Havanese: Breed Guide for Adopting an Older Dog
Overview
The AKC places the Havanese in the Toy Group and lists Cuba as its origin. The United Kennel Club describes the breed as the Cuban member of the Bichon family of small, long-coated, drop-eared companion dogs.
History
The United Kennel Club says the breed is thought to descend from Old World Bichon types, and that it has been a small breed owned by the higher social classes.
How big is a Havanese?
The AKC lists the Havanese as a small dog, 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall and 7 to 13 pounds, while the United Kennel Club standard gives 8.5 to 10.5 inches in height and 7 to 14 pounds in weight.
Havanese temperament
The AKC describes the breed's temperament as intelligent, outgoing and funny. The United Kennel Club describes a quiet and gentle disposition that still enjoys rowdy play, with a preference for staying near the owner. VCA describes the breed as playful and gentle, often very good with children, and friendly toward strangers, other dogs and other pets.
Exercise and activity
VCA suggests that a stroll around the block, along with an energetic game, can cover this breed's exercise needs. Games and tricks give it mental exercise, and its small body leaves it vulnerable to cold despite the thick coat.
Grooming: do Havanese dogs shed?
The AKC lists a long, silky double coat and rates Havanese shedding 2 of 5. VCA says the coat needs combing and brushing two to four times a week to prevent matting. The same source notes that no breed is truly non-allergenic, though Havanese may cause fewer allergies than most breeds.
Havanese dog training
The AKC rates trainability 4 of 5. The United Kennel Club calls the breed intelligent, easy to train and attentive to its handler. VCA says it does best with reward-based training involving food or games.
Havanese lifespan and health
The AKC gives a general life expectancy of 14 to 16 years. The AKC lists patella, hip and ophthalmologist evaluations as breed screenings. VCA notes that Havanese tend to stay at a good weight, but the thick coat can hide weight problems, so feel the body with your hands.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Havanese as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Toy Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1996
- Height (AKC published)
- 8.5-11.5 inches
- Weight (AKC published)
- 7-13 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 14-16 years
- AKC size category
- Small
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 3 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 4 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 3 of 5
- Shedding: 2 of 5
- Vocalization: 4 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 5 of 5
- Playfulness: 5 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 5 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 5 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Patella Evaluation
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 9, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Havanese | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Havanese | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Havanese - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
