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The Havanese is Cuba’s national dog, and its silky, lightweight coat developed to shade the skin from tropical sun rather than to keep out a northern winter. That long hair also has a special talent for collecting snowballs. A small, 7 to 13 pound Havanese can get cold on long winter walks, and a well-chosen coat keeps it warmer, drier, and much less of a snowball magnet.
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Does a Havanese need a winter coat?
Often, yes, in cold climates. Signs your Havanese needs one include:
MIGOHI Small Dog Coat, Waterproof Dog Winter Jacket Fur Collar, DarkBlue XS
Included for 'Best Dog Winter Coat for Havanese' because the listing specifies Waterproof Dog Winter Jacket Fur Collar and DarkBlue XS, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Fleece Dog Coat for Small Medium Dog,Pullover Pajamas Jumpsuit Bodysuit Puppy Coats with Legs, Pet Windproof Warm Cold Weather Jacket Full Body Vest Cozy Snowsuit Outfit Clothes (Black, S)
Included for 'Best Dog Winter Coat for Havanese' because the listing specifies Pullover Pajamas Jumpsuit Bodysuit Puppy Coats with Legs, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Vecomfy Warm Dog Coats with Hoodie,Winter Dog Jackets for Small Dogs
Included for 'Best Dog Winter Coat for Havanese' because the listing specifies Winter Dog Jackets for Small Dogs, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Queenmore Small Winter Dog Coat with Harness Built-in, Waterproof Jackets
Included for 'Best Dog Winter Coat for Havanese' because the listing specifies Waterproof Jackets, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on Amazon- Shivering or reluctance to walk when it is near or below freezing.
- A coat that collects snow and ice clumps on the legs and belly.
- A puppy cut. A trimmed Havanese has much less insulation than one in full coat.
- Age or health conditions. Puppies and seniors lose heat faster.
For quick potty trips in dry cold, a full-coated adult may be fine without one.
What to look for in a coat for a Havanese
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Belly and leg coverage for snow
The Havanese’s long belly and leg fur picks up snowballs that are painful to remove. Coats with belly coverage, or full snowsuit styles with legs, keep snow off the coat. For deep snow walks, a snowsuit can save a lot of grooming time.
Smooth, non-matting lining
Rough linings rub a silky coat into mats. Look for smooth fleece or satin-like linings, and brush the coat after wearing any garment.
Water resistance
Wet hair loses insulation and takes a long time to dry. A water-resistant outer shell helps.
Easy fastening
Hook-and-loop closures under the belly or a step-in design avoid pulling clothing over the head and through the long head hair.
Harness opening
A leash port lets you clip to a harness underneath, which protects a small dog’s neck.
Sizing a coat for a Havanese
Measure back length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, and chest girth at the widest point. Most adult Havanese are about 11 to 15 inches in back length and 15 to 20 inches around the chest, usually size S. Because the coat can be long and full, choose a size that closes comfortably without compressing the hair.
| Coat type | When it suits a Havanese | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water-resistant jacket with belly panel | Most winter walks | Best all-round choice |
| Full snowsuit with legs | Deep or sticky snow | Prevents snowballs on legs |
| Fleece pullover | Dry cold, short walks | Easy, light |
| Insulated puffer | Very cold climates, puppy cuts | Watch for overheating |
| Raincoat | Wet autumn and spring | Keeps coat clean |
Coat care after walks
- Remove the coat as soon as you get inside.
- Brush where the coat rubbed, especially armpits and belly.
- If snow clumps formed anyway, melt them with lukewarm water or a warm cloth rather than pulling.
- Dry the coat thoroughly to prevent mats.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a jacket without belly coverage and arriving home with a dog covered in snowballs.
- Buying a garment with a rough, textured lining.
- Leaving the coat on indoors.
- Putting a coat on a damp dog.
- Keeping a very short cut in winter without adding a coat.
Getting a Havanese used to wearing a coat
Most Havanese accept clothing easily, especially when it comes with treats and attention. Introduce the coat indoors: let your dog sniff it, drape it over the back for a few seconds, reward, and remove it. Next session, fasten one strap. Build up to wearing it for a few minutes around the house before the first walk. Keep the head hair out of the collar opening as you dress the dog so it does not pull. If your dog freezes, rolls, or tries to scratch the coat off, go back a step; a relaxed dog in a coat is the goal, not a dog tolerating something it hates.
Choosing between a coat and a shorter trim
Some owners respond to winter snowballs by clipping the coat very short. That solves the snow problem but removes warmth, so a clipped Havanese almost always needs a jacket outside. A medium trim of 1 to 2 inches plus a belly-covered jacket is a practical middle ground for many families.
FAQ
How cold is too cold for a Havanese?
Many Havanese become uncomfortable on longer walks around freezing and below, especially in wind or wet snow. Watch for shivering and paw lifting, and keep walks short on very cold days.
Should I keep my Havanese’s coat long in winter?
A longer coat provides more warmth, but it also collects snow. Many owners keep a medium-length trim and use a coat with belly and leg coverage for snowy walks.
Bottom line
The best winter coat for a Havanese is a water-resistant jacket with a belly panel and a smooth lining, sized around S for a 15 to 20 inch chest, or a full snowsuit for snowy climates. Use a harness opening, take it off indoors, and brush where it rubbed to keep the silky coat mat-free.
