It was during a quiet afternoon at a local park when I first noticed a small, fluffy dog trotting gracefully beside its owner. Its silky coat shimmered in the sunlight, and its happy little gait instantly caught my attention.
That was my first real encounter with a Havanese, a breed I later learned is both playful and incredibly loyal. Unlike many small breeds, the Havanese carries itself with an elegant charm without losing its mischievous streak.
From that day on, I became fascinated by their variety, from coat colors and patterns to their distinct personalities. This Havanese breed chart explores their many types, mixes, and unique traits to help future owners understand which kind best fits their lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Havanese Breeds Chart with Pictures
The Havanese breed is known for its diversity in appearance, temperament, color, and coat type. While all true Havanese share a similar size and personality, there are subtle distinctions among lines and mixes that make each dog unique.
This Havanese breeds chart with pictures helps owners and enthusiasts identify variations within the breed, from purebreds to designer crosses, and understand how these differences can influence appearance, grooming needs, and overall temperament.
| Breed / Mix Name | Type | Description |
| Purebred Havanese | Purebred | Small Cuban companion dog, silky long coat |
| Havapoo (Havanese × Poodle) | Mixed | Curly coat, hypoallergenic, smart and friendly |
| Havashu (Havanese × Shih Tzu) | Mixed | Fluffy and loyal, affectionate lap dog |
| Havashire (Havanese × Yorkshire Terrier) | Mixed | Energetic, loving, often with silky coat |
| Havamalt (Havanese × Maltese) | Mixed | Small, playful, and gentle with long white coat |
| Hava-Chon (Havanese × Bichon Frise) | Mixed | Very social, curly coat, minimal shedding |
| Havapeke (Havanese × Pekingese) | Mixed | Compact body, fluffy coat, affectionate |
| Havaton (Havanese × Coton de Tulear) | Mixed | Sweet, low-shedding, great companion |
| Havallon (Havanese × Papillon) | Mixed | Elegant, feathered ears, friendly temperament |
| Hav-A-Pom (Havanese × Pomeranian) | Mixed | Playful, fluffy, and expressive |
| Havapug (Havanese × Pug) | Mixed | Playful, sturdy, affectionate personality |
| Havapoochon (Havanese × Poodle × Bichon) | Designer Mix | Smart, allergy-friendly, very affectionate |
Common Havanese Breeds
Common Havanese breeds include the traditional show-line Havanese and family-line pets. These dogs often share a soft, wavy coat, affectionate disposition, and moderate energy levels.
The most typical colors, white, cream, black, and chocolate, represent the breed’s hallmark elegance. Owners value these Havanese for their adaptability, making them ideal for apartments or homes with yards.
| Breed Name | Type | Description |
| Purebred Havanese | Purebred | Friendly, loyal, and intelligent family dog with silky coat. |
| Havapoo (Havanese × Poodle) | Mixed | Playful, hypoallergenic, and highly trainable. |
| Havashu (Havanese × Shih Tzu) | Mixed | Fluffy, loving, and great for apartments. |
| Havamalt (Havanese × Maltese) | Mixed | Gentle, social, and great companion pet. |
| Havashire (Havanese × Yorkshire Terrier) | Mixed | Small, lively, and affectionate with silky fur. |
Rare Havanese Breeds
Rare Havanese breeds often feature unusual coat colors or less common genetic lineages. Examples include silver, blue, or brindle Havanese, which are prized for their striking looks.
Some breeders selectively maintain these lines, focusing on preserving rare traits while maintaining health and temperament. Despite their rarity, these dogs retain the same playful and loving Havanese nature.
| Breed Name | Type | Description |
| Havapeke (Havanese × Pekingese) | Mixed | Compact and fluffy, but rare outside Asia. |
| Havallon (Havanese × Papillon) | Mixed | Distinct butterfly-like ears, rare designer mix. |
| Havapug (Havanese × Pug) | Mixed | Unique personality, not widely bred. |
| Havapoochon (Havanese × Poodle × Bichon) | Designer Mix | Rare triple hybrid, hypoallergenic and smart. |
| Havaton (Havanese × Coton de Tulear) | Mixed | Elegant and rare to find pure lineage. |
Popular Havanese Breeds
Popular Havanese breeds are those frequently chosen as companion dogs due to their charm, low-shedding coat, and cheerful personality. These include classic white-coated Havanese, tricolor varieties, and show-standard dogs recognized by kennel clubs.
