How much does a Havanese cost? Well, to be straightforward, Havaneses are pretty expensive, but not as costly as you may think.
In fact, these long-haired charmers are usually priced slightly lower than other purebred dogs in its ballpark.
That said, there are many things associated with the cost of Havanese ownership. In reality, the upfront cost is only a portion of the entire story.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the actual cost of keeping a Havanese as a family pet. Hopefully, you’ll learn everything about Havanese prices here.
The Average Cost of a Havanese Puppy
The price of a purebred Havanese puppy ranges between $1,000 and $1,500. However, if you’re planning to get a show dog from a champion bloodline, expect to pay at least $2,500.
The Havanese breed is a few hundred bucks cheaper compared to other small breeds. In general, this pooch undercuts the Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, and Pomeranian by at least $200.
Compared to mixed breed dogs like the Toy Goldendoodle or the Toy Bernedoodle, the price difference is more noticeable. Havanese dogs are significantly cheaper by at least $500.
That said, when you factor in the maintenance needs of the Havanese, you might end up paying more for this pup than the previously mentioned breeds!
Fortunately, there are many ways to cut down on Havanese-related expenses. One of the best ways to do this is by adopting a Havanese instead of buying one. Adoption will easily save you at least half a grand!
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Havanese: Which Is Better?
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Havanese Puppy
Have you ever wondered why such a small dog costs a lot? Well, there are plenty of reasons why. It is essential to know about these before buying a Havanese.
Doing so will give you an idea if the pup you are getting is priced reasonably or not. Moreover, knowing these factors will help you pick the right dog that fits your budget.
Below are some factors affecting the price of a Havanese:
Age: As is with other dog breeds, older Havaneses are usually more affordable than puppies. Unsurprisingly, this is also the case with the Havanese. Havanese puppies are about $50 to $200 more than adult Havanese. So if you want a cheaper Havanese, pick an adult one.
Appearance: The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 25 color variants of the Havanese. As expected, different color variants of the Havaneses are priced differently. You can expect rare colors, such as chocolate and parti, to be more expensive than the other colors.
Bloodline: The lineage of a dog is one of the most significant factors affecting its price. More often than not, Havanese born from champion lines cost at least $1,000 more than regular Havanese. These champion dogs are sold for a higher price because of their exquisite looks and top-notch genetics.
Breeder’s Reputation: Usually, the average price of a Havanese puppy from reputable breeders is higher compared to puppy mills and backyard sellers. Essentially, their experience with the breed becomes a part of what you’re paying for. Despite their higher asking price, buying a quality Havanese from a reputable breeder is still recommended.
Health Guarantees: Some breeders offer health guarantees for their dogs. This guarantee comes in the form of a money-back guarantee or health insurance coverage. Dogs with health guarantees are usually more expensive.
Registration Papers: If you want to register your Havanese to a local breed club, it should have some sort of registration paper. Kennel club certifications issued to canines like the Havanese can serve as proof that they are purebreds. Expect to pay at least $200 more for a certified puppy.
Training Received: Some Havanese puppies undergo puppy school before being sold. A Havanese with a puppy school certificate is guaranteed to be potty trained, desensitized to common household noise, and properly socialized. These dogs often cost $200 to $1,000 more than regular Havanese dogs.
Watch how a professional trainer teaches a purebred Havanese puppy some tricks:
Nikkey the Havanese Dog Rockin his Tricks with Ron<a href="https://youtu.be/mynwFt8XN2M" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FmynwFt8XN2M%2F0.jpg" alt="Nikkey the Havanese Dog Rockin his Tricks with Ron" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Those mentioned above are the most significant factors affecting the price of a Havanese puppy. That said, keep in mind that this list is by no means complete.
Other things that may affect the price of your Havaneses are gender, puppy shipping costs, included puppy accessories, reservation fees, and the like.
READ NEXT: 30 Breathtaking Havanese Mixes Just For You!
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Havanese From a Rescue?
The typical adoption fee for a Havanese is between $300 and $500. On some occasions, shelters or rescues may even drop the price to as low as $150.
