Havanese Overview
The Havanese is a charming, affectionate toy breed that thrives as a companion dog and family pet. Originally bred as a lapdog for Cuban aristocrats, these intelligent and adaptable little dogs form strong bonds with their owners and are happiest being close to family. They are exceptionally social and get along well with children, other dogs, and pets, making them ideal for multi-pet households.
Despite their small size, Havanese are sturdy and surprisingly active, enjoying daily walks and indoor play. They are known for their silky, long coat which requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. These gentle, sensitive dogs respond poorly to harsh training methods and flourish with positive, reward-based approaches. Their moderate barking tendency can be managed with proper training and exercise.
Whilst Havanese can experience separation anxiety and dislike being left alone for long periods, they adapt well to apartment living and are suitable for first-time owners who can provide companionship and consistent care. Their eager-to-please nature and intelligence make them relatively easy to train, though housetraining can require patience due to their small bladders.
Havanese Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Havanese temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
The Havanese is affectionate, sociable, and emotionally intuitive, forming deep bonds with family members and often acting as a natural comforter to those around them. They are playful and curious, enjoying interactive games and learning tricks to entertain their families. These dogs are naturally social with people and other animals, though early socialisation helps them develop confidence in new situations.
Key traits
devoted, clever, playful, gentle, responsive. Excellent with kids and other pets due to their gentle temperament. Barking is moderate and can be trained down; they alert to strangers but are not guard dogs. Best suited to owners who can provide regular companionship and aren't away for extended periods.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Havanese scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Havanese Right for You?
✅
Apartment
Excellent — small size and moderate exercise needs suit apartment living perfectly
✅
House with yard
Ideal — enjoys outdoor play but also content inside with family
✅
First-time owner
Great choice — eager to please, intelligent, and affectionate make training straightforward
✅
Renters
Suitable — small, friendly, and rent-friendly with landlord approval
✅
Hot climate (QLD/NT/WA)
Good — small size and calm temperament suit warm climates; ensure shade and water
✅
Cold climate (VIC/TAS/ACT)
Adequate — long coat provides insulation; coat care in wet weather is important
✅
Elderly/retired owners
Perfect — low exercise needs, affectionate, and thrive on companionship
⚠️
Working owners (8hrs alone)
Challenging — prone to separation anxiety; needs midday care or doggy daycare
⚠️
Rural/acreage
Possible — not bred for farm work but can adapt if given adequate socialisation and security
⚠️
Active lifestyle
Moderate — enjoy walks and play but not suited to intense exercise or hiking
Separation Anxiety: Moderate — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Havanese Size & Appearance
Size
Small
Weight M
3–6 kg
Weight F
3–6 kg
Height
20–29 cm
Coat
soft, silky, long double coat
Colours
white, cream, fawn, red, black, parti-colour, brindle
Variations
None
Brachycephalic
No
Hypoallergenic
No
Havanese Health & Lifespan
14 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Kneecap slips out of place, causing lameness or skipping gait. Watch for reluctance to put weight on hind leg.
Est. treatment: $2,000–$4,000
Abnormal heart sounds detected by vet. Can range from mild to life-threatening. Requires echocardiogram.
Est. treatment: $500–$2,000
Cloudiness in eye lens leading to vision loss. Usually age-related but can occur earlier. Watch for cloudy eyes.
Est. treatment: $1,500–$3,000 per eye
Prone to yeast and bacterial infections due to floppy ears. Watch for head shaking and odour.
Est. treatment: $150–$400 per infection
Small jaws lead to crowded teeth and early periodontal disease. Requires regular cleaning and home care.
Est. treatment: $200–$600
Pet Insurance for Havanese
Avg Annual Insurance: $700
Monthly Estimate: $20–$35/month AUD; Petplan, NRMA Pet Insurance, Woolworths Pet Insurance
Recommended Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow
• PD Insurance
• Petinsurance.com.au
• Budget Direct
• Petcover
• NRMA
TIP: Insure before 6 months.
