Havanese Puppies for Sale
Recognized by: AKC, FCI, KC, UKC
About the Havanese
The Havanese is Cuba's only native breed, a small, sturdy toy dog developed as a companion to city-dwelling families and still perfectly suited to that role today. Cheerful, sociable, and eager to please, the Havanese thrives on human company and adapts easily to apartments, condos, or houses as long as it is not left alone for long stretches. Buyers are often drawn to the silky, low-shedding coat, which makes the breed a favorite among people who dislike hair on the furniture, but that coat comes with a trade-off: without regular brushing it mats quickly, so expect meaningful grooming time or routine professional trims. Bright and trainable, Havanese take well to positive reinforcement and shine at tricks, agility, and therapy work; their alert nature also means they will announce visitors, though they are rarely nuisance barkers with guidance. They are gentle with children and generally friendly toward other dogs, making them a strong pick for first-time owners and multi-pet homes alike. Prospective buyers should still ask about eye, knee, and hearing screening, since responsible breeders test for the conditions known in the breed. Overall the Havanese delivers big-dog personality and devotion in a compact, apartment-friendly package.
Every dog is an individual — genetics, socialization, health, training, and environment matter more than breed averages.
Typical tendencies
Scored against PuppyList’s editorial rubric. Tendencies, not guarantees.
Exercise needsLower than most
Energy levelTypical
TrainabilityHigher than most
Grooming effortDefining trait
SheddingLower than most
BarkingTypical
Apartment fitDefining trait
Good with childrenDefining trait
Good with other dogsHigher than most
First-time ownersDefining trait
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Where this breed shines
- Excellent apartment and companion dog that adapts to nearly any home
- Low-shedding coat and sociable, family-friendly temperament
- Smart, trainable, and eager to please, well suited to first-time owners
Things to consider
- Silky coat mats easily and needs frequent brushing or professional grooming
- Strongly attached and prone to distress if left alone too long
- Alert nature means they may bark at visitors without training
History
The Havanese descends from small companion dogs of the Bichon family brought to Cuba by settlers and traders centuries ago, where they became the pampered pets of Havana's aristocracy. The breed nearly vanished after the Cuban revolution, but a handful of dogs brought to the United States by emigrating families formed the foundation of today's population. The AKC granted full recognition in 1996.
Temperament
Havanese are affectionate, playful, and highly people-oriented, bonding closely with their families and disliking long periods alone. They are outgoing and adaptable, usually welcoming toward children, strangers, and other pets. Intelligent and sensitive, they respond eagerly to gentle, reward-based training and enjoy being the center of attention.
Questions to ask a Havanese breeder
- Do the parents have OFA patella, hip, and eye clearances viewable on the OFA database?
- Have the sire and dam had BAER hearing testing?
- What socialization and early handling do the puppies receive before going home?
Health considerations to discuss
Patellar luxation. Educational, non-diagnostic; ask for an OFA patella evaluation on both parents, typically after 12 months
Eye disorders such as cataracts. Educational, non-diagnostic; look for current OFA or CAER ophthalmologist eye exams, which the parent club recommends annually
Congenital deafness. Educational, non-diagnostic; BAER hearing testing can identify affected or unilaterally deaf dogs
Informational only — always consult a veterinarian and ask breeders for documentation. Sources: AKC Havanese breed overview · Havanese Club of America health and testing guide · OFA health testing database — written by PuppyList editorial
Questions worth asking about any Havanese litter
- Can I see the puppy and its mother — in person or on a live video call?
- What health checks, vaccinations, and vet visits has this litter had?
- How was the litter raised and socialized?
- What paperwork comes with the puppy (health records, registry papers if applicable)?
- What is your deposit, payment, and pickup/transport process?
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy a Havanese puppy on PuppyList?
Browse the Havanese listings on this page, open one to see photos, details, and the breeder's information, then contact the breeder directly. PuppyList is a marketplace — you arrange the purchase with the breeder yourself.
How much do Havanese puppies cost?
Listed puppies currently range from $800 to $2,000. Each breeder sets their own price, which varies with the puppy's age, lineage, and location.
How can I tell if a Havanese breeder is trustworthy?
Contact the breeder, ask for recent photos or a video of the actual puppy, and confirm details before you commit. Never send money before verifying. See our listing guidelines for the full buyer-safety checklist.