Havanese
The Havanese is the only dog breed native to Cuba — a cheerful, sociable companion with a long, silky coat. The breed is highly affectionate, easy to train, and gets along well with children and other pets. Its moderate exercise needs and small size make it an excellent choice for city and apartment living.
Weight
3–6 kg
Height at withers
23–27 cm
Life expectancy
14–16 years
Size
small
Activity
medium
Shedding
low
Barking tendency
moderate
Apartment friendly
Excellent apartment dog: small size, moderate activity level, and low shedding make the Havanese an ideal urban companion. Daily walks are important, and the dog should not be left alone for long periods as it thrives on human companionship.
Care
Daily brushing or combing 3+ times per week to prevent matting; bathing every 3–4 weeks; regular professional grooming; daily tooth brushing; approximately 30 minutes of daily exercise in walks or play; avoid leaving alone for extended periods
Health
Patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), congenital deafness, mitral valve disease (MVD), dental disease, sebaceous adenitis
Coat
Long, silky
Travel
Havanese travel well and are generally suitable for airline cabin travel. Crate-train early so the dog is comfortable in the carrier; bring familiar toys and bedding; avoid heavy meals 2–3 hours before a flight. This breed can experience separation anxiety, so keeping the carrier close during travel helps keep the dog calm.
Carrier size
Soft-sided carrier approximately 46–48 cm (L) × 28–30 cm (W) × 25–28 cm (H); for in-cabin air travel choose an airline-compliant model (typically max ~45 × 28 × 25 cm); confirm with your airline before travel
Harness size
Typically XS or S; fit by chest girth (usually 30–40 cm); H-style or Y-style harness preferred to avoid tracheal pressure
Leash
Lightweight 1.2–1.8 m leash or retractable leash up to 3 m for walks; avoid heavy leashes that strain the small dog's neck
Airline cabin travel
usually allowed
This breed guide is always at hand in the Hani Walk app — along with the walk tracker, digital pet passport and vaccination reminders.
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