Companion toy Small size 3-6 kg

Havanese

A small, cheerful velcro companion that is easy in apartments and great with kids, but it dislikes long hours alone and its coat needs steady work.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
3-6 kg, 22-29 cm
Moderate
Activity
Moderate; a good walk plus play keeps it settled
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Pack-minded; dislikes long hours alone
Easy
Trainability
Willing and quick with consistency
High
Coat care
Long coat; frequent brushing to prevent mats
Excellent
Fit with kids
Gentle and patient with respectful children
Good
Other pets
Pack-social; usually fine with other dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Patella, dental, obesity

The Havanese typically weighs 3-6 kg, stands 22-29 cm, and lives 13-16 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a small, affectionate companion that loves being with you,
you live in a flat and want an easy, adaptable dog,
someone is home for much of the day,
you are happy to brush regularly or pay for grooming.

Do not consider this breed if…

the dog would be alone 8+ hours most days,
you don't want the brushing and grooming a long coat needs,
you want a rugged outdoor or sporting dog,
you cannot supervise a tiny dog around very young or rough children.

A typical day with a Havanese

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Short walk and a potty break; a little cuddle time
  2. 9:30 · Midmorning
    Play and a training game, then a nap nearby
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Second walk or indoor fetch to burn off energy
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Quick brush-through and a chew or puzzle toy
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Family time; it wants to be in the middle of everything
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles happily close to its people

Temperament and training

Affection Very high
Trainability High
Playfulness High
Independence Low
Sensitivity High
Guarding tendency Low
Common owner mistakes
Letting the coat go until it mats, which then needs shaving · Overfeeding and treats, since the breed gains weight easily · Leaving it alone too long and triggering separation anxiety

Family and environment

Kids Excellent
Gentle and playful; teach kids to handle a small dog carefully.
Dogs Good
Social and friendly; usually enjoys other dogs.
Cats Good
Low prey drive; typically coexists well.
Apartment Ideal
Small, adaptable, and quiet enough for flat living.
House with a yard Suitable
Enjoys a yard but wants to be indoors with the family.
City Ideal
Portable and easygoing in busy places.
Countryside Manages
Happy anywhere its people are; not a working dog.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Luxating Patella Kneecap can slip; surgery if severe
Dental Disease Routine home care and cleanings reduce risk
Obesity Prone to weight gain; control diet and portions
Collapsing Trachea Use a harness rather than a neck collar

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Similar cheerful, low-shed companion
Bichon Frise
A cheerful, low-shedding companion that suits apartments and families - just budget for frequent grooming and don't leave it alone for long.
View profile →
Another affectionate long-coated toy
Maltese
A gentle toy lap dog that thrives on company but needs daily coat care and dislikes being left alone.
View profile →
Close cousin with the same temperament
Coton de Tulear
A cheerful, cottony-coated lapdog that lives for company - delightful for apartments but prone to separation distress if left alone.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Havanese cost?
Expect roughly $1,000-$2,500 for a puppy from a reputable US breeder. The purchase is only the start: the long coat means regular grooming bills or your own steady brushing, and small-breed issues like luxating patella and dental disease can add vet costs over a life that often runs 13-16 years. Budget for grooming, dental care, and insurance or a vet fund across that long lifespan.
Are Havanese good with kids?
Yes, they are one of the friendlier small breeds with children, being gentle, playful, and patient. Because they are tiny, the main risk is a child accidentally hurting the dog, so supervise young kids and teach them to be gentle. With respectful handling, a Havanese is an affectionate family companion.
Can a Havanese be left alone during the day?
Not comfortably for long. This is a people-oriented, pack-minded breed that bonds closely and can develop separation anxiety if left 8+ hours most days. It suits a household where someone is home much of the time, or where a dog walker or daycare fills the gap.
Do Havanese need a lot of grooming?
Yes. The long, silky coat mats easily and needs brushing several times a week, plus regular baths and either a professional trim or a shorter clip to keep it manageable. Many owners keep the coat short specifically to cut down the daily work. Neglect it and the coat mats to the point it has to be shaved off.