Havanese puppies for sale in Miami

The Havanese is a happy little dog with a big heart. They are playful, affectionate, and curious, and they tend to greet everyone, from neighbors to delivery drivers, like an old friend.

This is Cuba's national dog. The breed developed on the island from small Bichon-type dogs brought over by Spanish settlers, and for generations it was the lap dog of Cuban families. When many families left Cuba in the mid-1900s, a few brought their Havanese with them, and the breed was rebuilt in the United States from those dogs. For many Cuban families in Miami, a Havanese is a little piece of home.

Havanese are often called "velcro dogs" because they want to be wherever you are. They follow you from room to room, sit on your feet, and are happiest on a lap. That loyalty is a big part of their charm, but it also means they do not like being alone for long.

They are smart and love to show off. Many Havanese learn tricks quickly and enjoy being the center of attention. With early socialization they get along well with kids, visitors, and other pets.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. Always talk with your vet about your own dog.

The Havanese is a generally healthy, long-lived breed, but there are some conditions to know about:

• Luxating patella, a kneecap that slips out of place, which can cause skipping or limping
• Eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
• Tear staining, the reddish-brown marks under the eyes, which is often cosmetic but can point to blocked tear ducts, irritation, or allergies
• Hip problems, including Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, which affects the hip joint in small breeds
• Deafness and heart murmurs, which a vet can check for
• Dental disease, which is common in small breeds

Before you choose a puppy, ask what health information is available for the puppy. Useful tests include an OFA patella exam, an eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist, hip checks, a BAER hearing test, and a heart exam.

Call your vet right away if your Havanese is limping or holding up a back leg, has a red, cloudy, or squinting eye, has sudden heavy tearing or eye discharge, is not eating, or seems weak or unusually quiet.

Many owners enroll in pet insurance while their puppy is young, before any condition becomes pre-existing. Read the policy to see if knee surgery and eye problems are covered.

Florida has a pet lemon law that protects puppy buyers. Learn more about your rights under Florida law.

The Havanese came from a warm island, and it handles heat better than many breeds, but Miami's summers are still hard on any dog. Walk early in the morning or after sunset, bring water, and keep your dog cool with AC at home. A shorter haircut helps, but do not shave down to the skin, since the coat protects against sunburn. Know the signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, or stumbling.

Some Havanese enjoy the water, but small dogs tire fast and can struggle to climb out of a pool. Fence or supervise pools, show your dog where the steps are, and use a dog life vest near pools, boats, and the beach.

For the Miami basics every dog owner needs, like hot pavement, parked cars, year-round parasites, cane toads and hurricane prep, see our Miami puppy care guide.

The Havanese has a soft double coat that can be straight, wavy, or curly. It sheds very little, which many families love, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Some owners choose a corded coat, where the hair forms long, rope-like cords, but most pets are kept brushed or in a short trim.

Havanese come in nearly every color and pattern, including white, cream, champagne, gold, red, chocolate, black, silver, and sable, as well as parti-color, brindle, and black and tan patterns.

Your first week sets the tone. Here is a simple checklist:

• Get supplies ready: crate, bed, small bowls, the same food your puppy has been eating, a soft harness, a leash, ID tag, chew toys, puppy pads, a pin brush and metal comb, and gentle eye wipes
• Book a first vet visit within a few days of bringing your puppy home
• Keep the vaccine schedule going and bring your puppy's records to the vet
• Start a crate and potty routine on day one: out after waking, eating, and playing
• Practice short times alone from the start, so your puppy learns you always come back
• Begin gentle socialization with new people, sounds, and surfaces once your vet says it is safe

Questions about the breed or our current litters? Ask us about our Havanese puppies, and see our financing options.