Havanese Puppy Care Guide

Is a Havanese right for your family?

Havanese were bred as companion dogs. They are cheerful, affectionate and happiest close to their people, which is why they are often called “velcro dogs.” Most are friendly with visitors, children and other pets when well socialized, which makes them a lovely family companion.

• Great fit for: families, retirees and apartment dwellers who are home a good part of the day.
• Think twice if: the dog would be alone for long workdays. Havanese can become anxious or noisy when left alone too much.
• With kids: puppies are fragile. Teach children to sit on the floor to cuddle and never to carry the puppy while standing.

Choosing between a boy and a girl? Read our male vs female Havanese guide, or see our available Havanese puppies.

Your puppy’s first nights home

• Set up a crate or pen with a soft bed near where you sleep, so your puppy can hear and smell you.
• Keep the first day calm: few visitors, gentle handling and plenty of naps.
• Take your puppy out to potty right before bed. Young puppies may need one trip during the night too.
• Some crying the first nights is normal. A calm voice or a hand near the crate usually helps. Avoid making a big fuss.

House training

• Take your puppy to the same potty spot after waking, after eating or drinking, after play, and every 1–2 hours at first.
• Praise and reward right away, within a few seconds of success.
• A crate sized so your puppy can stand, turn and lie down helps, because most puppies avoid soiling their bed.
• Accidents happen. Clean them with an enzyme cleaner and never punish, which only teaches a puppy to hide.
• Small breeds can take several months to be fully reliable. Patience and routine win.

Grooming, coat and tear-stain care

The Havanese coat is soft and low-shedding, but hair that other breeds would shed gets caught in the coat and forms mats if it is not brushed out.

• Brush down to the skin several times a week with a pin brush and metal comb. Daily for a long coat.
• Many owners keep a shorter “puppy cut” and visit a groomer every 6–8 weeks.
• Bathe every few weeks with a dog shampoo and conditioner, and dry thoroughly, because damp coats mat quickly.
• Tear stains are common on light-coated Havanese. Wipe under the eyes daily with a soft, damp cloth and keep the hair around the eyes trimmed. If the eyes look red, swollen or tear heavily, ask your vet.
• Trim nails regularly, check ears weekly and start brushing teeth early. Small breeds are prone to dental problems.

Every coat color needs the same brushing routine. See real photos of cream, chocolate, sable and parti-color puppies in our Havanese colors guide.

Your first vet visit

Book a check-up with your own veterinarian within the first few days. Bring any paperwork you have and ask about:

• The rest of the puppy vaccine series and rabies vaccination
• Deworming, and flea, tick and heartworm prevention
• Microchipping, and when to spay or neuter
• Diet, growth and dental care

See our Puppy Health page for more on vaccinations and Havanese health.