How Much Does a Havanese Cost? Price Considerations to Know

Last Updated on February, 2025

Would you like to own a small fluffy dog? Some small breeds are expensive to purchase and raise. One of the best breeds you can own is a Havanese. These cheerful little pets are great companions to have.

A Havanese dog is not only small but also has a great temperament and is an excellent family pet. These canines are very adaptable (and portable 😉) creatures that can live in apartments or landed houses. 

However, Havanese dogs are a bit pricey and high maintenance. That doesn’t mean you need to overspend or go over budget. There are many alternatives available. 

How much does a Havanese cost? Are these dogs worth it? Let’s find out!

Quick Summary

Havanese prices can range from $700 to $2,500.

Puppies tend to be more expensive than adult Havanese, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $1,500.

Factors that can influence the price of a Havanese Dog include breed type, quality/bloodline, age, health, and coloration.

How Much Does a Havanese Cost?

Havanese walking on the ground

A Havanese can cost as little as $700 or even as far as $2,500 at times.

The quality of the dog’s breed significantly impacts pricing since the higher the quality, the more expensive the dog will be.

Havanese Puppy

Puppies are generally more expensive than adult Havanese. A purebred Havanese puppy typically costs between $1,000 and $1,500. That is not to guarantee, however, that a Havanese will always cost more than $1000.

Costs might vary depending on a variety of factors.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD: FREE 7-DAY ULTIMATE PUPPY TRAINING COURSE →

Havanese Dog

The older the dog is, the lower the price. Usually, a Havanese dog costs $50 to $200 cheaper than a puppy. You might get them for as low as $700, depending on where you adopt them.

Many factors go into deciding the price of a dog. The main are pure/mixed breed, Quality/bloodline, age, health, and coloration.

Factors That Influence the Price of a Havanese Dog

Havanese lying on the sofa

Breed Type: A purebred Havanese generally costs more than mixed breed dogs. On the other hand, if the mixed breed is a cross between two expensive breeds, they cost more than a typical Havanese puppy. 

For example, a hybrid of a Havanese and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might cost close to $2000 as opposed to a typical purebred, which you might get for $1000. 

Quality/Bloodline: The cost will be significantly higher if the parents are purebred, show-quality dogs from a reputed breeder. 

Most reputable breeders frequently spend more money on the care of their breeding dogs and puppies. These Havanese costs the highest, which can go over $3000 if they are a winning show dog breed.

Age: Prices for dogs tend to drop as they age because most people prefer to acquire them as puppies. For instance, a 6-month-old puppy often costs less than an 8-week-old puppy.

In contrast, if the 6-month-old puppy is well trained and has the vaccines and certifications in order, it will cost more than a younger puppy. If you want a cheaper Havanese, opt for an older dog. 

Health: Most professional and certified breeders will have their breeding dogs or puppies examined and tested for various illnesses. 

In addition, experienced breeders will take their puppies to the doctor for a checkup, worming, shots, and microchipping before selling them. This increases the cost while lowering the possibility of receiving unhealthy puppies.

Coloration: Trends in coat color can change quickly. Any breed has preferred colors that are more well-liked than others. Puppies cost more as people become more interested in a particular coat color because rising demand drives up market prices. 

Kennel clubs only permit specific colors and color combinations on purebred dogs. Lastly, puppies with unique hues can also be quite pricey. But avoid buying a mixed breed with similar color combinations; always look for responsible Havanese breeders.

About the Havanese Dog Breed

Known as the national dog of Cuba, the Havanese is a happy little dog with a bounce in their stride and a glint in their large, brown eyes. These lively and outgoing pets are rising in popularity. 

These small study dogs have immense charm and intelligence. Havanese are very playful yet easy to train. This purebred dog of Cuban origin makes a great family pet. 

Size and Appearance

The Havanese feature drop ears, a curved tail that folds over the back, and a body that is longer than tall.

Although they achieve their full size between 6 and 8 months of life, Havanese often reach maturity at one year of age.

These canines come in various colors: black, black and silver, black and tan, cream, gold, red, white, silver, etc.

According to the AKC, they also might have parti-colors, tan spots as well as white, silver, or cream markings. 

Havanese lying on the ground

Weight ranges from 7 to 13 pounds for Havanese dogs. The Havanese, as a small dog, is categorized as Toy sized.

At the shoulder, the height varies from 8.5 to 11.5 inches. As one of the small fluffy dogs, there is only a few inches difference in height between a male and female Havanese dog. (1)

According to the AKC, any dog taller than 12 inches is not classified a purebred; therefore, check the height before purchasing an adult Havanese.

