Choose the coat routine you can actually maintain
AKC calls for daily care of the long Havanese coat to prevent tangles and mats. A shorter pet trim can reduce that workload, but choosing a haircut and choosing a home-care routine are separate decisions. Ask a groomer to demonstrate gentle combing on your dog and identify the places you have been missing. Record what to do between visits and when the next appointment is needed. If the comb stops at a tight tangle, do not force it through or try to finish while the dog is distressed. Seek help before small knots become painful mats. Begin comfortable handling practice early, including around the face and feet. An attractive long coat is a choice that requires consistent time; a manageable shorter coat is a reasonable conversation to have before grooming becomes a struggle.[1]
Apartment suitability does not answer the alone-time question
AKC describes moderate activity needs and a dog that prefers companionship. A smaller home can accommodate shared play and walks, but it cannot by itself make a long absence easy. Write down who will provide company, toilet opportunities and appropriate activity on an ordinary working day, including the backup when plans change. Ask a breeder or rescue what is known about the individual’s response to separation. Introduce necessary absences gradually with professional help if the dog shows distress, rather than assuming affection will naturally turn into independence. Keep training patient and rewarding; a small body is not a reason to ignore discomfort or force an interaction. Notice whether outings are comfortable for this dog and adjust their pace instead of expecting it to match a person’s full stride indefinitely.[1]
Use the newer health statement when comparing breeder claims
The Havanese Club of America’s March 2025 statement lists annual eye examination, hip radiography and patella certification for a CHIC number. It explains that the board removed BAER hearing testing from those requirements in May 2022. Older material mentioning four tests should therefore not be treated as the same policy. This change does not tell you whether a particular dog hears normally: ask what testing was actually performed and obtain the reports. Keep the date of the eye examination visible rather than relying on an undated claim of eye clearance. Confirm current requirements when choosing a litter and ask a veterinarian to interpret findings that you do not understand.[2]
Frequently asked questions
Can a Havanese pet have a shorter coat?
Yes. AKC notes that owners often choose a shorter trim to reduce grooming time. Agree on ongoing combing and appointment needs with a groomer; shorter does not mean maintenance-free.
Source [1]Does the 2025 Havanese club statement still require BAER for CHIC?
No. It states that the board removed BAER from CHIC requirements in May 2022 and lists eye, hip and patella assessments. That administrative change is not proof of an individual dog’s hearing status.
Source [2]FAQ sources
- American Kennel Club — Havanese ↗FAQ reference 1
- Havanese Club of America — Health Statement, March 11, 2025 ↗FAQ reference 2
Sources & methodology
Breed-level measurements and comparison scores provide context. They do not predict an individual dog's health, behaviour or suitability. Open the original publisher pages below to verify the facts and compare any later updates.
- American Kennel Club — Havanese ↗Reference 1 · reviewed 2026-09-27
- Havanese Club of America — Health Statement, March 11, 2025 ↗Reference 2 · reviewed 2026-09-27
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