Breeds  /  Havanese
Breed guide

Havanese

The Havanese is a cheerful, affectionate, and intelligent companion breed known for its silky coat, playful personality, and unwavering devotion to its family. As the only dog breed native to Cuba, the Havanese has earned a reputation as one of the most loving and adaptable companion dogs in the world. At Chain O' Lakes Companions, we love Havanese puppies because they are affectionate, intelligent, and devoted companions that bring joy to everyone they meet.

Fernando - Havanese puppy
At a glance

Breed overview

Cuba's charming companion dog — cheerful, low-shedding, and rarely far from their favorite person.

Breed groupToy Group
Size7–13 pounds
Height8.5–11.5 inches
Lifespan14–16 years
TemperamentAffectionate, playful, social
Energy levelModerate
Good with kidsExcellent
Good with other petsExcellent
Honest fit check

Is a Havanese right for you?

A great fit if you want…
A loving companion dog
A family-friendly breed
A low-shedding pet
An intelligent and trainable dog
Personality

Temperament

The temperament is the biggest reason this breed is so loved.

Affectionate & loving

Thrives on human companionship and rarely wants to be far from their favorite people.

Intelligent & trainable

Highly intelligent and eager to learn — excels in obedience and trick training.

Friendly & social

Enjoys meeting new people and generally gets along very well with children and other pets.

Playful & entertaining

Often described as little clowns because of their playful antics.

Appearance

Distinctive by design

Compact, sturdy toy breed build
Long, silky coat with a soft texture
Lively, expressive eyes
Wide variety of coat colors
Recognized coat colors
White
Bright solid white
Black
Solid black
Gold
Warm golden shades
Chocolate
Rich solid brown
Grooming & care

Keeping a Havanese healthy

Frequent brushing
Keeps the long, silky coat healthy and free from tangles.
Coat style options
Some owners keep the coat long and flowing; others prefer a shorter trim.
Ear care
Regular ear cleaning is part of routine care.
Nails & dental
Regular nail trimming and dental care round out the routine.
Training

Trainability

Eager to learn
Highly intelligent and eager to learn, excelling in obedience and trick training.
Positive reinforcement
Highly responsive to positive reinforcement training.
Enjoys mental challenges
Loves activities that challenge their mind, from tricks to puzzle toys.
Health considerations

Why responsible breeding matters

Every breed carries its own strengths and its own things to watch, and no honest breeder will tell you otherwise. A family deserves the whole picture before they choose a puppy — not a sales pitch.

We would rather you ask us hard questions than wonder later. Here are the ones worth asking any breeder, including us. You can see each puppy’s parents, and their health testing, on the puppy’s own page.

What health testing do you do on the parents?
Every breeder should be able to answer this plainly and without hesitating. Ask what’s been done, and ask what hasn’t — some evaluations can only be done once a dog is fully grown, and a straight answer about that tells you more than a perfect one.
Can I see the results?
Testing means little if nobody can look at it. A breeder who publishes results, or hands them over when asked, is a breeder who expects you to check.
Can I meet the parents?
The parents show you the temperament and condition your puppy is growing into. Meeting them in the home where the litter is raised tells you things no document can.
What happens if something goes wrong?
Ask what’s guaranteed, for how long, and who picks up the phone in a year. The answer to this question is where good breeders and quick sales part ways.
Modern lifestyles

A breed that fits the way we live now

Adaptable to many homes

Whether apartment, suburban neighborhood, or country home, adapts remarkably well.

Low-shedding companion

A popular choice for allergy-sensitive households.

Great with other pets

Generally coexists peacefully with other dogs and cats when properly socialized.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions about Havaneses

Yes! Havanese are affectionate, gentle, and highly social companions that thrive in family environments.

Think a Havanese is your match?

See who's available now, or join the waitlist for an upcoming litter.

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