I’ve always found Havanese dogs to be charming companions with their soft coats and gentle personalities. They’re people-oriented pets that tend to form strong bonds with their owners, making them excellent family dogs.
Havanese are known for being affectionate, loyal, and good with children, which makes them a wonderful choice for many households.
Before bringing a Havanese into your home, it’s important to understand both the joys and challenges of the breed. Like any dog, they have specific needs and traits that might fit well with your lifestyle—or create some difficulties.
Their separation anxiety and potty training challenges are things to consider alongside their lower exercise needs and trainability.
Affectionate and loyal companions
Havanese dogs are known for their incredibly affectionate nature. I’ve found that these little pups form strong bonds with their owners and truly live up to their reputation as “velcro dogs” because they love to stick by your side.
When I first got my Havanese, I was surprised by how quickly he became attached to me. He follows me from room to room and always wants to be where I am.
The search results confirm that affection and loyalty are top traits for this breed. They’re not just pets; they become true family members who offer unconditional love.
I love how my Havanese shows his affection in different ways. Sometimes it’s by snuggling in my lap while I watch TV, other times it’s the excited greeting I get when I come home.
These dogs genuinely care about their humans’ feelings too. My Havanese seems to sense when I’m sad or upset and will try to comfort me with gentle nudges and cuddles.
Their loyalty is impressive as well. My little guy is always looking out for me and seems happiest when we’re together.
If you’re looking for a dog that will be your devoted companion, a Havanese might be perfect for you. Their loving nature makes them excellent emotional support animals too.
Good with children
Havanese dogs are amazing companions for families with kids. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them perfect playmates for children of all ages. I’ve seen many Havanese form special bonds with the little ones in their families.
These dogs are patient and rarely get annoyed with the noise and energy that comes with having children around. They’re sturdy for a toy breed, which means they can handle gentle play without getting hurt easily.
I love how Havanese don’t tend to nip or bite when playing with kids. Instead, they’re more likely to shower them with kisses and cuddles. This makes parents feel at ease when their children interact with these fluffy companions.
Their small size is also perfect for children. Havanese aren’t intimidating like larger breeds might be, yet they’re robust enough not to be too fragile around careful children.
Remember that supervision is still important, especially with very young children who might not understand how to properly handle a dog. But overall, Havanese make wonderful family pets that your children will adore.
Low shedding, hypoallergenic coat
If you’re worried about dog hair all over your furniture, the Havanese might be perfect for you. I’ve found that these little dogs shed very little compared to many other breeds. This makes housekeeping much easier!
While no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic (as the search results mention), Havanese are considered more allergy-friendly than many other dogs. Their coat type tends to trap dander rather than releasing it into the air.
For people with mild to moderate allergies, a Havanese can often be a good choice. I know several allergy sufferers who do just fine with these fluffy companions.
The low-shedding quality doesn’t mean no maintenance, though. Their beautiful, silky coats need regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
In my experience, this grooming time becomes a nice bonding activity. My Havanese seems to enjoy the attention during our brushing sessions.
For families concerned about allergies or who don’t want fur everywhere, the Havanese’s coat is definitely a big pro to consider when choosing this breed.
Gentle and happy demeanor
Havanese dogs are known for their soft, gentle nature. I’ve noticed that these adorable pups almost always seem to be in a good mood, sporting what many owners call a permanent “smile.”
Their happy temperament makes them a joy to be around. I find that Havanese dogs rarely show aggression and instead prefer to shower their families with affection and playfulness.
These little companions respond best to positive training methods. I’ve learned that harsh corrections can hurt their sensitive feelings, while praise and treats bring out their eager-to-please attitude.
Havanese dogs often get along wonderfully with children and other pets. I appreciate how they tend to adapt their play style to match whoever they’re interacting with, showing remarkable social intelligence.
Their gentle nature doesn’t mean they’re timid, though. I’ve found most Havanese to be confident little dogs who enjoy meeting new people and experiencing new situations.
Friendly with other pets
Havanese dogs are generally very sociable with other pets in the household. I’ve noticed that my Havanese gets along wonderfully with my cats and even my small pets like guinea pigs.
They have a gentle nature that makes them good companions for other animals. My Havanese never shows aggression toward other pets, which is a huge plus for multi-pet households.
These little dogs seem to enjoy having furry friends around. I find that my Havanese actually seems happier when he has another pet to play with during the day.
