After years of treating Havanese temperament in my Florida clinic, I’ve come to appreciate just how distinctive this breed’s temperament really is. They walk into my exam room with an openness that’s hard to miss—part curiosity, part charm, and part determination to win you over whether you planned on it or not. I’ve seen this same mix in puppies from responsible breeders, in adults adopted from rescues, and even in seniors who’ve grown a little stubborn but kept their sparkle.

One of my earliest Havanese patients was a fluffy black-and-white male who greeted me with a confident trot and a look that suggested we were already friends. His owner laughed and told me he behaved like that with everyone. During the exam, he rested his chin on my arm and sighed, entirely convinced he was in the right place. That encounter gave me my first real glimpse into how naturally social this breed can be. Even dogs with minimal training often show a built-in gentleness that makes handling them surprisingly easy.

Of course, I’ve also met Havanese who rely on their families a bit more than most owners expect. A few years ago, a couple brought me a young female who barked nervously the entire drive to the clinic. The moment she climbed into her owner’s lap, though, her whole posture softened. That experience has repeated itself countless times—Havanese thrive on reassurance. They’re bold in their own way, but it’s a relational boldness, the kind that depends on someone they trust nearby.

Their adaptability also stands out to me. I’ve treated Havanese who live in quiet condos by the beach, others who share houses with three kids and a pair of energetic Labrador mixes, and more than a handful who spend their days as therapy or emotional-support dogs. The successful ones all share a core trait I’ve come to associate with the breed: they want to be involved in whatever their people are doing. I’ve seen this in small moments during exams—how they track their owner’s voice, how quickly they return to calm once they’re back beside the person they know best.

Still, I do warn new owners about a tendency I’ve seen both in puppies and adults: Havanese can become clingy without structure. A family once brought in a puppy who cried so intensely during his first grooming appointment that they were convinced something was medically wrong. After a few questions, I learned he was rarely left alone, even for a few minutes. His anxiety wasn’t a mystery—it was a learned expectation. With some gradual independence training, he eventually settled into being a far more confident little dog, but the early signs were clear long before they reached my office.

Another temperament trait I’ve come to rely on—especially during procedures—is their sensitivity. Havanese read the room with surprising accuracy. If I’m relaxed, they respond in kind. If their owner is nervous, they mirror that too. I remember a small female who needed a minor dental procedure. Her owner was visibly worried, which had her pacing and panting in the lobby. A quick conversation and a calmer hand-off made a noticeable difference. The dog settled almost immediately once the emotional pressure eased.

What makes the breed so beloved among many of my clients is the steady mix of playfulness and emotional awareness. Havanese rarely lose interest in games, even as adults, yet they’re also tuned in to human routines in a way that makes them feel almost intuitive. Families often tell me their dogs seem to “know” when someone in the house is upset or recovering from an illness. While that kind of interpretation can be romanticized, I do see enough consistent behavior in the clinic to believe there’s a genuine sensitivity at play.

After treating so many of them, I’ve formed a simple opinion: Havanese temperament is shaped by both nature and nurture, but the foundation is steady—affectionate, observant, and socially driven. Their personalities bloom in environments where they have companionship, predictability, and gentle guidance. And every so often, one walks through my clinic door with that trademark confident wiggle and reminds me why so many families fall hard for this little breed.