Life Span

Havanese dogs have an average life span of 12 to 14 years. This is only so if they are purebred dogs.

A mixed Havanese dog will have a different lifespan depending on the breeds mixed to produce them. For instance, a Havanese crossbreed with a Chihuahua might have a lifespan of 20 years compared to a purebred. 

Temperament

Havanese make the perfect city dog because of their small but sturdy physique, adaptable disposition, and social skills, but they are happy any place they can attract people of all ages. 

Havanese are innate trick dogs because they are intelligent, trainable extroverts with the comedic instincts of a born clown. These qualities are what make them great competitors for dog shows. 

As a pet owner, you will not have to worry about their ability to socialize with other adult dogs or children since they are non-aggressive and very friendly. 

Types of Dog Breeds

Cavanese, Cheenese, Havaco, Havamalt

Havanese are purebred dogs native to Cuba from the ancient Bichon family of little white dogs. Due to its popularity, the Havanese has been mixed with several other dogs to create hybrids. (2)

Let’s look at some of the popular new crossbreeds of Havanese pets below.

  • Havanese & Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Known as a Cavanese, they are perfect lap dogs that love to be pampered. Its coat is a mix of brown and white. Like the parent breed, it has an incredibly puffy coat and is easy to train.

  • Havanese x Chihuahua

This is a trendy dog among the Havanese hybrids. 

Although it can be a bit of a barker compared to the original pure breed, its part Havanese ancestry makes them a little calmer. This crossbreed has a shorter coat, more prominent ears, and bug-like eyes.

  • Havanese x Cocker Spaniel

Given the name Havaco, it is a friendly and playful canine. Due to its half lineage as a hunting dog, the Havaco will likely follow its nose more than your directions. 

Nothing is more appealing to some dog owners than having a cute, small-sized hunting dog. This crossbreed is $200 cheaper than the Havanese, so it is a good choice if you want a cheaper option. 

This breed is compassionate and sweet. It will likely weigh up to 30 pounds and have long, wavy ears.

  • Havanese x Maltese

Like the purebred Havanese, this breed weighs only 7 to 13 pounds. This mix is another one of the popular crossbreed options.

It is a social creature that will undoubtedly follow you around. Its coat is usually white with the occasional splash of brown from the Havanese parent.

  • Havanese x Poodle

It is one of the most well-known mix breeds and is also referred to as the Poovanese or the Havadoodle. Daily maintenance is required for the fluffy coat and curls, but they will love the extra care. 

Another dog that loves to be pampered, these designer dogs make good family-friendly pets.

  • Havanese x Shih Tzu

The parents of this dog have a lot in common regarding temperament and size. Because of this, even though it is a mixed breed, you can generally predict what to expect. 

The lifespan of this healthy hybrid is up to 18 years. They make an excellent canine companion for kids because it is so adoring and caring.

  • Havanese x Pomeranian

One of the smaller mixes of Havanese, it is a faithful lap dog and is only content when with its companion. So pop it in your bag and take this mixed breed with you to keep it happy and content. 

Health and Trainability 

Havanese sitting on the ground

In general, Havanese dogs have good health. The breed is susceptible to several ailments, including patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (which affects the hip joint), deafness, eye disorders, chondrodysplasia, and heart irregularities.

According to the AKC, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) test results for at least four particular health tests for the Havanese.

The annual eye exam, hearing test, hip x-ray, and patella (knee) certification must be passed and registered for the Havanese Club of America to reward the member’s dogs.

Havanese dogs are relatively easy to train. Since they are happiest when their owners are around, they will benefit from a brisk daily walk or an enjoyable play session with their owner in the backyard. 

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD: FREE 7-DAY ULTIMATE PUPPY TRAINING COURSE →

Even moving about the house can be enough exercise. Never overwork a Havanese, regardless of age. Stop any training or exercises immediately if they are struggling to keep up or panting.

Although they adapt well to homes and apartments, Havanese do not like being left alone for long periods.

Training tools dog owners must have for their dogs:

Where to Buy a Havanese Dog?

Let’s get down to one of the many reasons you came here, where do you find Havanese puppies? Unlike some dog breeds, there are multiple options for choosing a place to buy a Havanese puppy.

Rescue Puppy

There are numerous Havanese who need to be adopted or fostered. 

The national breed clubs or a local breed club can direct you to a Havanese rescue if you can’t find one listed for your region.

Purebred Havanese Puppy Breeders

If you are seeking a purebred Havanese puppy, one of the best ways to buy them is through a responsible breeder.

Unfortunately, there are many types of breeders, and the cost of a Havanese varies depending on the type you pick. 

