Havanese should be walked or played with daily. They can gain enough exercise just playing in the house or backyard.
Havanese have a long, soft, silky coat that should be brushed daily to avoid matting and tangling. They should be bathed as needed and their eyes should be cleaned daily to avoid tear-stains.
Havanese are an eager-to-please breed that is gentle and affectionate. The Havanese is highly trainable. This breed will fetch your slippers and other objects -- if you show them how. The Havanese is extremely social and likes to be at the center of activity. Havanese are not prone to barking, but will alert you to the arrival of a stranger or an odd noise.
Havanese are from the ancient Bichon family. They tended to be lapdogs for aristocrats and wealthy people in Cuba. They were named after the capital of Cuba, Havana. The dogs were brought from Cuba to America during the Communist takeover of Cuba.