Their increasing popularity stems from being both hypoallergenic and easy to train, making them one of the most sought-after toy breeds worldwide.
| Breed Name | Type | Description |
| Havapoo | Mixed | Most popular due to intelligence and low shedding coat. |
| Havashu | Mixed | Very common among families, cute teddy bear looks. |
| Hava-Chon (Havanese × Bichon Frise) | Mixed | Social, happy, and great for allergy sufferers. |
| Havaton (Havanese × Coton de Tulear) | Mixed | Calm, charming, and affectionate. |
| Hav-A-Pom (Havanese × Pomeranian) | Mixed | Small, cheerful, and energetic companion. |
Expensive Havanese Breeds
Expensive Havanese breeds are typically those with rare coat colors, championship bloodlines, or specialized training. Puppies from top show breeders can cost significantly more due to lineage, registration, and coat quality.
The price can also reflect careful breeding for health and temperament, ensuring the Havanese retains its affectionate and adaptable qualities.
| Breed Name | Type | Size (kg/lbs) | Description |
| Standard Havanese | Purebred | 4.5–7.3 kg / 10–16 lbs | The original Cuban companion dog; silky coat and cheerful. |
| Mini Havanese | Miniature | 3–5 kg / 7–11 lbs | Smaller version, same temperament and intelligence. |
| Toy Havanese | Toy | 2–4 kg / 4–9 lbs | Tiny companion, affectionate and portable. |
| Show Havanese | Purebred | 4–6 kg / 9–13 lbs | Bred for conformation shows; perfect silky coat and gait. |
| Working Line Havanese | Purebred | 5–7 kg / 11–15 lbs | Active, used historically as herders and watchdogs in Cuba. |
Havanese Hypoallergenic
The Havanese is known for its hypoallergenic coat, which makes it a preferred choice for people with mild pet allergies. While no dog is completely allergen-free, Havanese produce less dander than most breeds, and their silky, non-shedding hair helps keep allergens at bay.
Regular grooming and bathing further reduce potential allergens, keeping both the dog and owner comfortable.
| Breed Name | Type | Hypoallergenic Level | Description |
| Pure Havanese | Purebred | High | Naturally low-shedding, good for allergy sufferers. |
| Havapoo (Havanese × Poodle) | Mixed | Very High | Soft, curly coat — best for allergy-prone owners. |
| Havamalt (Havanese × Maltese) | Mixed | High | Silky coat, minimal dander and shedding. |
| Hava-Chon (Havanese × Bichon Frise) | Mixed | High | Fluffy, allergy-friendly, ideal indoor pet. |
| Havaton (Havanese × Coton de Tulear) | Mixed | Moderate | Gentle and mostly hypoallergenic. |
Havanese Mixed Breeds
Havanese mixed breeds combine the playful charm of the Havanese with the traits of other popular small breeds. Common mixes include the Havapoo (Havanese-Poodle), Havamalt (Havanese-Maltese), and Havachon (Havanese-Bichon Frise).
These hybrids often inherit the Havanese’s loving disposition while gaining unique coat textures, sizes, or energy levels from their other parent breeds.
| Mixed Breed Name | Parent Breeds | Size | Personality Traits |
| Havapoo | Havanese × Poodle | Small | Smart, playful, affectionate |
| Havashu | Havanese × Shih Tzu | Small | Loyal, loving, family-friendly |
| Havamalt | Havanese × Maltese | Tiny | Gentle, cuddly, easygoing |
| Havashire | Havanese × Yorkshire Terrier | Small | Energetic, social, curious |
| Havapek | Havanese × Pekingese | Small | Bold, calm, affectionate |
Havanese Cross Breeds
Havanese cross breeds are becoming increasingly popular for those seeking a blend of aesthetics and temperament. Crosses like the Havapek (Havanese-Pekingese) or Havashu (Havanese-Shih Tzu) combine playfulness with loyalty, making them excellent family companions.
