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Toy group · Cuba

Havanese

Also called Havana Silk Dog, Blanquito de la Habana, Spanish Silk Poodle.

Tiny dog, moderate energy, quick to learn.

  • Intelligent
  • Outgoing
  • Funny
  • Affectionate
  • Gentle
AI-generated illustration of an adult Havanese
AI-generated illustration
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.

  1. Avoid Separation Issues

    Start here

    Bred as companions, they can develop separation anxiety. Practice alone time from puppyhood.

  2. Eager to Please

    One of the most trainable toy breeds. Responds enthusiastically to positive reinforcement.

  3. 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, on video with Atlas and Shango.

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

Similar breeds

All breeds

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