Experienced breeders sell high quality Havanese, while there can be some that will try to sell you a cheap Havanese puppy.

I have listed below the types of Havanese breeders you may come across.

Havanese puppy on the floor

Pet breeders: Also known as backyard breeders, this kind is the most abundant. They have a limited range of knowledge. One puppy from this breeder’s dog will usually be kept; the others will be sold or given to family, friends, or neighbors.

Ideally, backyard breeders should be working with an experienced breeder who can serve as a mentor.

Show dog breeders: They breed because they want to show off their ability and skills to breed the highest quality dogs, with health and breed type playing a crucial role.

They frequently engage in the canine community and voluntarily examine the health of their canines. A breeder like this will advertise puppies on kennel clubs. Show breeders will carefully “vet” households, so prepare to be questioned.

Certified puppy breeders: They reproduce more frequently. They’ll most likely keep their dogs in nearby buildings, outdoor runs, or kennels. These breeders might also run dog-related businesses like training centers, boarding kennels, or grooming. 

When a breeder applies for a license, they want to do everything right, including health screenings. They’ll be well-known in the dog community. Since they have several litters each year, they will be able to meet demand while having a waiting list. 

Puppies of responsible breeders are typically promoted on their own website and are registered in the American/ Havanese Kennel Clubs.

Puppy Mill breeders: The puppies are usually considered “stock,” and breeders earn from doing so. Due to the high demand for their puppies, they are most likely to sell to the pet market for a price above normal. 

At first glance, it may not seem like a good source to buy a dog but there are some reputable puppy mill breeders.

Online Website 

It’s always a hit or miss with online sites. Since you do not meet the breeder or see the dog in real life, it can sometimes be quite dangerous.

A Puppy mill is one source of dogs sold online. Puppy mills produce dogs to sell to pet shops; some are not the most reputable breeders. Never meet a breeder off-site, and never have a puppy transported to you without seeing it first. 

Most ethical breeders would never sell to someone they haven’t met since they want to ensure the puppies go to loving homes. The Havanese puppies sold online might cost $100 to $300 less than from a certified breeder.

But you will have to pay extra in vet bills later on if those aren’t already covered by the time you adopt your pet. 

Steps to Adopt a Havanese Dog

Havanese running on the ground

If you would like to adopt a Havanese rescue puppy, these are the steps you have to go through. 

Step 1: To determine if you might be a suitable match for a dog’s requirements, you must carefully study the dog listings on the Havanese Rescue websites.

Step 2: The potential adopter must fill out an adoption application on the website as the following step in the adoption procedure. This application does NOT imply a commitment to adopt. 

The application’s aims to pair you with the dog that best fits your family and way of life. Please provide the most thorough response you can to each query. You will be notified by email in the following days. 

Step 3: The State Contact in the area where the dog is being fostered evaluates applications. The foster parent who best suits the dog’s needs receives applications that match those needs. The next challenging task for the foster parent is selecting the most qualified applicants from the application list and checking their references.

Step 4: Personal and veterinary references are checked. A home visit is done to see if everything is in order.

Step 5:  If you (the future dog owners) and the adoption committee believe that the dog is a fantastic match for your family, the Havanese can be adopted after the adoption fees are paid.

The adoption fees can vary from $200 to more than $500 depending on the age and health of the Havanese.

Registration

Registration through a rescue is easy as the organization would have vaccinated the dog and done all the documentation before handing the pet over.

However, if you are purchasing through a breeder, these are the steps to follow, according to the Havanese Club of America.

Step 1: You must have a recorded pedigree of both your Havanese pup’s parents before registering. The family tree must be on file with the AKC in order to be registered. 

Havanese walking on the ground

You read the pedigree from left to right. Sires’ information is listed first, followed by Dams’ information. A copy of the pedigree for each parent should be given to you.

Step 2: A copy of the CERF (eye exam) data on both parents ought to be in your possession. A Board Certified Ophthalmologist should have examined the eyes of your puppy’s parents. 

This should be done annually until it is 7 to 8 years old. When examining a dog’s eyes, the ophthalmologist will search for defects, and the results will be documented on a form.

Step 3: A list of the shots your Havanese puppy has had, along with their brand names, should be sent to you. The number of times the puppy was wormed and the type of used should also be listed. Any medical information regarding your dog should be included in it. 

A health certificate from the puppy’s veterinarian is required if you are flying with your dog. Before you take your new puppy home, the breeder ought to provide you with all these documents.

Step 4: Before taking the puppy home with you, check it over to ensure everything is the same. These papers will probably be marked “Limited”. Limited indicates that this puppy was not sold for breeding and that none of this puppy’s children can ever be registered. 