These dogs tend to maintain the breed’s hypoallergenic coat traits while offering a diverse range of appearances and personalities.
| Cross Breed Name | Parent Breeds | Coat Type | Temperament |
| Hava-Chon | Havanese × Bichon Frise | Curly, soft | Cheerful, alert, sociable |
| Havaton | Havanese × Coton de Tulear | Fluffy, silky | Gentle, loyal, calm |
| Havapom | Havanese × Pomeranian | Dense, fluffy | Active, vocal, affectionate |
| Havallon | Havanese × Papillon | Fine, silky | Intelligent, graceful, friendly |
| Havapug | Havanese × Pug | Short to medium | Playful, loyal, fun-loving |
Havanese Temperament and Personality
The temperament of the Havanese is what truly sets this breed apart. They are known for their cheerful, adaptable, and affectionate nature. Havanese thrive on human companionship and are happiest when they’re part of family activities.
These dogs love attention and often develop deep emotional bonds with their owners. They’re intelligent, eager to learn, and respond best to positive reinforcement training. Despite their small size, they are confident, curious, and surprisingly alert, making them excellent watchdogs without excessive barking.
A happy Havanese enjoys daily play, short walks, and cuddles on the couch. Their social nature means they get along wonderfully with children, seniors, and even other pets when properly socialized.
Because of their sensitivity, harsh training methods or long periods of isolation can cause anxiety or stubbornness, so patience and affection go a long way.
- Gentle and people-loving
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Adaptable to apartments or houses
- Great companion for families
Havanese Care and Grooming Tips
Owning a Havanese comes with the joy of maintaining their silky, luxurious coat and ensuring their overall well-being. Their fur, though stunning, requires regular upkeep, brushing several times a week is essential to prevent tangles and matting.
Bathing should be done every few weeks with a mild dog shampoo to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Because Havanese are prone to tear staining, especially lighter-colored ones, gentle cleaning around the eyes is also recommended.
Beyond grooming, care includes proper diet, regular exercise, and routine vet check-ups. A balanced, high-quality dog food supports their energy levels and coat health, while short, frequent walks and play sessions help them stay active without overexertion.
Regular dental cleaning and nail trimming are equally important to maintain their comfort and hygiene.
- Brush 3–4 times weekly to avoid tangles
- Feed premium, portion-controlled meals
- Schedule vet and dental care regularly
- Keep them mentally stimulated with games and toys
The Havanese may look dainty, but with the right care and attention, they’re hearty little companions with big personalities and endless love to give.
Havanese Exercise and Activity Needs
Despite their small size, Havanese dogs are lively and benefit from daily activity. Regular exercise helps maintain their muscle tone, weight, and overall happiness. A brisk walk around the neighborhood or a few short play sessions indoors can keep them content.
Havanese are known for being adaptable, they enjoy both quiet cuddle time and bursts of energy-filled play. Because of their intelligence, they also love mentally stimulating games like puzzle toys or hide-and-seek with treats.
They don’t require intense workouts like larger breeds but should have consistent, moderate activity to prevent boredom or restlessness. A well-exercised Havanese is a happy and well-behaved one, ready to share affection and companionship at home.
- 20–30 minutes of daily activity
- Great for apartments and small spaces
- Enjoys interactive toys and fetch
- Prevents weight gain and anxiety
This playful, well-rounded nature makes the Havanese an ideal companion for families, singles, and seniors alike, active enough to keep you smiling, yet gentle enough to curl up beside you after a long day.
FAQs
Are all Havanese breeds hypoallergenic?
Yes, all purebred Havanese are considered hypoallergenic, though individual sensitivity may vary.
What is the rarest Havanese breed color?
Silver, blue, and brindle Havanese are among the rarest and most sought-after colors.
How much does a purebred Havanese cost?
Purebred Havanese typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on lineage and breeder reputation.
Do Havanese mixed breeds shed?
Most Havanese mixes shed very little, especially those bred with low-shedding breeds like Poodles or Bichons.
Are Havanese easy to train?
Yes, Havanese are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement, making them easy to train for obedience and tricks.