If you introduce them properly, Havanese can form strong bonds with other animals. I made sure to introduce my pets slowly, and now they sleep together and share toys without any issues.
Their small size also means they’re less intimidating to other animals. My older cat wasn’t scared of my Havanese puppy, which made the adjustment period much easier for everyone.
These dogs are adaptable and seem to understand how to interact appropriately with different types of pets. I’ve watched my Havanese play gently with smaller animals but more energetically with our larger dog.
Easy to train
I’ve found that Havanese dogs are quite easy to train. They’re smart cookies who pick up commands quickly and seem eager to please their owners.
These little pups respond best to positive training methods. When I use treats and praise instead of harsh corrections, my Havanese learns much faster.
Their intelligence makes them quick learners for basic commands and even some impressive tricks. Many Havanese owners tell me their dogs mastered commands in just a few training sessions.
One thing I love about training my Havanese is how they pay attention. They focus well during short training sessions, making the process enjoyable for both of us.
Because they’re so people-oriented, Havanese genuinely want to make you happy. This natural desire to please makes training sessions more productive.
I did notice they can be a bit stubborn sometimes. When my Havanese isn’t in the mood to train, a little extra patience goes a long way.
Potty training can be more challenging with Havanese compared to other aspects of training. Many owners mention this takes more time and consistency than teaching other behaviors.
Low exercise needs
Havanese dogs are perfect for people who don’t want a high-energy pet. These fluffy companions don’t need tons of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
A simple daily walk around the neighborhood is usually enough for a Havanese. I’ve found that 20-30 minutes of walking keeps them content and helps them burn off just enough energy.
They also enjoy indoor playtime, which makes them great apartment dogs. I love that I can play with my Havanese inside on rainy days, and they’re just as satisfied as they would be with outdoor activities.
This low exercise requirement is especially helpful for busy people or those with limited mobility. I appreciate not having to plan long, strenuous outings to keep my dog happy.
Don’t be fooled though – while they don’t need much exercise, Havanese dogs still love to play! They enjoy short bursts of energy, playing with toys, and following you around the house.
Strong social bonds
Havanese dogs form really strong bonds with their owners. I’ve noticed they often follow their people from room to room, earning them the nickname “velcro dogs.” They truly want to be part of everything you do.
These little companions hate being alone for long periods. My Havanese gets sad when I leave the house, which is something to consider if you work long hours away from home.
The good news is they’re very social with other pets too. Many Havanese owners find that having two dogs helps with separation anxiety since they keep each other company.
I love how these dogs connect with the whole family. They don’t usually pick just one favorite person and ignore others – they spread their love around to everyone in the household.
Children often develop special relationships with Havanese dogs. Their gentle, patient nature makes them good playmates for kids, though all interactions should still be supervised.
Compact size for small living spaces
One thing I love about Havanese dogs is their tiny size. These little pups only weigh between 7-13 pounds when fully grown, making them perfect for apartment living or small homes.
Their compact size means they don’t need much space to be happy. I can easily bring my Havanese with me almost anywhere, which is a huge plus for someone living in a smaller space.
Many landlords who have weight restrictions for pets will accept Havanese due to their small stature. This makes finding housing easier if you’re a renter with this breed.
According to the search results, Havanese are considered one of the sturdiest toy breeds despite their small size. This means you get a durable little companion that won’t take up much room in your home.
Their portable size makes them great travel companions too. Most Havanese can even fit under airline seats, so you can bring them along on trips without much hassle.
Unlike larger breeds, Havanese don’t need a big yard to run around in. A small living space works just fine as long as they get their daily walks and some playtime indoors.
Potential separation anxiety
One issue to consider with Havanese dogs is their tendency toward separation anxiety. These adorable pups form strong bonds with their owners and often don’t like being left alone for long periods.
I’ve found that Havanese truly are “people dogs” who want to be with their humans as much as possible. When left alone too long, they might become stressed, which can lead to unwanted behaviors like excessive barking or chewing.
The good news is that separation anxiety isn’t necessarily an inherent trait in all Havanese. Many experts suggest that most cases of “separation anxiety” in this breed are actually human-made rather than being part of their genetic makeup.
With proper training and conditioning, you can help your Havanese adjust to being alone. Starting early by practicing short separations while you’re still at home can make a big difference.
