The Havanese Dog: A Loving Companion and Ideal Family Pet
The Havanese breed is a small but sturdy toy dog known for its affectionate nature, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat. Originally from Cuba, the Havanese has become a popular companion dog in the United States and beyond.
History and Origin of the Havanese
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, tracing its lineage back to the Bichon family of small dogs. Spanish settlers brought these early ancestors to Cuba, where they evolved into the modern Havanese. Historically favored by Cuban aristocracy, the breed nearly disappeared after the Cuban Revolution but was preserved by dedicated breeders. Today, the Havanese breeder community ensures the breed remains strong and healthy.
Havanese Temperament and Personality
If you're searching for Havanese puppies for sale, researching reputable breeders, or considering this breed for your family, you probably have a sense of how great this breed is! They have a terrific temperament, with a friendly and affectionate demeanor. They thrive on human companionship and do well in all kinds of households. They thrive with families and with single owners alike. They're highly adaptable and can live anywhere from rural homes to city apartments.
Havanese dogs are also intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Reputable Havanese breeders will prioritize temperament in their breeding programs to ensure puppies grow into well-adjusted adults — that's something we really focus on at Bonita Havanese. Havanese dogs can excel in obedience training and even dog sports like agility.
Physical Characteristics of the Havanese
The Havanese is a small breed, typically weighing between 7 and 13 pounds and standing 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder. One of their most distinctive features is their long, silky coat, which can be wavy or curly and comes in a wide range of colors, including white, black, chocolate, fawn, and parti-color variations.
Their coat is considered hypoallergenic, which makes them a popular choice for individuals with allergies. To prevent matting and maintain their soft, flowing fur, they need to be groomed regularly.
Caring for a Havanese Puppy
If you’re considering bringing a Havanese puppy home, here some tips for their proper care:
Diet and Nutrition
Havanese dogs do well on high-quality, small-breed dog food that meets their nutritional needs. Look for brands that offer balanced protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins to support their growth and energy levels.
Exercise and Play
Despite their small size, Havanese are energetic and require daily exercise. Short walks, playtime in a fenced yard, and interactive toys help keep them stimulated. They enjoy socializing, so dog park visits and playdates can be beneficial.
Training and Socialization
Havanese puppies respond well to positive reinforcement training. Early socialization with different people, pets, and environments is crucial to raising a confident and well-mannered dog. At Bonita Havanese, we start socializing our puppies very young so they're comfortable in a wide range of situations.
Finding a Reputable Havanese Breeder
When looking for Havanese puppies near you, it’s important to find a responsible breeder who prioritizes health, temperament, and ethical breeding practices. A reputable Havanese breeder does OFA and CERF testing and will provide health clearances, allow you to visit, and answer questions about the breed’s care and history.
Avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders. They often prioritize profit over the well-being of the dogs. Instead, look for breeders affiliated with organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Havanese Club of America.
Are Havanese Dogs Right for You?
Havanese dogs are affectionate, intelligent, and adaptable, but they do require attention, regular grooming, and training. If you’re looking for a small companion with a big personality, a Havanese puppy might be the perfect fit!
A Great Breed with So Much to Offer
The Havanese breed offers an excellent combination of charm, intelligence, and companionship. Whether you’re searching for Havanese puppies available now or simply researching the breed, knowing what to expect can help you make the right decision. At Bonita Havanese we breed wonderful dogs to the AKC breed standard and have been involved with this great breed for decades. We know how to ensure they thrive — and are you perfect companion.