Havanese dogs are small, affectionate, intelligent, and wonderfully social companions. Originally developed in Cuba, these cheerful little dogs are known for their long, soft coats, expressive faces, playful personalities, and close relationships with their families.
Their small size doesn’t mean they are completely low-maintenance, though. Havanese need regular grooming, mental stimulation, training, dental care, exercise, and plenty of companionship. Having the right supplies at home can make these daily responsibilities easier while helping your dog stay comfortable and engaged.
If you’re bringing home a Havanese puppy or already share your home with an adult Havanese, the following 10 items are worth considering.
1. A Quality Pin Brush and Comb
The Havanese coat is one of the breed’s most recognizable features. Their long, silky hair can become tangled or matted without regular maintenance.
A good-quality pin brush can help work through loose hair and prevent smaller tangles from developing into difficult mats. A metal comb can also be useful for checking areas where tangles commonly form.
Pay particular attention to:
- Behind the ears
- Around the legs
- Under the armpits
- Around the collar or harness
- Behind the tail
- Around the belly
Make grooming a positive experience
Don’t wait until your dog’s coat is badly tangled before introducing grooming.
Start when your Havanese is young and reward calm behavior during short brushing sessions. If you encounter a tight mat that cannot be gently worked out, don’t pull aggressively. A professional groomer can help prevent unnecessary discomfort.
2. A Dog-Safe Detangling Product
A suitable detangling spray can make grooming easier when your Havanese’s coat develops small knots.
Look for a product specifically formulated for dogs and follow its instructions. Avoid using human hair products simply because they seem gentle. Dogs can lick products from their coats, and human formulations aren’t necessarily appropriate for them.
A detangling product should complement regular brushing rather than replace it.
When to use it
A small amount may be useful before brushing areas that tend to knot easily. Work gently through the coat instead of pulling through tangles forcefully.
If your Havanese regularly develops severe mats, changing the grooming routine or getting help from a professional groomer may be more effective than relying heavily on sprays.
3. A Comfortable, Washable Bed
Havanese are companion dogs that often want to be close to their people, but they still benefit from having a dedicated place to rest.
Choose a bed that is:
- Large enough for your dog to stretch out
- Supportive without being excessively firm
- Easy to wash
- Appropriate for the room temperature
- Easy for your dog to get in and out of
Some Havanese enjoy beds with raised edges because they like curling up against something while resting.
For older dogs or dogs with mobility problems, a supportive bed with easy access can be particularly useful.
A washable cover is also a major advantage because regular cleaning helps keep bedding fresh and reduces the buildup of hair and dirt.
4. Puzzle Toys and Enrichment Games
Don’t let the Havanese’s small size fool you into thinking they only need physical exercise.
These dogs can be curious and eager to learn, and many enjoy activities that challenge them mentally.
Useful enrichment options include:
- Treat puzzles
- Snuffle mats
- Food-dispensing toys
- Hide-and-seek games
- Beginner training exercises
- Interactive toys
- Scent-based games
Puzzle toys can turn mealtime into an opportunity for exploration and problem-solving.
Rotate toys instead of offering everything at once
If your Havanese has access to the same toys every day, they may eventually become less interesting.
Try rotating several toys throughout the week. This can make familiar toys feel new again without requiring you to constantly buy new products.
Always inspect toys for damage and remove anything that could become a choking or swallowing hazard.
5. A Comfortable Harness and Leash
A properly fitted harness can be a useful option for walking a small dog.
Rather than choosing equipment simply because it looks attractive, prioritize a design that fits your Havanese securely without rubbing or restricting normal movement.
A lightweight leash can then provide a comfortable connection during walks.
Why fit matters
A harness that is too loose may allow a small dog to escape, while one that is too tight can cause rubbing and discomfort.
The claim that every Havanese is at particular risk of tracheal collapse shouldn’t be treated as a guarantee of breed-wide disease. However, avoiding unnecessary pressure on a small dog’s neck is a sensible consideration, particularly if your veterinarian has identified a respiratory or airway concern.
