Training Your Havanese the Humane Way
Havanese are friendly, alert and attentive to their handlers, but they dislike being left alone and can be chatty. Start early, keep it reward-based, and build good habits from day one.
The Havanese at a glance
From the AKC breed page and the national breed club, as they state it.
| AKC group | Toy (stated on the Westminster Kennel Club page; AKC breed page was blocked, 403) source |
| Origin | Cuba (national dog of Cuba) source |
| Bred for | Pampered lap dog and companion of the aristocracy source |
| Height | 8.5 to 11.5 inches (Westminster); UKC standard says 8.5 to 10.5 inches source |
| Weight | Up to 13 lbs (Westminster); UKC standard says 7 to 14 lbs source |
| Life expectancy | Up to 16 years (Westminster maximum); Purina says 13-15 years. Sources differ. source |
| Energy | 3 out of 5 (Westminster scale, not the AKC scale) source |
| Trainability | 4 out of 5 (Westminster scale) source |
| Barking | 4 out of 5 (Westminster scale). Vetstreet: bark is not yappy but sounds like it is from a bigger dog. source |
| Shedding | 2 out of 5 (Westminster scale) source |
| Temperament | Friendly, playful, alert and intelligent; UKC: quiet and gentle but enjoys rowdy play source |
Havanese Training Guides
Practical, reward-based guides for the first weeks and beyond, written around what this breed does well and where it needs help.
Puppy
From the first night home to adolescence: a Havanese puppy's training.
Training basics
Potty, crate and leash training, written for Havaneses.
Behavior
The Havanese problems owners ask about most, and the instincts behind them.
Exercise and jobs
How much a Havanese needs to do, and the sports and work the breed was made for.
What Havaneses do
Sports and work the breed is known for. source
Havanese health screening
Tests the breed's club and OFA recommend for breeding dogs. Ask a breeder for results.
| Recommended screens | OFA Hips, OFA Patellas, Annual CAER eye exam (CHIC required), BAER hearing (recommended additional test for younger dogs), Cardiovascular testing (recommended), Thyroid testing (recommended) source |
| Health issues the club notes | Eye disorders such as cataracts and cherry eye | Hearing loss | Orthopedic problems: hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, chondrodysplasia | Heart disease | Thyroid disorders | Sebaceous adenitis source |
| National breed club | Havanese Club of America, Inc. (HCA), AKC parent club, https://havaneseclubofamerica.org/ source |
Havanese Training Questions Answered
Are Havanese easy to train?
Sources describe them that way. Vetstreet calls the breed easy to train and says to start the day the puppy comes home, and the United Kennel Club calls them intelligent and attentive to the handler. Westminster rates trainability 4 out of 5. Individual dogs still vary.
Do Havanese bark a lot?
Westminster Kennel Club rates barking 4 out of 5, so plan to teach quiet habits early. Vetstreet says the bark is not yappy but sounds like it comes from a bigger dog. Reward calm moments, and teach a quiet cue with treats instead of scolding.
Can a Havanese be left alone?
This is a known challenge. Purina notes the breed does not like being left alone and can have separation issues. Build alone time in small, calm steps with rewards. If your dog panics or distress seems serious, talk with your veterinarian.
How much exercise does a Havanese need?
Purina suggests about half an hour of exercise daily, with varied walks. Westminster rates energy 3 out of 5. The United Kennel Club says the breed is gentle but enjoys rowdy play, so mix walks with short games and training sessions.
What health screening should I ask a breeder about?
The Havanese Club of America lists OFA hips, OFA patellas and an annual CAER eye exam for CHIC. It also recommends BAER hearing, cardiac and thyroid testing. Ask to see results, and bring any health questions about your own dog to your veterinarian.
General training information. Every dog is an individual; for health or behavior concerns, see your veterinarian.