“Hmmm, which bow should we choose for you today?”
Your Havanese puppy just stares at you with her cute, bright eyes and her little pink tongue hanging out.
“I think we’ll put you in your pink plaid one!”
As you walk down the street, your Havanese puppy is prancing, holding her plumed tail high. She’s strutting her stuff because she knows she looks good – you’ve brushed her long, silky hair, and you can tell by the way she carries herself that she’s feeling proud to be a Havanese with you by her side.
A Havanese puppy for sale is a lively small breed known for its cheerful personality and luxurious coat. These lovable little charmers steal hearts with their vivacious personalities, infectious enthusiasm, and cuddly good looks. From their beginnings as royal Cuban court jesters to becoming cherished family members worldwide, a Havanese puppy’s journey should end in your loving arms when you make a Havanese puppy for sale all yours.
We want you to be as informed and knowledgeable as possible about your new furry friend. That’s why we’ve written this ultimate Havanese puppy ownership guide to help you start your research on such a wonderful breed when you’re looking at Havanese puppies for sale. Take a sip of your Café Cubano while we explore the Havanese breed!
Is a Havanese Puppy For Sale Really From Havana?
A Havanese puppy for sale is a delightful dog breed with a captivating history that stretches back centuries. The Havanese dog breed is said to have descended from Bichon Frise-type dogs brought to Cuba by Spanish sailors primarily to the island port of Tenerife, where they became popular with farmers and the island’s elite Spanish aristocracy, and a little white dog breed called Blanquito de la Habana.
Havanese didn’t have a lot of opportunities to mix with other breeds, so they were able to develop their own distinct features without much outside influence. They developed a high heat tolerance, and their silky hair protected them from the intense sun.
The Havanese quickly won the hearts of everyone they encountered, and they became known as Havana Silk Dog or the Spanish Silk Poodle. Cuban residents adored their playful nature, intelligence, and stunning silky coats. These adorable dogs became lapdogs of Cuban aristocracy, trotting around the luxurious palaces of Havana with all the pomp and flair secure in their royal status.
European vacationers in the 18th century brought back these little dogs, and they quickly became extremely popular with Queen Victoria and Louis XVI – even making their way to famous British writer Charles Dickens.
But as history unfolded, the Havanese faced uncertain times. Political upheavals and changing social climates threatened their existence. Thankfully, a few dedicated enthusiasts recognized the breed's uniqueness and launched a mission to preserve its legacy. Introduced to America in the 1970s due to fleeing the Cuban Revolution, it is said that modern-day Havanese stem from just 11 dogs. Through careful breeding and dedication, the Havanese made a triumphant comeback, a testament to their enduring charm.
Venus Williams cuddles with Harry, her 16-year-old Havanese. Photo: Purina Pro Plan
How Popular Are Havanese Puppies For Sale Today?
Havanese puppies for sale have gained quite a following among celebrities in the last 2 centuries. Famous Havanese owners include celebrities such as Ernest Hemingway, Marilyn Monroe, Barbara Walters, and Venus Williams, just to name a few.
Venus Williams has a 16-year-old Havanese named Harry that gets to go on amazing adventures with the tennis star, including an NBA All-Star game! Harry and Venus have used their celebrity status for charity events, spreading happiness to other canines and humans alike.
Today, the Havanese dog breed ranks at #25 on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breed list of 2022 in between Boston Terriers and English Springer Spaniels. Even though the Havanese has been around for centuries, it was just in the late 20th century that they experienced a gain in popularity and official recognition as an AKC dog breed in 1996.
Havanese are popular winners at various competitive agility and dog shows across the country, representing the Toy group. Their small, quick stature has earned them the nickname “flying furballs” at agility competitions. Bono the Havanese has a storied history of winning several titles, including Best in Show at the third annual Beverly Hills Dog Show in 2019 and Best in Toy Group at the 2020 Westminster Dog Show among other prestigious accolades.
What Does a Havanese Puppy For Sale Look Like?