Compare insurance policies for your Havanese
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →
Havanese Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|
| PURCHASE |
$2,000 - $4,000 |
| Food |
$1,400 |
| Vet |
$500 |
| Grooming |
$450 |
| Insurance |
$700 |
| TOTAL/yr |
$2,336 |
| Monthly |
$128 |
| LIFETIME (14 yrs) |
$32,704 |
| FIRST-YEAR EXTRAS |
$1,200–$2,200 (desexing, vax, microchip, setup, puppy school) |
$32,704
Estimated lifetime cost (14 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Havanese Grooming Guide
Frequency
Every 4–6 weeks
Brushing
5–7× per week
Professional Cost
$60–$90
Coat
soft, silky, long double coat
Shedding
★★★☆☆/5
Tools
Slicker/pin brush, deshedding tool, nail clippers
Nails
Every 4–6 weeks | Ears: Monthly | Teeth: 2–3×/week
Havanese Exercise Needs
Daily Exercise
30 minutes
Type
walk/play
Energy
★★★☆☆/5
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, 10min training/day
Sports
Agility, flyball, scent work, swimming (breed-dependent)
Training Your Havanese
Trainability: ★★★★☆/5
First-Time Owner: ★★★★★/5
Havanese are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement. Early socialisation is crucial to prevent excessive barking and separation anxiety. Use treats and praise rather than firm corrections. Housetraining can take time due to small bladder; be consistent with outdoor schedules. They excel in obedience and trick training and enjoy learning to perform for family members.
Tips: Positive reinforcement only | Puppy school 8–12 weeks
Short 5–10min sessions | Socialise early with dogs, people, sounds
Havanese Feeding Guide
Annual Food Cost: $1,400
Feed high-quality small-breed dog food (premium brands $60–$100/month). Portion control is essential as they are prone to obesity, which exacerbates joint problems. Provide measured meals rather than free-feeding. Some thrive on fresh, whole-food diets with vet approval ($80–$150/month).
Tips: Premium kibble + 2 meals/day | Monitor weight | Fresh water always
Avoid: grapes, onion, chocolate, xylitol, macadamias
Finding a Reputable Havanese Breeder
REGISTRIES:
• ANKC (ankc.org.au)
• RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au)
GREEN FLAGS: Health tests, ANKC/RPBA reg, visits allowed, health guarantee, screens buyers
RED FLAGS: Always available, multiple breeds, no health tests, Gumtree/social media sellers, pet shops
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:
ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF
Adopting a Havanese in Australia
RESCUE OPTIONS:
• Havanese Rescue Australia
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA Australia
Adoption Cost: $250–$600 AUD
(includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest adoption platform
❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Havanese — Frequently Asked Questions
Are Havanese good for first-time dog owners?
Yes, absolutely. They're small, trainable, affectionate, and eager to please. Their main challenge is managing separation anxiety and regular grooming, but these are manageable with commitment and education.
Do Havanese need professional grooming?
Ideally, yes. Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks costs $60–$90 and keeps their coat healthy. Daily brushing at home (5–7 times per week) is essential to prevent matting between appointments.
How much exercise does a Havanese need?
About 30 minutes daily of walking and play is sufficient. They're adaptable and happy with indoor play on rainy days, though they do enjoy outdoor exploration and socialisation walks.
Are Havanese hypoallergenic?
No, they are not hypoallergenic, though they shed moderately. Their long coat requires frequent brushing which helps manage loose hair. People with dog allergies may still react to them.
What's the cost of owning a Havanese in Australia?
Expect $2,000–$3,500 for a puppy from a registered breeder. Annual costs include food ($700–$1,200), grooming ($720–$1,080), insurance ($400–$700/year), and vet checkups ($200–$400 annually).
Do Havanese get along with other pets?
Yes, they are typically excellent with other dogs, cats, and small pets when properly socialised from puppyhood. Their gentle nature and small size make them non-threatening to other animals.
How long do Havanese live?
Havanese typically live 12–15 years, with some reaching 16+ years with good care, diet, and regular vet checkups. Genetic health screening from breeders can improve lifespan.
Can a Havanese be left alone during the day?
Not ideally. They are prone to separation anxiety and dislike being alone for more than 4–5 hours. Consider doggy daycare, a pet sitter, or flexible work arrangements if you work full-time away from home.
What's the temperament of a Havanese with children?
Havanese are excellent with children. They're patient, gentle, and playful, making them perfect family pets. Supervise young children to ensure they handle these small dogs gently.
Where can I find a Havanese breeder in Australia?
Contact the Australian Havanese Club via ANKC (ankc.org.au), search RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au), or rescue groups like PetRescue.com.au. Always visit breeders and ask for health clearances and references.