The registration papers will be labeled “Full” if you are purchasing a show or breeding a Havanese dog. The breeder might want the dog registered in two names—yours as the owner and theirs as a co-owner- until the registration is complete.

Step 5: You will need the puppy’s registration papers and the breeder contract to register your new puppy in your name. Get a copy of the contract that has been signed, if you haven’t already. 

Step 6: Once all the documents are in order, you can register your Havanese puppy, then the American kennel club will issue certifications for your pet.

Cost of Raising a Havanese Dog

Havanese sitting on the floor

Generally speaking, smaller dog beds are less expensive than larger dog breeds to maintain. Unfortunately, many people buy Havanese puppies without fully comprehending what goes into having one.

Typically, the first year of your dog’s bills should cost you more than $2,000, excluding the cost of the Havanese puppy itself.

This covers everything the dog will need once you get it, and the expenses drop significantly to around $1,100 per year after that. Of course, that is assuming that your dog is in good health, as medical issues might drastically increase the cost.

Meals

How much food do you give a Havanese? Well, it should be fed premium dog food that is suitable for its age. 

If your Havanese is a puppy, it should be fed special dog food for puppies. Most high-quality dog food will cost above $50 according to the weight of the package. 

High quality does not always mean high prices, though. Many affordable, good-quality dog food brands cater to small dogs for less than $30. Additionally, Since the dog is a small breed, you can even feed them food for puppies of other large breed dogs.

As small canines, they do not eat much and sometimes tend to stop eating once they are full. Therefore, you can save a lot of money on food costs by finding affordable alternatives. 

However, watch your dog’s calorie intake and weight levels, as some Havanese can be prone to obesity. If you decide to offer your dog treats occasionally, make sure to do so sparingly.

Treats can be a valuable training tool, but offering them in excess might lead to obesity. 

Discover which foods fit the bill for your canine’s consumption and which don’t. Consult your veterinarian if you have any worries about your dog’s weight or diet.

Health and Vet Visitation

You should budget $400 to $800 for your dog’s vet bills in the first year.

This is typical, given that Havanese puppies need numerous vaccines and at least three trips to the vet throughout their first year.

A puppy’s overall health depends heavily on the first six months of its life. After the previous vaccination, the puppy won’t require another one for three weeks.

It would be best if you did all the necessary health tests on your puppy during the initial appointment with the veterinarian. 

Havanese standing on the road

Always make sure your pet is healthy with no underlying diseases. To find out if your Havanese puppy needs to be treated for diseases like coccidiosis and for heartworm and flea prevention, you must bring a sample of their feces to the vet.

The typical price range for vaccinations is $75 to $100. The vet bills will consist of the essential shots given at six, twelve, and sixteen weeks of age.

Among the essential vaccines is the DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza). Your dog will also need to get a rabies shot, which often costs $15 to 20.

Vaccinations are frequently less expensive in animal shelters (approx. $20 or even free).

If you got your dog from a shelter, they were probably already immunized up to that point when you got them. This will drastically reduce your vet expenses for the first year.

Grooming

The Havanese’s long, smooth, and silky coat requires daily grooming to keep it clear of tangles. Sit the dog on your lap, and gently brush your canine with a comb or soft brush.

A grooming kit usually costs about $25 to $129, depending on the brand and number of devices included in the package. 

Additionally, the Havanese should occasionally take a bath as needed. The corners of the eyes should be gently wiped daily, and the ears should be checked to remove excess wax or accumulated debris.

Use a paper towel or gauze that has been mildly dampened to clean the inside of the ear flap.

To shorten the time needed for grooming, you can have your dog’s coat cut, as most Havanese owners do. But how much does a Havanese groomer cost? It depends on your location. In some states, groomers might offer $30, while in others, it might be above $50.

Training

As long as you employ positive training techniques, Havanese are easy to train because they are incredibly smart and keen to please. 

Since this breed is known for being sensitive, caution must be taken when correcting them.

Early socialization is crucial for development. Your Havanese needs to be properly socialized, so they don’t get agitated by strangers or other animals. 

Introduce them to a range of new surroundings and people calmly, ensuring that each encounter is enjoyable and not threatening.

Havanese standing on the grass

You can train your Havanese puppy to be an excellent companion via patient, gentle training. 

They enjoy human company and get along with other non-aggressive animals. Make sure you do not own aggressive dogs before adopting Havanese puppies, as this can scare them and derail their training.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD: FREE 7-DAY ULTIMATE PUPPY TRAINING COURSE →

An alternative is to send them to professional training classes if you are unsure or a new dog owner. There are two options, private and group classes. Group classes are relatively more affordable since private obedience schools can cost at least $ 50-$100 per class!