If your Havanese coughs frequently during walks, struggles to breathe, or shows unusual respiratory symptoms, stop the activity and contact your veterinarian.
6. Dental Care Supplies
Dental care deserves a regular place in your Havanese’s routine.
Small dogs can be susceptible to dental disease, especially when plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate. Simply giving your dog a dental chew isn’t a substitute for a complete dental-care routine.
Consider keeping:
- A dog-specific toothbrush
- Dog-safe toothpaste
- Appropriate dental chews
- Veterinary-recommended dental products
Start slowly
Some dogs need time to become comfortable with tooth brushing.
Begin by allowing your Havanese to investigate the toothbrush and toothpaste. Gradually introduce gentle brushing and reward cooperation.
Never use human toothpaste unless your veterinarian specifically confirms that a particular product is safe. Some human toothpaste ingredients can be harmful to dogs.
Regular veterinary dental examinations are also important.
7. Gentle Grooming and Bathing Supplies
Havanese coats require routine grooming, and having basic bathing supplies at home can make maintenance easier.
Choose a shampoo formulated specifically for dogs. If your Havanese has allergies, recurring skin irritation, or another dermatological problem, ask your veterinarian which products are appropriate.
Useful supplies can include:
- Dog-safe shampoo
- Towels
- Grooming brush
- Comb
- Ear-cleaning products recommended by your veterinarian
- Nail clippers or a nail grinder
Don’t over-bathe
More bathing isn’t necessarily better.
Bath frequency should depend on your dog’s coat, lifestyle, skin condition, and grooming routine. Excessive bathing or inappropriate products can irritate the skin.
If your Havanese develops persistent itching, redness, odor, hair loss, or recurrent ear problems, veterinary evaluation is more useful than simply changing shampoos repeatedly.
8. An Enzymatic Cleaner for Accidents
House-training a puppy takes time, and even adult dogs can occasionally have accidents.
An enzymatic pet stain cleaner can be particularly useful because it is designed to break down organic residues that contribute to lingering odors.
This matters because simply covering an accident with fragrance may not completely remove the odor from a dog’s perspective.
Clean accidents promptly
When an accident happens:
- Remove as much of the mess as possible.
- Use the cleaner according to its instructions.
- Allow the treated area to dry as directed.
- Continue reinforcing appropriate bathroom habits.
Avoid punishing your dog after an accident. Instead, focus on supervision, routine, and positive reinforcement.
If a previously house-trained adult dog suddenly begins having frequent accidents, speak with your veterinarian because medical problems can sometimes cause changes in urination or bowel habits.
9. Food and Water Bowls That Suit Your Dog
Your Havanese needs a clean, stable place to eat and drink.
Stainless-steel or other durable, easy-to-clean bowls can be practical choices. Select a size that allows your dog to eat and drink comfortably without struggling to reach the contents.
The source recommendation specifically promotes elevated bowls, but raised feeding isn’t automatically necessary for every Havanese.
In fact, whether elevated feeding is appropriate depends on the individual dog and circumstances. If your Havanese has difficulty bending down or a veterinarian has recommended a particular feeding arrangement, follow that individualized advice.
Keep bowls clean
Wash food and water bowls regularly rather than allowing old food residue to accumulate.
Fresh drinking water should be available throughout the day.
10. A Pet First-Aid Kit
A basic pet first-aid kit can be useful for minor problems while you’re arranging professional veterinary care.
Depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations, you may want to keep:
- Gauze
- Bandages
- Disposable gloves
- Pet-safe wound-cleaning supplies
- Tweezers
- Digital thermometer
- Extra leash
- Clean towels
- Emergency contact information
Keep the kit somewhere easy to access but out of your dog’s reach.
Remember: first aid isn’t veterinary treatment
A first-aid kit is useful for temporary assistance, not for treating serious illness or injury at home.