This price is pretty compelling, especially when you consider that most adoptable Havaneses are fully vaccinated. On top of that, rescues and shelters also cover the cost of deworming and spaying or neutering.
As you would expect, Havanese puppies are more expensive to adopt than an adult or senior Havanese.
One reason behind this is that adult Havaneses are already vaccinated and spayed/neutered before they end up in rescues or shelters.
This means shelters don’t usually cover these expenses for adult dogs. In effect, adult Havaneses are more affordable to adopt. However, one downside of adopting a Havanese is that they are pretty rare in rescues and shelters.
Initial Cost of Havanese Ownership
Now that you know about the Havanese dog price, it’s time to talk about other expenses. In this section, we’ll take a look at some essential items you should buy for your Havanese. We’ll also look at the cost of some medical procedures.
At the end of this section, you’ll find a short table that can double as your shopping checklist!
Here are the initial expenses for a Havanese puppy:
Food and Treats: One of the first things you need to buy for your Havanese is a few packs of dog food and treats. Fortunately, dog food is pretty affordable, especially if you buy it in bulk. The initial supply of kibble and treats for this pooch will set you back $50 to $80.
Food and Water Bowls: Your puppy’s feeding bowl is one thing you should invest in. It should be made from stainless steel as it lasts longer than plastic bowls and is also safer and easier to clean. The average price of feeding bowls is around $10 and $25.
Bed: While Havanese puppies love to lie down on the floor, you should still get yours a proper bed. Investing in a high-quality dog bed for your pup will help preserve its bones and muscles. A high-quality bed for a small dog like the Havanese will run you between $30 and $150.
Crate: A crate is one of the most useful dog essentials, especially if you plan on taking your Havanese on trips. A crate also serves as a safe space for your dog whenever you’re not around. The price of a good-quality dog crate is approximately $30 to $200.
Leashes and Collars: A leash and collar set is something you should already have before picking up your Havanese dog. Be sure to get one that is adjustable and washable. If you decide to get a collar with a metal nameplate, make sure it is corrosion-resistant. A leash and collar set costs $15 to $50.
Toys: Havaneses will chew on anything they can reach, especially during their puppy years. This is why it’s a good idea to buy a few chew toys for your pooch. Not only will it prevent them from chewing furniture, but it also helps with their mental development. Chew toys will set you back $20 to $30.
Grooming Essentials: The Havaneses are known for their long and silky hair. However, their hair does not always look like that unless adequately maintained. Luckily, grooming essentials are fairly inexpensive. A set of hairbrushes, shampoo, clippers, and nail cutter will run you $30 to $150.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Havanese puppies are prone to fleas and ticks. Luckily, fleas and ticks are easily manageable using over-the-counter medicine. Similarly, they also need deworming for parasites inside their gut. Expect to spend $50 to $200 on these medications.
Initial Vet Visits: On top of the cost of vaccination, deworming, and other medical procedures, you’ll also need to pay your vet bills. Your pup’s initial vet visits will set you back between $100 and $300. Keep in mind that this may vary depending on the vet rates in your area.
Initial Vaccine Shots: If you buy a Havanese puppy, there’s a good chance that it’s not yet vaccinated. More often than not, you’ll need to shoulder its first few rounds of vaccines. These shots are for distemper, parainfluenza, rabies, parvovirus, and hepatitis. Vaccines will cost you $75 to $200.
Neutering or Spaying: Most Havanese puppies are sold intact, which means you need to shoulder the cost of neutering or spaying. However, if you get an adult dog, there’s a decent chance that it is already spayed or neutered. Neutering or spaying usually costs between $50 and $500.
Dog License: Licensing your dog is an important procedure. This ensures that your dog is easily identifiable in vet records. A dog license will set you back by $10 to $20.
Microchip: A microchip is an electronic device implanted in dogs. This device can be read by computer scanners to identify information about the dog. This comes in clutch if your dog is lost and somebody rescues it. Microchipping a Havanese will run you between $40 and $60.
