are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them.
Havanese
Complete Breed Guide
About the Havanese
The Havanese is a small toy breed that originated in Cuba, where they were bred as companion dogs for the upper class. Weighing between 7 to 13 pounds and standing 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall, they are known for their long, silky coat and expressive eyes. Havanese dogs are affectionate, playful, and intelligent, making them excellent companions and family pets, while their responsive nature and loyalty contribute to their protective instincts.
Havaneses are known for being affectionate, responsive, playful, companionable, gentle, and intelligent, friendly, curious. As a high-energy breed, they are moderately trainable and thrive with regular mental and physical activity. They are excellent with children of all ages and friendly with other dogs, making them a popular choice for families and experienced dog owners alike.
Caring for a Havanese means committing to regular grooming (brushing several times a week), vigorous daily exercise, and consistent training from an early age. Their gentle, social nature makes them a wonderful addition to active families.
At a Glance
Quick Facts
- Breed Group:
- Toy
- Bred For:
- Companionship
- Origin:
- Cuba
- Life Span:
- 14 - 15 years
- Weight:
- 7 - 13 lbs
- Height:
- 8.5 - 11.5 in
Temperament
Free Havanese Health Guide
Havaneses can be prone to Patellar Luxation and other conditions. Get our owner's health checklist and monthly vet tips — free.
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