At first glance, a Havanese puppy for sale is a bundle of fluff, with a thick double coat that is soft, silky, and flowing and a cute button nose resembling a teddy bear. People less familiar with the Havanese dog breed may say they look like a cross between a Shih Tzu and Cavapoo, especially depending on how long the Havanese coat is styled. But once you learn what to look for, you’ll be able to spot them out and about easily.
A Havanese puppy for sale has a compact yet sturdy, well-proportioned body. Havanese are small toy dogs that grow to be 7-13 pounds and 8-11.5 inches tall, but that doesn’t mean they are fragile. Their ears are soft, drooping, and covered in long hair, framing their adorable face. They carry their plumed tails high, which curl over their back and add some spunky flair to their lively demeanor.
A stand-out feature of a Havanese puppy for sale is its incredibly cute face. They have a long, pink tongue that always seems to be out. Their dark brown expressive eyes show off their intelligence and warmth and seem to stare straight into your soul.
While it used to be primarily known for its white fur, a Havanese puppy for sale has developed more officially recognized coat colors over time. Today, you can find Havanese puppies for sale in at least 25 coat colors and combinations and 8 different types of markings! What a variety!
Thanks to genetics, hormones, new adult hair growth, shaving, and other factors, a Havanese puppy’s coat coloring may change over time. It’s important to know this fact before having your heart set on a particular color combination because your adult Havanese may be totally different when they’re fully grown.
Maintaining that gorgeous coat of a Havanese
People may be surprised to find that a Havanese puppy features a double coat with a long, thin silky layer for their overcoat and a downy, soft, shorter, and loftier undercoat. But unlike most double-coated dogs, a Havanese puppy does not shed much and is considered hypoallergenic – a great choice for people who suffer from allergies.
Havanese puppies for sale will need frequent trips to the groomer to have their coats trimmed, clipped, or shaved. Just like human hair, a Havanese puppy’s hair is always growing and can grow up to 8 inches long! Havanese puppy owners can choose from a variety of cuts and styles. Some even opt to give a cute topknot to keep the hair out of their eyes. You’ll see all sorts of hairstyles on Havanese dogs, ranging from long, silky hair to short, curly hair clipped close to their bodies.
Fun Facts About Havanese Puppies For Sale
Now that we know where they came from, how “pupular” they are, and what they look like, let’s take a look at some fun facts Havanese puppy owners want you to know about bringing home a Havanese puppy for sale.
Energetic fluff balls
Despite its small size, a Havanese puppy has enough energy to rival a bigger dog. Don't be fooled by their elegant appearance – Havanese dogs excel in various dog sports, including agility, flyball, and even dancing! However, unlike a bigger dog, they can get most of their exercise from playing with you inside. You won’t need to walk them for hours a day although they are happy to be your neighborhood walking buddy. The key is to keep them busy.
A first-time puppy owner’s dream
If you’re wondering, “Is a Havanese puppy for sale near me a good fit for a first-time puppy owner?” you’ll be delighted to know they sure are, and for many great reasons! They are incredibly versatile dogs, happily belonging in a large house or small apartment or with a family or retired individual. They’re easily trainable and want nothing more than to please their owners.
Social butterflies
Havanese puppies for sale do not know any strangers! They will boldly and happily try to make new friends, whether it’s a surly old cat, a boisterous child, or someone walking by. You can rest assured that your Havanese puppy will make friends wherever it goes.
Great for the whole family
A Havanese puppy shows immense affection to families. They will often latch onto one person and form a strong, special bond, but that’s not to say they will withhold affection from everyone else. All people are fair game to become a Havanese puppy’s best friend! While great with kids, always supervise both your children and puppy during play sessions. Due to their tiny size and children’s enthusiasm, your puppy could get hurt in all the excitement.
They will be your shadow
If Havanese puppies had a notorious quality, it would be that they are considered “Velcro dogs” because they literally never leave your side. A Havanese puppy is not a great fit for a household that is empty the majority of the day. They suffer from separation anxiety, so provide plenty of toys and opportunities for stimulation when they need to be left alone. Consider hiring a pet nanny, a daily dog walker, or sending your Havanese to doggy daycare to reduce the chance of any destructive behavior from anxiety or boredom.
