The Havanese is a small, cheerful companion dog with a silky coat and a big love for its people. Owners most often struggle with separation anxiety, slow potty training, barking at the door and keeping that long coat free of mats.
Havanese at a glance
- Size: small, usually around 7 to 13 pounds.
- Energy level: moderate; playful bursts followed by long naps on your lap.
- Shedding level: low, but the coat tangles easily and needs regular brushing.
- Barking tendency: moderate; often barks to announce visitors.
- Good for first-time owners: yes, as long as grooming and alone-time training are planned.
- Time alone tolerance: low; this breed tends to want company most of the day.
Common Havanese problems and solutions
Why does my Havanese cry when I leave?
Havanese were bred as close companions, so many find being alone stressful. Practice very short departures, give a stuffed chew as you leave and build up time slowly over weeks, not days. Keep arrivals and goodbyes low-key so leaving does not feel like a big event. Our guide on how to help a dog with separation anxiety lays out a gentle plan.
Why does my Havanese follow me everywhere?
The breed is often called a “velcro dog” for a reason. Reward your dog for settling on a mat while you move around the room, and add short gates or closed doors so it learns that being apart is normal. Read why a dog follows you everywhere for more.
Is a Havanese hard to potty train?
Small breeds can be slower to house-train because accidents are easy to miss. Take your puppy out after every meal, nap and play session, reward right after it goes and clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner. See a puppy that keeps peeing in the house.
Why is my adult Havanese having accidents again?
Changes in routine, stress, cold or rainy weather, or a health issue can cause setbacks. Go back to a frequent outdoor schedule and talk to your vet if accidents start suddenly; our guide on a house-trained dog having accidents can help.
Why does my Havanese bark at the door?
Your dog is announcing visitors, which many Havanese love to do. Teach a “go to your mat” cue for doorbells and reward calm waiting. Our guide on a dog that won’t stop barking at the door breaks it into easy steps.
Do Havanese shed?
They shed very little onto furniture, but loose hair gets trapped in the coat and forms mats. Brush down to the skin several times a week, and daily if the coat is kept long.
How do I stop my Havanese coat from matting?
Line-brush in small sections, use a metal comb to check for hidden knots behind the ears, under the collar and in the armpits, and dry the coat fully after baths because damp hair tangles fast. Many owners choose a short “puppy cut” every few weeks to keep care easy, especially during busy seasons.
Why does my Havanese get tear stains?
Light-colored small dogs often show reddish staining under the eyes. Wipe the area gently each day with a soft damp cloth, keep hair trimmed away from the eyes and dry the face after meals. Talk to your vet if there is a lot of discharge, redness or squinting.
Why does my Havanese jump on everyone?
It is usually pure excitement to say hello. Ask visitors to greet only when four paws are on the floor, reward your dog for sitting and keep greetings short and calm. Read why a dog jumps on everyone.
Is my Havanese a picky eater?
Some small dogs become fussy when they get too many treats or table scraps. Feed at set times, cut back on extras, remove the bowl after 15 to 20 minutes and offer it again at the next meal. Talk to your vet if your dog skips several meals or seems unwell; see why a dog refuses to eat.
Why does my Havanese chew things when alone?
Boredom and stress both show up as chewing. Offer safe chew toys, a snuffle mat or a food puzzle before you leave, and keep tempting items like shoes and cables out of reach. A short walk and a sniff session before you go helps your dog rest while you are out.
Why does my Havanese bark at night?
Night barking often comes from noises outside, a need to pee or feeling alone in another room. Many Havanese settle better sleeping near their people in a cozy crate. Our guides on how to stop dog barking at night and helping a dog settle at night share simple routines.
Training tips for a Havanese
- Start alone-time practice from the first week, with short and positive separations.
- Use tiny, soft treats and keep sessions short and playful.
- Build a strict potty schedule and celebrate every outdoor success.
- Handle paws, ears and coat daily so grooming becomes a calm routine.
- Teach a “place” or “mat” cue for doorbells and busy moments.
- Socialise gently with kind people, calm dogs and new sounds so your dog stays confident.
- Use trick training for mental exercise; Havanese often love learning new tricks like spin, wave and roll over.
Health questions owners ask
Do Havanese have knee problems?
Kneecap issues are commonly discussed in small breeds, including the Havanese. Watch for skipping or briefly holding up a back leg, keep your dog at a healthy weight, discourage big jumps off furniture and talk to your vet if you notice changes.
Are Havanese prone to eye issues?
Eye concerns come up in conversations about many small breeds. Keep hair out of the eyes, watch for cloudiness, redness or bumping into things, and talk to your vet about regular eye checks as your dog gets older.
Why does my Havanese scratch so much?
Mats, dry skin or allergies can all cause itching. Brush thoroughly and talk to your vet if scratching continues; our guide on why a dog scratches so much explains common causes.
How do I care for my Havanese’s teeth?
Small dogs often need extra dental attention. Start brushing early with a dog toothpaste, aim for several times a week and offer safe dental chews. Bad breath or red gums are worth a check, so talk to your vet about professional cleanings.
Is a Havanese right for you?
Is a Havanese good for apartments?
Yes, it often adapts well to apartment life with daily walks, indoor games and plenty of company. Work on door and hallway barking early so neighbors stay happy, and plan potty breaks carefully if you live on a high floor.
Are Havanese good with kids?
Many are gentle, playful companions for respectful children. Because they are small, teach kids to handle the dog carefully, to sit on the floor when holding it and to let it walk away when it has had enough attention.
Do Havanese get along with other pets?
They usually get along well with other dogs and cats, especially when introduced young and calmly. Supervise play with much larger dogs so your Havanese does not get bowled over.
Is a Havanese good for first-time owners?
Yes, it is often a great first dog thanks to its friendly, eager nature, provided you can be home a lot, keep up with grooming and stay patient with house training. Plan your budget for regular grooming visits too; see how much owning a dog costs.
Related guides
- Separation anxiety guide
- Potty training guide
- Why does my dog bark when I leave?
- Dog destroys things when alone
- Enrichment toys for busy days
- Potty training supplies
Share your Havanese experience
Have tips on grooming, potty training or alone time with a Havanese? Share them in our dog owner community, or compare similar companions like the Bichon Frise and Maltese in our breed guides.