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The Havanese, Cuba’s national dog, has a soft, silky coat that feels almost like raw silk. It sheds very little, which makes the breed popular with people who dislike hair on furniture. The catch: Havanese hair tangles easily and mats if brushing slips. This guide covers the Havanese coat, how to choose between a long coat, a puppy cut and cords, and how to handle eyes, ears and feet.
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The Havanese Coat
Havanese have a double coat, but both layers are soft and light, not harsh. The hair is long, abundant and can be straight, wavy or curly. It is designed to insulate against tropical sun rather than cold. The coat sheds lightly; most shed hair gets caught in the coat rather than falling out, which is why tangles form.
Coat change
Between about 8 and 14 months, Havanese puppies transition to an adult coat. Mats can appear very quickly during this phase, so brushing more often or switching to a shorter trim is sensible.
Three Coat Options
See also: How to Pick a Heating Pad for an Arthritic Senior Dog • How to Transition a Picky Cat to a New Food
| Option | Look | Maintenance | Groomer visits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy cut | Short, even 1-2 inches | Brush 2-3x per week | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Long natural coat | Flowing, traditional look | Brush daily or every other day, 15-20 minutes | Bath and tidy every 3-4 weeks |
| Corded coat | Rope-like cords form over months | Separate cords weekly; long drying time | Specialist guidance recommended |
For most pet homes, a puppy cut offers the best balance. Long coats are beautiful but demand daily commitment. Cords are traditional in some lines but require a lot of learning and very thorough drying.
Brushing a Havanese
Line brushing works best:
- Lightly spray the coat with a detangler or water. Dry brushing breaks the soft hair.
- Part the coat and brush from the skin outward with a pin brush.
- Use a metal comb to check each section. Work out tangles gently with your fingers and a slicker before combing again.
Common mat spots include behind the ears, under the collar, the armpits, the belly and the back of the legs.
Bathing and Drying
Bathe every two to four weeks for long coats and every four to six weeks for puppy cuts. Always brush out tangles before bathing. Use a gentle shampoo and a light conditioner. Blow-dry on low heat while brushing, section by section. A damp coat left to air-dry tangles quickly.
Eyes and Face
Havanese can have tear staining, especially on white and cream dogs. Wipe the eye area daily with a soft damp cloth and keep hair away from the eyes by trimming it short or using a small topknot. Increased tearing or squinting should be checked by your vet.
Ears
Havanese have drop ears covered in long hair, which limits airflow. Check them weekly for wax, redness and odor, and clean with a vet-approved cleaner. Ask your vet whether removing hair inside the canal is appropriate.
Feet and Nails
Trim hair between the paw pads to improve traction and reduce the debris and snow balls that collect there. Trim nails every three to four weeks. Check the feet after walks for burrs and grass seeds caught in the hair.
Dealing With a Mat You Have Already Found
Small tangles can be saved. Work a little detangling spray or cornstarch into the knot, hold the hair between the mat and the skin so you are not pulling on the dog, and tease the mat apart from the outer edge with your fingers, then a slicker, then the wide end of a comb. Do not cut mats with scissors close to the skin; Havanese skin tents up into the mat and is easy to nick. If mats are tight to the skin over large areas, a groomer shaving that section and starting fresh is kinder than hours of pulling. The coat grows back normally.
Professional Grooming Costs
In the US, a full Havanese groom typically costs $60 to $100, depending on coat length and condition. Dematting is often charged extra. Corded coats may require specialist groomers and higher fees.
FAQ
Do Havanese shed?
Very little onto furniture. The hair they do lose tends to get caught in the coat, so regular brushing is needed to prevent mats.
Is a puppy cut bad for a Havanese coat?
No. Havanese coats grow back normally after a puppy cut. It is one of the most practical options for family pets.
Bottom Line
Havanese shed very little, but their soft coat tangles easily. Choose a coat style that fits your time, whether that is a practical puppy cut or a long coat with daily brushing, and always dry thoroughly after baths. Add daily eye wipes, weekly ear checks and tidy paw trims for a happy, comfortable Havanese.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Puppy cut.
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