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The Havanese coat is the breed’s glory and its biggest chore. It is long, soft, and silky, often wavy or curly, and it barely sheds. That sounds convenient until you realize that the hair that would have fallen out stays in the coat and tangles into mats. A Havanese in full coat needs brushing several times a week with the right tools, and puppies go through a “coat change” at around 8 to 12 months that can mat almost overnight.
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The Havanese brush kit
Pin brush with smooth pins
A pin brush with long, rounded pins and a flexible cushion is the main brush for a Havanese in full coat. It moves through the hair without breaking the silky strands.
Coastal Pet Li'l Pals Dog Slicker Brush with Coated Tips - Dog Grooming Brush for Small Breeds & Puppies - One Size (3.25” x 7.25”)
Included for 'Best Dog Grooming Brush for Havanese' because the listing specifies Dog Grooming Brush for Small Breeds & Puppies and One Size (3.25” x 7.25”), details this guide uses to compare options.
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BioSilk for Pets Eco-Friendly Detangling Pin Brush for Dogs
Included for 'Best Dog Grooming Brush for Havanese' as a relevant option in this category; details come from the product listing.
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Swihauk Self Cleaning Slicker Brush - Skin Friendly Deshedding Grooming Tool for Dogs & Cats, Suitable for Shedding & Haired Pets, with Pet Supplies Accessories, Blue
Included for 'Best Dog Grooming Brush for Havanese' because the listing specifies Skin Friendly Deshedding Grooming Tool for Dogs & Cats and Suitable for Shedding & Haired Pets, details this guide uses to compare options.
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AKC 2-in-1 Grooming Brush for Dogs & Cats, Deshedding & Detangling
Included for 'Best Dog Grooming Brush for Havanese' because the listing specifies Deshedding & Detangling, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on AmazonSoft slicker brush
A slicker with soft, flexible pins helps loosen tangles and is useful on shorter coats. Use it gently. Havanese skin is delicate, and a hard slicker can cause brush burn.
Steel comb
A comb with wide and fine teeth is the most important tool for finding mats. After brushing, run the comb through from the skin out. If it catches, there is still a tangle.
Detangling spray
Never brush a dry Havanese coat. A light detangling or conditioning spray reduces breakage and static and helps the brush glide.
Mat splitter or dematting comb
For stubborn knots, a mat splitter can help break them into smaller pieces. Use carefully to avoid cutting the skin.
Brushes compared for Havanese coat
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| Tool | Job | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Long pin brush | Main brushing in full coat | 3 to 4 times a week |
| Soft slicker | Loosen tangles, shorter coats | As needed |
| Steel comb | Find mats, check work | Every session |
| Detangling spray | Reduce breakage | Before every brushing |
| Mat splitter | Break up stubborn mats | As needed |
| Small scissors, blunt-tipped | Trim feet, eyes, sanitary area | Every few weeks |
Line brushing a Havanese
- Mist the coat lightly with detangling spray.
- Start at the bottom of a leg. Part the coat horizontally to see the skin.
- Brush the hair below the part from the skin outward with the pin brush.
- Move the part up a little and repeat until you reach the top of the body.
- Follow with the comb to check every section.
Pay special attention to behind the ears, the armpits, the collar area, the tail base, and between the back legs, where mats form first.
Full coat versus puppy cut
A full coat looks beautiful but needs time: roughly 20 to 40 minutes several times a week. Many pet Havanese live in a puppy cut or teddy bear trim of about 1 to 2 inches, which reduces brushing to a couple of quick sessions a week. There is no wrong choice; pick what fits your time. A groomer visit every 4 to 8 weeks keeps a short cut tidy.
Coat change in young Havanese
Between about 8 and 12 months, the puppy coat gives way to the adult coat. The soft puppy hair tangles in the new coat, and mats can appear quickly. Increase brushing to daily during this period, or consider a shorter trim to get through it.
Grooming and health checks
While grooming, check the eyes. Havanese can develop cataracts and other eye conditions, and tear staining is common. Clean around the eyes with a damp cloth, trim hair away from the eyes, and see your vet if you notice cloudiness, redness, or squinting. Check the ears too, since hair and moisture can trap debris.
Common mistakes
- Brushing dry hair and breaking the coat.
- Brushing only the surface, leaving mats against the skin.
- Bathing a matted dog; water tightens mats.
- Pulling at large mats. For severe matting, a groomer may need to clip the coat short, which is kinder than hours of pulling.
FAQ
How often should I brush a Havanese?
Three to four times a week in full coat, daily during the adolescent coat change, and about twice a week in a short puppy cut.
Do Havanese shed?
Very little. Loose hair stays trapped in the coat instead of falling out, which is why regular brushing is essential to prevent mats.
Bottom line
The best grooming tools for a Havanese are a long pin brush, a soft slicker, a steel comb, and a detangling spray, used with line brushing several times a week. Consider a puppy cut if time is short, brush daily during the coat change, and use grooming time to check eyes and ears.