Read one of our dog training course reviews:

Additional Expenses

Besides these main expenses, you will have to pay for dog toys, dog sitters/walkers, pet insurance, and a pet license. If you want to start breeding Havanese puppies, you will need to add the cost of membership and licensing at kennel clubs to your budget. 

These vary depending on how much you’re willing to pay. For instance, an affordable dog walker might charge $10, while an experienced one would pay at least $20.

The same can be said about pet insurance. Depending on the insurance scheme and what it covers, the price might go up to $ 500.

Overall Annual Expenses

The Havanese breed is quite expensive to buy and even more to upkeep.

Although they are typically labeled as “high maintenance” dogs, that doesn’t mean you can’t find cheaper alternatives for these sweet doggies.

Below I have drawn a table of the annual cost of owning a Havanese dog minus the price of purchasing the dog.

With the annual expenses passing $3000, they might seem like an expensive breed to own. 

However, there are many places you can minimize the spending by choosing affordable good quality alternatives to bring your budget down to at least $1300.

Havanese sitting in the car

As shown below, food can cost more than $600 annually if you purchase dog food products that cost at least $50 to $100. However, many alternative commercial dog food brands sell good quality small-breed dog food for $30 or less. 

If you would rather not compromise on food, there are many other options to optimize, such as grooming, training, dog walkers, and pet insurance plans.

Sending your canine for group classes and choosing affordable dog walkers are great ways to cut down on your budget. 

Grooming costs vary depending on your location and how much you do at home. If you are on a tight budget, you can purchase grooming kits. Even though good quality grooming kits are costly, you only need to purchase the product once, which will help you in the long run.

AnnualExpensiveAffordable
FoodAbove $600Less than $360
Grooming$1200$350
Vaccination$200$50 (shelter)
Training(Private) above $300 (Group) $100
Others( pet walker, travel, insurance)$1000$410
Total expensesApprox $ 3300 Approx $1300

Other Dog Breeds Pricing Guides:

FAQs

Yes! Although Havanese dogs are considered high maintenance, they are easy to train. The only downside would be the double expenses for caring for your pets.

Yes, Havanese dogs are very friendly! They generally get along with humans and other dogs alike. Havanese are compatible with other dogs since they are more inclined to get along with any breed.

Yes, it can cost a lot to maintain a Havanese. Havanese pets are called high maintenance for a reason. The main aspects Havanese owners need to consider are grooming and health tests.

Grooming your dogs well and caring for their health can significantly cut costs and unnecessary expenses.

Absolutely! The Havanese is an amiable and affectionate dog making them safe to raise around children. They are very patient and tolerant around children and display a family-friendly nature.

Havanese dogs should not be raised with aggressive dogs. If you have many pets, ensure all your other breeds (big or small) are calm and friendly before purchasing a new addition to your furry family.

The age of the Havanese and their health are some additional factors, as the price of taking care of one is higher if one is unwell. Consider the breed type, as some people opt for mixed breeds.

The main price difference can be $ 100 to even $1000, as a purebred Havanese dog is usually more expensive than a mixed-breed dog. Especially if the pure breed Havanese has the potential to be a show dog, this will double the price of adoption.

Since vaccinations and purchasing dog training products are only done in the first year or, if necessary, after that, the typical monthly cost of owning a Havanese is around $600.

This price can be higher if your pet needs to be treated for any ailments. The monthly expenditure includes food products, grooming, training (first few years), and other extra costs for a dog sitter/ walker and pet insurance.

Conclusion

Finally! You have made it to the end! If you have made it this far, I hope this article answered all your burning questions about the cost of a Havanese. 

It’s easy to be put off by the high selling price and the fact it’s called a high-maintenance dog, but at the end of the day, the Havanese is an excellent companion. The best part of owning a Havanese is that there are so many affordable options. 

From the Havanese prices to vet expenses and grooming expenses, all these costs can be reduced when you find the right breeder, food, trainers, and groomers for your pet.

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Author
Laura Vinzy
Laura Vinzy is one of our contributors. She is also a certified professional dog trainer & currently lives in San Francisco with her husband and her two rescue dogs.

1 thought on “How Much Does a Havanese Cost? Price Considerations to Know”

  1. I’ve been looking for another Havanese adult, female. I was wondering if maybe a female that is no longer a breeder. I just want her to enjoy her life now that she is retired. My Lucy was black and white ,however color doesn’t matter and confirmation doesn’t either. We have 6+ acres all fenced and a smaller fenced in area around the house.

    Thank you for your consideration, Ann Krumm

    Reply

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