The Complete Havanese Guide

You didn’t land on the Havanese by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. Gentle and affectionate, thrives in close company, and silky coat that doesn't shed heavily, they’re a natural fit for apartment dwellers, retirees, and anyone who wants a true companion dog who is by their side all day who want a devoted, gentle dog who adapts easily to your lifestyle and genuinely wants to be near you. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Havanese?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Havanese? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	4 out of 5	Intelligent and eager to please. Havanese pick up commands quickly when training stays positive and fun
Obedience	4 out of 5	Responds well to direction and quickly learns household rules when reinforcement is consistent
Focus	3 out of 5	Generally attentive, though their social nature can pull focus in busy or stimulating environments
Stubbornness	2 out of 5	Rarely stubborn. They want to cooperate, though they can be sensitive to harsh handling

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	5 out of 5	Deeply devoted to the whole family and happiest when part of daily activities
Good with children	5 out of 5	Gentle, patient, and tolerant. Havanese tend to be excellent with children of all ages
Good with strangers	4 out of 5	Warm and welcoming with new people. They're not standoffish, though proper socialization helps them stay confident
Good with other dogs	4 out of 5	Usually gets along well with other dogs. Their small size calls for supervision with very large dogs

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	5 out of 5	Quiet, compact, and adaptable. One of the best true toy breeds for apartment living
Cold weather	3 out of 5	Handles cool weather reasonably well, but their small body loses heat quickly in genuine cold
Hot weather	3 out of 5	Tolerates moderate warmth but shouldn't be over-exercised in high heat
Routine flexibility	4 out of 5	Adapts well to varied routines as long as they have companionship. They go wherever you go
First time owner	5 out of 5	A genuinely good choice for first-time owners. Easy to train, forgiving, and people-centered

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	3 out of 5	Moderate energy. Lively and playful indoors, they don't need intense outdoor exercise to stay happy
Endurance	2 out of 5	Not built for endurance. Short bursts of play suit them far better than sustained activity
Exercise needs	2 out of 5	Needs 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise. Indoor play and short walks usually satisfy their needs
Mental stimulation	4 out of 5	Intelligent and curious. Regular mental engagement through training or games keeps them sharp and content
Grooming needs	4 out of 5	Their long silky coat requires consistent brushing and regular professional grooming to prevent matting

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	4 out of 5	Playful and cheerful. Havanese maintain their puppy energy well into adulthood
Affection	5 out of 5	One of the most affectionate small breeds. They genuinely thrive on closeness and physical contact
Loyalty	5 out of 5	Deeply bonded to their people. A Havanese is rarely far from the person they are closest to
Independence	1 out of 5	Very low independence. They don't do well alone for extended periods and can develop separation anxiety
Alertness	3 out of 5	Alert and attentive, but not a naturally suspicious dog

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	3 out of 5	Can be vocal when excited or anxious. Early training helps keep barking manageable
Digging tendency	1 out of 5	Not a digger. That instinct is minimal in this breed
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Light chewing tendency, mostly as puppies
Prey drive	1 out of 5	Very low prey drive. Small animals are more likely to be greeted than chased
Guarding instincts	2 out of 5	Alert enough to bark at unusual sounds, but not a guard dog in any meaningful sense

What are common health issues of a Havanese?

Like all breeds, Havaneses are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Havaneses? 

Your Havanese can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
• OFA patella evaluation
• OFA hip evaluation
• Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist

Do Havaneses need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Havanese owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Havanese owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Havanese specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Havaneses are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Havaneses age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Havanese owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$40-$45
2 years old	$40-$45
3 years old	$45-$50
4 years old	$45-$50
5 years old	$50-$55
6 years old	$55-$60
7 years old	$60-$65

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Havanese?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Havanese and your budget.

History of the Havanese

The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba and the only breed native to the country. Descended from the now-extinct Blanquito de la Habana, which itself traced to the Bichon family of Mediterranean toy dogs, the Havanese arrived in Cuba via Spanish settlers in the 1600s. The breed became popular among the Cuban aristocracy and eventually found its way to Europe, where it gained admirers among royalty and nobility in Spain, France, and England. After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, many Cuban refugees brought their Havanese to the United States, and American breeders worked to develop the population from there. The AKC recognized the Havanese in 1996. Today it ranks consistently among the most popular small breeds, particularly in urban environments.

Caring for a Havanese

Training

Training a Havanese is straightforward, but it’s worth the effort. They are bright, social, and highly motivated by attention and treats, which means training is enjoyable and results come quickly when sessions are kept positive. Positive reinforcement with treats, praise, and play in short, engaging sessions tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Havaneses have a long, silky double coat that requires high grooming. Daily brushing is required for dogs kept in a full-length coat, and the occasional trim keeps them looking their best. Professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks is recommended for dogs maintained in a shorter puppy or teddy bear trim.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Havanese looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Havaneses have moderate energy levels and need 30 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Short walks, indoor play sessions, and gentle interactive games are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Havaneses are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become clingy, vocal, and prone to separation anxiety and attention-seeking behaviors. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Havanese will actually love.

Nutrition

Havaneses are small dogs with moderate energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 400 to 550 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $25 to $40 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Havanese here.

Havanese costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Havanese?

Before your Havanese even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$800-$2,500	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$500	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$100-$300	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$100-$200	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Havanese each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Havanese owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$300-$600	Based on the recommended portion for your Havanese
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$400-$800	Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, Long silky coat mats easily; many owners choose a shorter maintenance clip to reduce grooming demands.
Toys and Supplies	$100-$300	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Havanese names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Havanese we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Havanese puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Havanese puppies are affectionate, lively, and closely tuned in to the people around them. That warmth and an eagerness to please is part of what makes them an easy-going, people-centered companion who fits into quiet and active households alike, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Havanese brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Havanese’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Havaneses are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

2. California

Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.

3. Florida

Florida's heat and humidity make heatstroke a real risk, especially in summer. Keep walks to cooler parts of the day and always bring water. Blue-green algae blooms in freshwater lakes and ponds can also be toxic to dogs, so it's best to keep pups out of standing or slow-moving water, particularly from late summer into fall.

4. New Jersey

New Jersey consistently ranks among the top states for Lyme disease cases, so tick prevention is critical for any dog spending time outside, even in suburban backyards. Proximity to the Jersey Shore also means dogs can encounter jellyfish washed ashore, and saltwater ingestion during beach trips can cause stomach issues.

5. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Havanese? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Havanese right for you?

Havaneses reward the right owner with a gentle, adaptable nature that suits a wide range of households and living situations and a closeness and warmth that makes them genuinely pleasant to live with. They just need consistent grooming, daily companionship, and patient early training in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Havanese. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.