Personality
Imagine owning a tiny comedian with fur that rivals a shampoo commercial—welcome to life with a Havanese. This Cuban-born charmer prances through life like every room is a red carpet event. With their bright eyes, flowing coat, and an almost absurd level of friendliness, they’re basically the extroverts of the dog world. They’ll happily perform tricks, greet strangers, and photobomb your Zoom meetings, all while acting like they invented cuteness.
Despite their glam appearance, Havanese aren’t high maintenance in attitude—just in hair care. Regular brushing keeps them looking like the living plush toys they are. They’re also surprisingly brainy and love to learn, especially if training involves treats and lavish praise. You might spot them riding in a stroller, lounging in a purse, or lounging dramatically on your pillow like it’s a throne. Don’t be fooled by their size—these dogs are packed with personality and have a flair for dramatic entrances and sudden zoomies. If you wanted a low-drama lapdog, you came to the wrong Havana.
Trait Table
The Havanese is a people-loving, apartment-adaptable, endlessly social fluffball with a surprisingly clever mind. They thrive on companionship and may follow you like a shadow across the house—or the street. Barking is not their default mode, but they’ll use their voice if necessary. With moderate energy and a fun-loving spirit, they enjoy games and walks, especially if there's a chance to show off. Grooming takes time, but they wear their silky locks like runway models. While they are friendly with nearly everyone, their charm truly blooms with their beloved humans. They’re quick learners and surprisingly eager to please, provided there's applause or snacks.
If you haven't already check out our awesome blog series about success and messy failures of trying to train a dog, And the lessons learnt along the way in The Bark Side Chronicles.
