Temperament & behavior
AKC temperament summary: intelligent / outgoing / funny. Adaptability 5/5, affection with family 5/5, openness to strangers 5/5, barking 4/5 (talkative — has opinions about everything), watchdog/protective nature 3/5.
Likes, dislikes & how they play
💙 What they love
- Interactive games — fetch, tug, chase
- Being in the middle of family life
- Meeting new people
🚫 What they hate
- Long days home alone
- Nothing much — they narrate life anyway
- Being bored without a job to do
- Rough, chaotic handling
Games with rules suit this breed best: fetch, tug, and chase, ideally woven into training. Add puzzle feeders and scent games for the brain — a mentally tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
Shedding & grooming
Shedding: Low-Moderate. Shedding 2/5, coat-grooming frequency 3/5, coat length varies. Light shedder — most hair stays on the dog.
Weekly brushing plus periodic baths keeps the Havanese coat in shape; check ears and trim nails monthly.
Aggression tendencies — the honest read
| Toward | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Strangers | Typically friendly with visitors |
| Other dogs | Typically loves other dogs |
No meaningful guard-dog tendency; individual socialization and training still shape adult behavior.
Exercise needs
45–60 per day per day. Energy level 3/5, mental-stimulation needs 3/5.
Good with…?
- Kids: Excellent with children — famously patient
- Other pets: Typically loves other dogs
- First-time owners: Yes — forgiving of beginner mistakes
Health risks to know upfront
- Hip dysplasia — confirm breeder screens breeding stock (OFA/PennHIP)
- Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap)
- Eye disorders — reputable breeders screen annually
- Deafness in some lines — BAER testing used by responsible breeders
- Heart conditions — cardiac screening recommended
Is this breed right for you?
Households able to offer a daily walk and some play.
Before choosing, read the complete pre-dog checklist — most mismatches are preventable with one honest evening of planning.
