Toy group · Cuba
Havanese
Also called Havana Silk Dog, Blanquito de la Habana, Spanish Silk Poodle.
What makes them remarkable
Dogs taken out of Cuba helped preserve the Havanese after the Cuban Revolution.
- Intelligent
- Outgoing
- Funny
- Affectionate
- Gentle
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 3 to 6 kg7 to 13 lb
- Lives
- 14 to 16 years
- Energy
- Moderate
- Trains
- High
- Barks
- Moderate
Training
Training a Havanese
Toy breeds. Train them like a dog, not an ornament. Small dogs skip the manners work because they can be picked up.
Avoid Separation Issues
Start here
Bred as companions, they can develop separation anxiety. Practice alone time from puppyhood.
Eager to Please
One of the most trainable toy breeds. Reward what you want and they do it more, with enthusiasm.
Trick Training Star
Natural performers who excel at tricks and enjoy showing off for their families.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Havanese and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred for company. Small in body, and often bigger in personality than the owner expected.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsHigh
- StrangersHigh
- CatsHigh
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 30-45 minutes daily. Playful breed that enjoys walks and games.
- Grooming
- High maintenance. Daily brushing for long coat. Many owners opt for shorter trims.
- Drool
- Very Low
- Coat
- Long, Double coat, Silky, WavyWhite, Black, Fawn, Chocolate, Silver, Blue, Cream
- In a flat
- Can work, with enough exercise outside it.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Luxating Patella
Moderate
Common kneecap issue in small breeds
Hip Dysplasia
Mild
Less common in toy breeds but occurs in Havanese
Cataracts
Moderate
Hereditary eye condition leading to vision loss
Where they come from
History
National dog of Cuba, developed from European breeds brought by Spanish colonizers. Nearly extinct after Cuban Revolution but saved by American breeders from dogs that escaped to the US.
- Barbara Walters' Cha-Cha · Beloved companion of the famous journalist
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