Seek veterinary care for problems such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe bleeding
- Collapse
- Suspected poisoning
- Serious injury
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe diarrhea
- Seizures
- Sudden inability to walk
- Significant eye injuries
Other Useful Items for a Havanese Home
The 10 essentials above cover many everyday needs, but a few additional supplies can make life with a Havanese even easier.
A secure crate or safe space
A properly introduced crate can provide a comfortable resting area and help with house-training and travel.
It should never be used as punishment or as a place where your dog is confined for excessive periods.
A variety of safe toys
Havanese often enjoy interactive play with their owners. Keep a mixture of chew toys, fetch toys, soft toys, and enrichment products, depending on your dog’s preferences.
Nail-care equipment
Keeping nails at an appropriate length can improve comfort and help prevent problems associated with overgrown nails.
If you’re uncomfortable trimming them yourself, a groomer or veterinarian can help.
Identification
An ID tag with current contact information can be extremely valuable if your Havanese ever escapes.
Microchipping, where available and appropriate, provides another layer of identification.
Creating a Havanese-Friendly Home
Having the right products is only part of caring for this breed.
Havanese are generally people-oriented dogs, so companionship and interaction should be part of their everyday lives.
Try to provide:
A predictable routine
Regular mealtimes, walks, play, grooming, and rest can help your dog understand what to expect.
Daily mental stimulation
Short training sessions, scent games, puzzle feeders, and interactive play can provide mental exercise without requiring an exhausting workout.
Safe physical activity
Havanese need regular opportunities to move and explore. Walks and play sessions should be adjusted to your dog’s age, health, fitness, and weather conditions.
Positive training
Reward-based training can teach useful skills while strengthening your relationship with your dog.
Regular veterinary care
Routine veterinary examinations allow your dog’s health, weight, teeth, eyes, joints, and general development to be monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my Havanese?
Havanese generally benefit from frequent brushing because their long coat can tangle and mat easily. The exact routine depends on coat length, texture, and grooming style. Shorter trims may require less daily maintenance than a long show-style coat.
Do Havanese need professional grooming?
Not necessarily for every dog, but professional grooming can be helpful for maintaining a long coat, managing mats, trimming sensitive areas, and keeping the dog comfortable. Many owners combine professional grooming with regular brushing at home.
Are Havanese easy to train?
Havanese are often responsive to training, particularly when lessons are positive, consistent, and rewarding. Individual temperament varies, and house-training can still require patience and supervision.
Do Havanese need a harness?
A harness can be a practical walking option for many Havanese. The most important factor is selecting a comfortable, secure design that fits correctly.
Are elevated bowls better for Havanese?
Not automatically. Elevated bowls aren’t required simply because a dog is small. If your Havanese has a specific mobility, neck, or feeding issue, ask your veterinarian whether changing the bowl height would be appropriate.
What toys are best for a Havanese?
Many Havanese enjoy puzzle toys, food-dispensing toys, scent games, fetch toys, and interactive games with their owners. Choose toys based on your individual dog’s size, chewing habits, and preferences.
How can I prevent mats in my Havanese’s coat?
Regular brushing and combing are the most important steps. Pay extra attention to areas that tangle easily, including behind the ears, legs, and under the harness or collar.
What should I do if my Havanese develops a health problem?
Contact your veterinarian rather than trying to diagnose the problem yourself. Small dogs can sometimes deteriorate quickly when seriously ill, and early professional advice can be important.
Final Thoughts
Living with a Havanese is about much more than keeping their beautiful coat looking good. These affectionate little dogs need appropriate grooming, dental care, safe exercise, mental enrichment, comfortable rest, positive training, and regular veterinary attention.
A pin brush and comb can help manage their coat, puzzle toys can keep their minds busy, a properly fitted harness can make walks more comfortable, and a well-equipped first-aid kit can help you prepare for minor emergencies.
You don’t need every fashionable pet product on the market. Focus instead on accessories that make your Havanese’s everyday life safer, healthier, and more comfortable.
With the right supplies and plenty of companionship, you can create a home where your Havanese has everything they need to thrive.
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