The Havanese, Cuba's national dog, is a delightful toy breed known for its silky coat, cheerful personality, and affectionate nature. If you're considering adding a Havanese to your family, it's essential to understand the costs involved. This guide covers everything from the initial purchase price to ongoing expenses.
Havanese Price: What to Expect
The price of a Havanese puppy can vary depending on several factors. Here's a breakdown:
Purchasing from a Breeder: Expect to pay between $650 and $1800. Reputable breeders focus on health and temperament, often registering with breed clubs. Puppies with champion bloodlines may cost more.
Adopting from a Rescue or Shelter: Adoption is a budget-friendly option, generally ranging from $50 to $500. This fee often includes spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping, and gives a deserving dog a loving home.
How Much Does a Havanese Cost Monthly?
Diet: $15 - $30 per month for high-quality dog food.
Grooming: $50 - $100 per session for professional grooming.
Medical Costs: Expect $195 - $510 in the first year for vet exams. Be aware of breed-specific health concerns like:
Portosystemic Shunts - $2,000 - $5,000
Patellar Luxation - $300 - $2,000
Mitral Valve Disease of the Heart - $300 - $800
Expert Insights From Spot
While generally Havanese can experience health issues like any breed. Spot's data shows that Havanese owners most frequently submit claims for routine checkups for clinical exams, averaging $369.12 per visit*. X-rays are a less common claim but are more expensive at an average cost of $742.80*. Deworming is another common expense, averaging $270*.
These numbers highlight the potential financial responsibility of Havanese ownership. Pet insurance can ease the burden of unexpected vet costs.
One-Time Havanese Costs
Initial Supplies: $150 - $650 for crate, bowls, collar, leash, bed, dog toys, etc.
Microchipping: $25 - $50 for additional peace of mind.
First-Year Vaccinations: $450 - $600 for essential protection.
Optional (but Worthwhile) Expenses
Dog Walking: $15 - $25 per session
Boarding: $25 - $85 per night
Lifetime Cost of Owning a Havanese
The estimated lifetime cost of a Havanese is between $19,000 - $22,000. This factors in food, grooming, vet care, and other expenses over their lifespan.
Havanese Characteristics
Life expectancy: 14 – 16 years
Adult weight: 7 – 14 lbs.
Adult height: 8 – 12 inches
Origin: Cuba
Havanese are intelligent and adaptable dogs who thrive in various living situations. Their playful personality and strong attachment to their humans make them ideal family companions. While their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, their low-shedding nature is a plus for allergy-sensitive households.
Havanese Temperament
Velcro Dogs: Havanese are famously affectionate and loyal. They often stick closely to their owners, earning them the nickname “Velcro dogs.”
Natural Entertainers: Havanese are playful and often described as “clownish” due to their quirky behavior and love for entertaining their families. (Source: A-Z Animals: 10 Incredible Havanese Facts)
Havanese Appearance
This breed is best known for its long, flowing coat, which can be either straight or wavy. Common colors include white, cream, black, silver, and gold. Their expressive eyes and cheerful tail carriage add to their charm. Despite their elegance, Havanese are sturdy little dogs.
Popularity & History
Cuba's Only Native Breed: The Havanese is the only dog breed native to Cuba, making them quite unique. (Source: American Kennel Club - Havanese)
Near Extinction: After the Cuban Revolution, only a handful of Havanese dogs were brought to the U.S. Dedicated breeders revived the breed and are responsible for its popularity today. (Source: Havanese Club of America)
Popularity Surge: The Havanese consistently ranks within the top 25 most popular dog breeds in the US, reflecting its growing appeal. (Source: AKC Most Popular Dog Breeds)
Pet Insurance: Protecting Your Investment
Spot Pet Insurance plans offer pet parents the ability to customize the coverage that fits the needs of their furry friend and their budget. With a Spot plan, pet parents have the option to choose an unlimited annual limit with no per-incident caps, no lifetime caps, and a reimbursement rate of up to 90% for eligible vet bills. Spot Pet Insurance plans offer coverage for emergencies, accidents, and illnesses, and parents can choose to add preventive care coverage for an additional cost. Preventive care coverage covers the eligible cost of routine exams, certain vaccines, dental cleaning, and more. To learn more about Spot Pet Insurance and the available coverage options, visit our dog insurance page or get a free quote!
How Much Does a Havanese Cost in the United States?
As part of our Havanese cost guide, we've added regional insights to help you understand the price variations across the U.S. Factors like breeder reputation, local demand, and cost of living all impact how much you'll pay for a Havanese depending on your location.
Havanese Price in the Western United States
Prices typically range from $1,500 to $3,500, especially in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. High cost of living and premium breeders drive prices up.
Havanese Price in the Southern United States
Expect to pay between $1,200 and $3,000. While some areas like Georgia offer more affordable prices, major cities like Miami reflect high living costs in puppy prices.
Havanese Price in the Midwestern United States
In states like Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan, prices range from $1,000 to $2,800. Breeders here often focus on community care and responsible breeding without coastal premiums.
Havanese Price in the Northeastern United States
The Northeast is full of large cities, which will drive the price of your Havanese up. Here you can see a breakdown of the price by city:
New York City: $1,800 – $4,000
Boston: $1,700 – $3,800
Philadelphia: $1,600 – $3,500
Baltimore: $1,500 – $3,300
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to maintain a Havanese dog? On average, monthly costs range from $100 to $300 depending on grooming frequency, medical needs, and lifestyle. Over their lifetime, expenses can total between $19,000 and $22,000.
What do I need to know before getting a Havanese? Before bringing home a Havanese, consider their grooming requirements, social needs, and potential health concerns. They're affectionate and thrive on human interaction, so they may not do well when left alone for long periods.
Are Havanese dogs the right breed for me? If you're looking for a playful, loyal, and people-loving dog that fits well in apartments or family homes, the Havanese could be a perfect match. However, be ready to commit time to grooming and companionship.
Key Takeaways
Havanese dogs make delightful, loyal companions, but they come with a financial commitment. From upfront puppy costs to ongoing grooming and medical expenses, being prepared ensures your dog gets the best care possible. If you're ready for the responsibility, the Havanese can offer endless love and companionship in return.
I've had the privilege of immersing myself in the realm of pet safety. As the owner of an energetic mini golden doodle, I know just how stressful being a pet owner can be. I am dedicated to ensuring our beloved pets enjoy a life brimming with good health.