Miscellaneous Expenses: Aside from the above-mentioned items, your Havanese will also need cleaning tools, poop bags, poop inducers, vitamins, and the like. A budget of $15 to $30 will suffice for these miscellaneous expenses.
Here’s a list of your initial costs for a Havanese puppy:
As you can see, you need around $525 to $1,995 for your Havanese’s initial expenses.
Keep in mind that the things listed above are the bare essentials of a small dog breed like the purebred Havanese. Your actual spending may still vary.
If you already own some of these things, you can skip buying them. This is a good way to cut down on spending.
Likewise, you can also look for breeders that give away freebies. Usually, you’ll save a couple of hundred bucks from freebies!
Annual Cost of Owning a Havanese
If you’re confident that you can afford the initial cost of owning a Havanese, the next thing you should consider is the annual expenses. After all, this is what you’ll be paying for continuously for around 13 to 16 years.
The recurring needs of the Havanese are pretty basic. This pup will need food, a couple of trips to the groomers, preventive medications, and more.
Here’s a breakdown of the annual cost of owning a Havanese:
As you can see, the grooming needs of the Havanese are pretty expensive. However, this is nothing out of the ordinary. A budget of $100 to $250 is pretty standard for a high-maintenance pooch such as the Havanese.
You’ll also need to allot money for routine vet check-ups of your dog. Your Havanese would need at least three trips to the vet clinic annually, and this will likely set you back $200 to $400.
On top of regular veterinary care, your dog will also need pet insurance coverage.
The average price of $500 to $600 for pet insurance may seem daunting, but this is perfectly reasonable. In fact, pet insurance might save you from unexpected medical bills!
Keep in mind that the table above consists of estimates. That said, your actual mileage may not be exactly the same as this. You should also be aware that there are plenty of other potential expenses that may come your way.
Other Potential Expenses
The expenses we’ve talked about so far are just the essentials. For the most part, those expenses are non-negotiable, which means you have no way around it.
But what about other potential expenses? Well, there are quite a few.
Here’s a list of other potential expenses for a Havanese:
Pet Sitter Fee: If you need to leave your Havanese for a few days, dog sitting services will come in handy. Usually, pet sitters are people who want to earn extra on the side. Luckily, it’s easy to find nannies or babysitters who will be willing to take care of your dog. Dog sitters usually charge $20 to $30 per day.
Pet Daycare: A good alternative to pet sitters is a pet daycare. Pet daycares are facilities that foster pets for a few days. You can think of them as a pet hotel. Pet daycares are usually more expensive than pet sitters at around $20 to $30 per day.
Grooming Services: The Havanese is a long-haired pooch that has a high maintenance requirement. While it’s possible to groom this pup at home, going to the groomers from time to time is recommended. Grooming usually costs $30 to $60.
Kennel Club Certifications: For around $80 to $200, you can register your Havanese to the American Kennel Club (AKC). This is not necessary but recommended to have. Kennel club registration is only required if you plan to sign your dog up for dog shows or sporting events.
Emergency Medical Costs: Emergency expenses are non-negotiable since they are essential for pain management. However, it is included in this section because we don’t usually have a set budget for these things. According to a news report, the average cost of emergency treatment for pets is between $1,000 and $5,000.
These other potential expenses may or may not apply to you. However, it is wise to set a budget for these things so that you’re prepared when the need arises. This is especially true for emergency medical costs.
One of the best things to do is to save up an emergency fund for your Havanese. It is also recommended to get some sort of pet insurance coverage that covers emergency treatment.
Places to Find Havanese Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Choosing a place to source your Havanese puppy from plays a role in your expenses. Sometimes it is tempting to buy a cheap Havanese puppy from a backyard breeder or puppy mill, but it is never a good idea.
More often than not, puppies from these sources have health conditions. This means you might end up spending more on medical bills in the long run.
To make it easier for you, we have rounded up some of the most responsible Havanese breeders. We also added in a few rescues specifically for this puppy breed. Read more below!
Here’s a list of breeders where you can find Havanese puppies for sale:
Havacasa Havanese – Havacasa Havanese is a reputable breeder located in Gilbert, Phoenix, Arizona. They have been breeding Havanese puppies for over 20 years. They are one of AKC’s breeders of merit, and they are also a member of The Havanese Club of America.
