Havanese
hav-uh-NEEZ
Outgoing, Happy, Intelligent, Playful. Originally bred for companionship for cuban aristocracy.
An adult Havanese weighs 7-13 lbs (male) or 7-13 lbs (female), needs 200-420 calories daily, and lives 14-16 yrs. As a toy breed, every calorie and every ounce of body weight matters proportionally more. The breed's primary health watch is patellar luxation. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Havanese needs 200 to 420 calories per day. An average male (10 lbs / 4.5 kg) needs around 300 kcal; a female (10 lbs / 4.5 kg) roughly 300 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Havanese. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Smaller breeds generally live longer than large breeds, and the Havanese benefits from this with a life expectancy of 14-16 yrs. Their compact frames create their own set of vulnerabilities. The breed's primary health concerns are patellar luxation and heart murmurs, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
30-45 minutes daily. Playful and happy to engage in activities but not demanding of intense exercise. Despite their small size, Havaneses have real exercise needs. Short walks, indoor play sessions, and training activities all count. Their small bodies tire more quickly than large breeds, so several short activity bursts throughout the day work better than one long session.
Care and traits
Havaneses have a long, silky, wavy (can be corded) coat. Origin: Cuba (Havana).
Cuba's only native breed. The national dog of Cuba. Nearly went extinct after the Cuban Revolution; the breed was saved by a handful of families who brought their dogs to the US. Their coat can be kept long (with daily brushing) or in a puppy clip for easier maintenance.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, but they still need daily outdoor exposure and socialization. Small dogs are vulnerable to injury from rough handling, falls from furniture, and confrontations with larger animals. Supervision around young children is essential.
Tools for Havanese owners
Frequently asked questions
A healthy adult Havanese requires between 200 and 420 calories daily. A 10-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Tiny dogs have fast metabolisms relative to body size. They burn energy quickly and can be vulnerable to blood sugar drops between meals. Indoor-only dogs need less; those with yard access and regular play need more. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Expect your Havanese to weigh 7-13 lbs (3.2–5.9 kg), with minimal difference between sexes.2–5.9 kg). At this size, even a few ounces of extra weight is proportionally significant. A toy breed a pound over ideal weight is like a human carrying 15-20 extra pounds. Check body condition by feeling the ribs (they should be easy to find), viewing from above (waist should narrow behind the ribs), and from the side (abdomen should tuck up behind the ribcage).
The top health priority for Havanese owners is awareness of patellar luxation. Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap) is common in this size range. Maintaining a lean weight reduces stress on the knee joint. Moderate, consistent exercise strengthens the surrounding muscles. Severe cases may require surgical correction. Other conditions seen in the breed include heart murmurs, cataracts, legg-calve-perthes disease. Regular vet visits with breed-specific screening catch problems when they are most treatable.
A daily routine of 30 to 45 minutes of movement suits most Havaneses. Good activities for this breed include indoor fetch, short walks, interactive toys. Indoor play and training sessions count as legitimate exercise for dogs this size. While not as demanding as high-energy breeds, a Havanese that gets no exercise will gain weight and may develop behavioral issues.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026