Is a Havanese right for you?
Personality traits, family compatibility, and lifestyle match - everything you need to decide.
Is a Havanese right for you?
Take our 1-minute compatibility quiz based on this breed's traits
Know Before You Commit
Important behavioral traits that potential owners should understand:
Bred for centuries solely as companions to Cuban aristocracy - genetically wired to be with humans. Leaving them alone 8+ hours results in destructive chewing, excessive barking, and house soiling.
Notoriously slow to potty train. Small bladders and 'sneaky soiling' means they may not be fully reliable until 6-8 months old, sometimes older. Requires consistent positive reinforcement.
Excellent watchdogs who announce every delivery truck, neighbor, and squirrel. In apartments with thin walls, this requires dedicated training to manage.
Unless you learn to groom yourself, expect $60-100 every 4-6 weeks for professional grooming. That's $700-1,200 annually just for haircuts.
Family Compatibility
How Havaneses typically get along with different family members and pets:
Children (0-5 years)
Havaneses are gentle but small - supervise with toddlers to prevent accidental injury to the dog
Tip: Teach children to be gentle and never disturb the dog while eating or sleeping
Children (5-12 years)
Excellent playmates! Havaneses often bond strongly with school-age children
Tip: A great age to involve kids in feeding, grooming and training
Teenagers
Havaneses typically do well with teenagers who can help with exercise and care
Tip: Teens can take on walking and training responsibilities
Other dogs
Most Havaneses can live happily with other dogs when properly introduced
Tip: Gradual introductions on neutral territory work best
Cats
Can learn to live with cats, especially if raised together
Tip: Early socialization with cats increases success
Small pets (rabbits, hamsters)
Caution advised - most dogs have some prey instinct toward small animals
Tip: Always keep small pets securely housed when the dog is around
Living Situation Compatibility
Apartment
Havaneses can adapt well to apartment living with enough exercise
- Daily walks are essential
- Generally quiet indoors
- Mental stimulation is important
House with yard
An ideal setup for most Havaneses - space to play and explore
- Secure fencing required
- Supervised outdoor time recommended
- Still needs walks for enrichment
Rural/farm
Havaneses enjoy rural settings
- Good recall training is essential
- Watch out for wildlife
- Plenty of room to exercise
First-time owner
Havaneses are a good match for first-time owners - eager to please and trainable
- Basic obedience classes recommended
- Plenty of patience
- Consistent routine
Work from home
Havaneses love having their people around all day
- Set boundaries for work time
- Schedule regular play breaks
- Create a comfortable space for them
Away 8+ hours
Havaneses can handle time alone with the right setup
- Gradual training to be alone
- Enrichment toys
- Morning exercise before leaving
Training Your Havanese
Highly trainable
Quick learner, eager to please, a good match for first-time owners
Training Tips
- Use positive reinforcement
- Start training early
- Keep sessions short and fun
- Consistent commands work best
Exercise Needs
Needs 45-60 minutes of daily exercise
Recommended Activities:
- Daily walks (vary routes for mental stimulation)
- Fetch and interactive play
- Puzzle toys and training sessions
Mental Stimulation
Like most dogs, Havaneses need mental challenges to stay happy and avoid boredom-related behavior.
Ideas:
- Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys
- Short training sessions (10-15 min)
- Nose work and scent games
- New environments and experiences