Zona Rosa Havanese – Located in North Port, Florida, Zona Rosa Havanese is one of the most responsible breeders in town. They produce Havanese dogs with top-notch health and temperament. Zona Rosa is run by experienced breeders who have been in the business for more than a decade.
Payasa Havanese – Payasa Havanese is one of the first Havanese breeders in Indiana. They have been breeding dogs, specifically all kinds of Havaneses, since 1980. Needless to say, Payasa Havanese is a responsible breeder. They have companion dogs, show-line dogs, and a few champion bloodline dogs.
If you prefer adopting a Havananese instead of buying one, here are some rescues to check out:
Havaheart Rescue – Havaheart Rescue is a non-profit Havanese dog organization located in Springfield, Missouri. Their goal is to rescue and rehabilitate unwanted Havanese purebreds and Havanese mixes from nearby states. This rescue relies entirely on volunteers and donations.
Havanese Angel League Organization (HALO) – Halo is a foster-based rescue servicing Illinois and nearby states. Since its establishment in 2002, HALO has rescued and rehomed more than 1,400 dogs. Like other rescues, HALO also performs background checks on future dog owners and aspiring foster parents.
Havanese Rescue Inc. (HRI) – HRI is the only Havanese rescue endorsed by The Havanese Club of America. This rescue focuses on saving dogs from being euthanized in shelters or dog pounds. They rescue all kinds of Havanese and Havanese mixed breeds.
These are some of the best places to buy or adopt a Havanese puppy. It is recommended to try these sources first before looking elsewhere.
In case these don’t work out for you, you can reach out to other Havanese owners through social media groups. Surely, there is a dog owner or two who will point you in the right direction.
Similarly, you can consult local breed clubs or pet stores in your place. Just remember to stay away from puppy mills and backyard breeders.
Money-Saving Tips for Havanese Owners
Owning a Havanese dog is a serious financial responsibility for a pet owner. As much as we would like to splurge on our furry friends, it’s also wise to save a bit of cash here and there.
Fortunately, there are a ton of ways to cut down on Havanese-related expenses. In this part, we’ll check out a few cost-effective tips and tricks.
Here are some money-saving tips for owning Havanese:
Invest in high-quality essentials. Purchasing high-quality essentials may be taxing to your wallet at first. However, if you do the math, it is actually the best money-saving trick. Cheap feeding bowls, dog beds, and other things may seem like a good deal, but high-quality goods last longer.
Prepare homemade dog food. If your Havanese is a picky eater, you’ll probably end up buying expensive canned dog food. One way to go around this is by preparing homemade meals for your pooch. White meat and veggies are cheaper when bought in bulk. Plus, it’s also tasty and healthy for dogs.
Groom your Havanese at home. The Havanese is a pretty tough dog to groom. However, if you take the time and effort to learn how to groom this pooch, you’ll save a ton of money. Luckily, there are tons of DIY pet grooming tutorials on YouTube. You can also ask other Havanese owners for some tips.
Visit the vet regularly. Prevention is always better than cure. Spending a few hundred dollars for vet expenses is better than spending thousands for medical emergencies. In addition to that, regular check-ups will also ensure that your pooch is healthy and in tip-top condition.
These few tips are applicable to most Havanese owners. You should utilize these tips as much as you can to save more money.
However, keep in mind that saving money is different from cheaping out on your dog. The quality of care you give your pooch should not be compromised at all costs.
Final Thoughts
The cost of owning a Havanese dog is nothing out of the ordinary. Except for heavy maintenance needs and grooming expenses, the living expenses of this breed are on par with other small breed dogs.
If anything, the Havanese is more affordable in terms of the actual puppy price.
Before getting a Havanese, we recommend you to go through this guide again and examine if this pooch fits comfortably into your budget.
Always keep in mind that dogs are serious financial responsibilities. You should skip getting this dog if you are not comfortable with how much a Havanese puppy costs.
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