Also called Bichon Havanais, Bichon Habanero, Havaneser, Cuban Bichon, Havana Silk Dog
Recognised breedFCI group 9Deep profile
From Cuba (FCI country of origin), from Bichon-type dogs of the Western Mediterranean brought over by Spanish and Italian ships; the national dog of Cuba1234
The FCI standard sets no weight. UKC gives 7-14 lb (about 3.2-6.4 kg) with mid-size preferred; Hill's gives 8-13 lb (about 3.6-5.9 kg) for males and 7-12 lb (about 3.2-5.4 kg) for females.
long, soft, silky double coat (flat, wavy or curly; may be corded)
A small, sturdy dog that is a little longer than it is tall, with a plumed tail carried over the back and a bouncy, springy way of moving. The abundant coat is very soft and light, falling flat, in waves or in curls, and often gathers into loose locks. The FCI standard gives a length of 12-18 cm and asks that it be left natural rather than scissored, apart from tidying the feet; the adult coat can take several years to fully develop and some dogs are shown with a corded coat.2547
Colourswhitefawn (all shades)blackhavana browntobaccoreddish brownpatches of these colourstan markingsUKC and AKC: all colours and combinations acceptable254
Personality what they are like
A happy, outgoing little companion that loves to be close to its people and enjoys making them laugh. It is usually gentle and fairly quiet but will throw itself into lively games, and it is known for getting on well with children. Bright and eager to please, it learns quickly and will often let the household know when someone arrives. Early, friendly socialisation helps it feel confident with new people.2567
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low to moderate. The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to 30 minutes a day and Hill's 20-40 minutes. Short walks plus indoor play and games keep it content; it also enjoys dog sports such as agility and obedience.364
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
High. The Royal Kennel Club advises daily grooming, and Hill's recommends thorough brushing and combing at least three times a week to keep the coat free of tangles. Shedding is minimal. Many pet owners keep the coat shorter for easier upkeep, while show dogs are presented untrimmed or corded.3624
Home where they are happiest
An indoor companion that suits flats and apartments as well as houses, in town or country. A small garden is a bonus but not essential. It does best in a home where someone is around for much of the day.36
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, good-quality food formulated for small breeds and matched to life stage, given in portions that suit its small size and activity level.6
Company who they like around
High. Bred purely as a companion, it wants to be with its family and is not suited to long hours alone or kennel life. It usually gets along well with children and other pets, and UKC notes it especially enjoys the company of other Havanese.652
The story where it all began
The Havanese belongs to the Bichon family of small, soft-coated companion dogs from the Western Mediterranean. Dogs of this type, often linked to the Tenerife dog of the Canary Islands, reached Cuba aboard Spanish and Italian trading ships from around the 1500s. On the island they were crossed with other small breeds such as the Maltese and Poodle and developed into the 'Blanquito de la Habana', a pampered pet of Cuba's wealthy families and nobility. The breed also found favour in Europe, where it was shown in England from 1863 and became fashionable in the Victorian era. After the Cuban Revolution of 1959 very few of the old Cuban lines remained, but some dogs travelled to the United States with emigrating families. In the 1970s Dorothy and Bert Goodale gathered 11 dogs to rebuild the breed, and Dorothy Goodale founded the Havanese Club of America in 1979. UKC recognised the breed in 1991, the AKC in the mid-1990s, and it has since become one of the more popular companion breeds in the US.284365
The AKC describes it as the only dog breed native to Cuba.7
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It was nicknamed the 'Havana Silk Dog' because its light double coat feels like fine silk.6
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The modern breed outside Cuba was rebuilt from just 11 dogs gathered by Dorothy and Bert Goodale in the 1970s.8
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Charles Dickens owned a Havanese named Tim in the mid-1800s, according to the Havanese Club of America.8
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Cuba featured the Havanese on a postage stamp in 1992, and it has also appeared on stamps from countries including Poland, Hungary, Romania and Mongolia.8
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The FCI standard asks for the coat to be left natural: scissoring to even out the length is not allowed, only tidying of the feet.2
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Its coat can form narrow locks that give a lacy, braided look, and some Havanese are shown fully corded.5
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Havanese have worked as therapy dogs, hearing dogs that alert owners to sounds, and detection dogs, and they compete in agility and obedience.4
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The Havanese is named after Havana, the capital of Cuba, as it is the only dog breed native to Cuba.7
Famous ones stars of the breed
Bruiser Woods Elle Woods' beloved pet in the Legally Blonde films, known for his pink outfits and loyal companionship.7
This morning I woke up right next to my human's face, gave a little lick, and wagged my tail. After a short stroll to sniff every bush, I showed off my latest trick, a spin, for a treat. Then I played fetch with my squeaky toy, rolling on my back with pure joy. When visitors came, I barked a happy hello and wiggled my whole body. In the afternoon, I curled up in my favorite sunny spot and watched the birds. Life is full of love and laughter.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 250 (Bichon Havanais), Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 1 (Bichons and related breeds); definitive acceptance 24 Sep 1963; current standard dated 31 Oct 2016; no working trial1
Toy Group; first registrable in 1996 per AKC. The Havanese Club of America dates Miscellaneous Class entry to 1996 and full Toy Group acceptance to 1999.9
These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.
You need
100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
a little water (as needed)
How
Preheat your oven to 175°C.
Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.
How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.
These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.
You need
30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)
How
Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.
How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Havanese, and at what times?
Feed your Havanese a complete, good-quality food for small breeds, split into at least two meals a day for adults. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule that suits your dog's age and activity.611
What should a Havanese eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A good-quality food made for small breeds, matched to your dog's life stage, is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onion, garlic, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially harmful to dogs.612
How often should I bathe a Havanese?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath about every four weeks, though the ASPCA says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Havanese gets dirty, and always use a gentle dog shampoo.13Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Havanese need brushing?
The Royal Kennel Club advises daily grooming, and Hill's recommends thorough brushing and combing at least three times a week to prevent tangles. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every two days, especially since the coat is long and silky.36Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Havanese's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part), and ask your vet or a groomer to show you how if you're unsure.13Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Havanese need?
The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to 30 minutes a day, and Hill's recommends 20 to 40 minutes. Furry Diary's plan includes about 60 minutes daily, with short walks and indoor play, plus fun dog sports like agility.36Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Havanese's teeth and ears?
Brush your Havanese's teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, and never use human toothpaste. Check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, especially since floppy ears trap moisture, and gently dry them without pushing anything into the ear canal.13Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Havanese live?
A Havanese typically lives between 10 and 15 years, bringing many happy years of companionship.634
Is a Havanese good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Havanese is known for getting on well with children and other pets, and it especially enjoys the company of other Havanese. Early, friendly socialisation helps it feel confident with new people and animals.2567
Can a Havanese be left alone?
The Havanese is bred as a companion and wants to be with its family, so it is not suited to long hours alone. It does best in a home where someone is around for much of the day.652
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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