If you work long hours or travel frequently, this breed might pose some challenges. A Havanese probably isn’t the best choice for someone who’s rarely home or can’t bring their dog along regularly.
Sensitive to harsh training methods
Havanese dogs have gentle souls that don’t respond well to tough training approaches. I’ve found these furry friends thrive when treated with kindness and positive reinforcement during training sessions.
When I raise my voice or show frustration, my Havanese tends to shut down rather than learn. They’re naturally eager to please but can become anxious or fearful if scolded harshly.
Force-free, positive training methods work best for this breed. I always get better results using treats, praise, and play as rewards rather than punishment or stern corrections.
These sensitive pups form strong bonds with their owners and can become emotionally hurt by harsh words. I’ve noticed my Havanese remembers negative experiences and may become hesitant around activities associated with previous scolding.
Training a Havanese requires patience and understanding of their sensitive nature. I find that keeping sessions short, fun, and rewarding creates a happy learner rather than a stressed one.
Requires regular grooming
Havanese dogs have beautiful, long, silky coats that need a lot of care. I have to brush my Havanese every day to prevent their fur from getting tangled and matted. If I skip even a few days, I’ll find little knots starting to form in their soft coat.
Regular grooming sessions are a must with this breed. I spend about 15-20 minutes daily running a brush through my pup’s hair, paying special attention to areas like behind the ears and under the legs where mats tend to form.
Some Havanese owners choose to keep their dogs in a “puppy cut” – a shorter haircut that requires less maintenance. I tried this once during summer, and it definitely reduced the daily brushing time, though regular trips to the groomer were still necessary.
Speaking of professional grooming, I take my Havanese to the groomer every 6-8 weeks for a bath, trim, and nail clipping. This helps maintain their coat’s health and appearance between my daily home care routines.
The grooming requirement is probably one of the biggest time commitments of owning this breed. I’ve found that making it a relaxing bonding time with my dog helps it feel less like a chore.
Be prepared for the cost of grooming supplies too. Good quality brushes, combs, dog-safe conditioners, and occasional professional grooming services can add up over time.
Can be stubborn at times
Havanese dogs can show a stubborn streak occasionally. I’ve noticed that when my Havanese doesn’t want to do something, he makes it very clear with his actions. This isn’t because they’re bad dogs – they’re just smart!
Many Havanese owners report that their dogs can be mildly stubborn during training sessions. When my dog doesn’t follow commands, it’s usually because he’s either confused about what I want or he thinks he has a better idea.
The search results suggest something important – if a dog seems stubborn, they might actually be smarter than their trainer! I’ve found this to be true with my Havanese. When he acts stubborn, I need to rethink my training approach.
The good news is that Havanese are generally easy to train despite occasional stubbornness. I’ve learned that positive reinforcement works much better than getting frustrated. Treats, praise, and patience go a long way with this breed.
Potty training can be an area where Havanese show their stubborn side. Many owners find this takes extra time and consistency compared to other breeds. I had to be very patient during this process with my pup.
Thrives on human interaction
Havanese dogs are known for their love of human companionship. I’ve found that these adorable pups genuinely enjoy being around people and form strong bonds with their owners.
They don’t do well when left alone for long periods. My Havanese follows me from room to room, always wanting to be where the action is happening.
This breed thrives when they’re included in family activities. I’ve noticed my Havanese is happiest when cuddled up on the couch or playing games with me and my family.
The affection they show is truly heartwarming. They’ll often seek out pets and cuddles, making them perfect companions for people who want a loving furry friend.
May bark excessively if not trained
Like all dogs, my Havanese likes to bark. It’s their way of communicating with us. However, I’ve noticed Havanese can be quite vocal if they aren’t properly trained.
My little furry friend sometimes barks when the doorbell rings or when strangers approach our home. This makes them good watchdogs, but without training, this barking can become a problem.
I’ve learned that Havanese are smart dogs and can be trained to bark on cue. They can also learn when to stop barking, which is super helpful if you live in an apartment or have close neighbors.
In my experience, consistent training from an early age helps manage their barking habits. Teaching them commands like “quiet” or “enough” works well when they get too excited.
Some Havanese bark when they’re bored or anxious. I make sure my pup gets enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent this behavior.
Remember that patience is key! My Havanese responded well to positive reinforcement when learning not to bark excessively. Treats and praise go a long way in training these intelligent little dogs.