Lapdog enthusiasts
Despite their active nature, Havanese dogs are also true lapdogs at heart. They love snuggling up with their favorite humans, providing warmth, and endless cuddles. After all, they were bred to be companion animals, and they sure do a great job of that!
They love going places
A Havanese is always up for an adventure with you right by their side. If you train and socialize your Havanese puppy, they can go everywhere with you where dogs are welcome, whether that’s out to lunch, enjoying nature, or shopping for a new toy. They travel well and can’t wait to see the whole country with you on that bucket list road trip you’ve always wanted to take!
Allergy sufferers rejoice!
Havanese are considered hypoallergenic dogs, which means they produce fewer allergens and are less likely to trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. The dander that sets off allergies is trapped in the thick undercoat. Coupled with the low shedding factor, dander does not have a chance to spread around like other dogs’ fur.
Artists’ muses
Havanese dogs have a rich history intertwined with the arts. They were depicted in numerous paintings by famous artists, including Francisco de Goya and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Beat the heat
Thanks to adaptation to the hot Cuban climate, Havanese puppies are quite tolerant of warm climates. However, always provide fresh water, plenty of shade, and supervision when playing out in the heat. You can also clip or cut your Havanese puppy’s hair to be shorter during the summer months. They can get cold easily during the winter months, so make sure their coat length reflects the climate.
Great for apartment living
A Havanese puppy for sale can be a great indoor dog. The key to owning a Havanese puppy in an apartment is to train it not to bark. While not big barkers, a Havanese will alert you to things going on around you. Once you acknowledge what they’re alerting you about, they do tend to chill out.
Fashionistas at heart
With their luxurious, flowing coats, Havanese can rock a stylish haircut or even don a fancy outfit. They love attention and enjoy being the center of attention wherever they go. Just make sure to keep a handle on your spending habits so your Havanese doesn’t end up with a better wardrobe than you do! Who are we kidding? We both know your Havanese has a much more fashionable closet than you ever will!
Trusted therapy dogs
Thanks to their gentle and empathetic nature, Havanese make fantastic therapy dogs. They seem to have an innate understanding of their owner's moods and will offer comfort when needed. Havanese puppies provide comfort and companionship to those in need, spreading joy wherever they visit. Because a Havanese is easily trained, portable, and hypoallergenic, your puppy can be trained to be an excellent companion as an emotional support animal.
Cuba created a commemorative postage stamp celebrating the first national Havanese Champion of Cuba in 1992
A national treasure
The Havanese is designated the National Dog of Cuba and the only breed native to Cuba. Cubans take great pride in their native little dog, commissioning a commemorative postage stamp in 1992 celebrating the first Havanese champion of Cuba, a sweet Havanese named Puppy.
Circus performers
These clever canines possess a natural talent for learning tricks and commands. A Havanese puppy for sale has a playful and mischievous personality that is guaranteed to keep you entertained. They love to show off their silly antics and will do anything for a laugh. They’re intelligent, and quick learners and love to please their humans. This combination makes them a joy to train, so be sure to teach them some fun tricks to impress your friends when you’re done with basic puppy training commands.
Havanese are relatively healthy
When you bring home a Havanese puppy for sale, expect to be their beloved caregivers for their long lifespan of 14-16 years! That’s right – some Havanese grow old enough to drive in human years! While the Havanese dog breed is relatively healthy, they are prone to vision and hearing disorders, hip and knee problems, and can suffer from obesity. Daily exercise, a balanced diet, and regular vet visits will help you be proactive in keeping your Havanese puppy healthy to live a long, fulfilling life.
Where Can I Find Healthy Havanese Puppies For Sale Near Me?
To ensure you get the healthiest Havanese puppies for sale to choose from, you’ll want to find a reputable breeder that loves the breed and maintains breed standards. But what if you don’t know where to start? Turn to Pawrade!
At Pawrade, we know how difficult and time-consuming it can be to find the best Havanese puppy breeder. We’ve put our experience and expertise together to pre-screen and hand-select Havanese breeders all over the country to offer you the happiest, healthiest Havanese puppies for sale for potential loving owners like you. We would be honored if you partnered with us to help you find your new forever Havanese friend!
