| Height | 8.5-11.5 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7-13 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 14–16+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Intelligent / Outgoing / Funny [1] |
| AKC group | Toy Group [1] |
| Origin | Cuba [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 25 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Havanese has moderate exercise needs. They will benefit from a brisk daily walk or a fun playtime with their owner in the backyard, as they are happiest when someone is with them. Romping inside the home can also provide enough activity. [1]
Grooming
The long, soft, and silky coat of the Havanese needs to be groomed daily to be kept free of mats and tangles. This can be done by gently running a comb or soft brush over the dog while he is on your lap. Pet owners often choose to have their dog's coat clipped to a short trim to reduce grooming time. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Havanese are generally healthy and fairly long-lived. There are several conditions that the breed can be prone to, including eye disorders, chondrodysplasia, deafness, heart murmurs, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (which affects the hip joint), and patellar luxation. A responsible breederdoes health clearances on all breeding stock. The Havanese Club of Americapresents awards for members' dogs passing and registering Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) results for at least four specific health tests for the breed: an annual eye exam (CAER), a hearing test (BAER), a hip x-ray, and patella (knee) certification. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Havanese in 1996. [1]
- It ranked No. 25 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 24 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Havana Silk Dog.” [1]
- The AKC lists Cuba as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Smallest Dog Breeds, Best Dogs for Apartment Dwellers” breed lists. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 4/5
Common questions
How long do Havaneses live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 14-16 years.
How big does a Havanese get?
AKC breed information lists height 8.5-11.5 inches and weight 7-13 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Havanese?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Havanese, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.