Havanese Grooming Guide

The Havanese has a unique coat among toy breeds — a long, silky, double-layered coat that is lightweight and flowing rather than dense and heavy. Unlike many double-coated breeds, the Havanese is considered non-shedding, which makes them popular with allergy sufferers but also means the coat grows continuously and requires committed grooming. The coat can be maintained in a full, flowing show-length style or trimmed into a practical puppy cut. A full coat is stunning but demands daily brushing to prevent matting, while a puppy cut is easier to maintain but still requires regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. The breed goes through a challenging coat change between 8 and 14 months of age when the puppy coat transitions to the adult coat — this period is notorious for severe matting. Havanese skin is sensitive and prone to tearing if mats are pulled carelessly.

1. Pre-bath prep (15-25 min) Mist the coat lightly with detangling spray — never brush a Havanese coat dry, as it causes breakage. Using a pin brush, work through the entire coat section by section, starting at the feet and working upward (line brushing). Follow with a metal comb through every area to confirm all tangles are removed. Mat-free coats are essential before bathing. For puppy-cut dogs, this is faster but still critical.

2. Bathing (15-20 min) Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo formulated for silky coats. The Havanese coat tangles easily when agitated, so avoid scrubbing in circles — work shampoo through in the direction of hair growth. Apply a quality conditioner, leaving it on for 2-3 minutes to soften the coat and ease post-bath combing. Rinse thoroughly — residue causes itching and dulls the coat.

3. Drying (20-25 min) Gently squeeze excess water with a towel — do not rub, as this creates tangles. Use a low-to-medium speed dryer with a pin brush, drying in sections from the skin outward. For full coats, dry each layer flat to keep the coat straight and flowing. For puppy cuts, fluff-dry to add body. The coat must be fully dry to prevent skin issues and to assess the true length for trimming.

4. Trimming or scissoring (20-30 min) For a puppy cut: Use a guard comb (typically 1-2 inches) over the body, blending into slightly longer legs. Round the feet, trim the face to show the eyes, and shape the ears to a natural rounded outline. For a full coat: minimal trimming — neaten the feet, trim paw pad hair, and shape the bottom line for evenness. Sanitary trim for both styles.

5. Finishing (10-15 min) Final comb-through with a metal comb to check for any remaining tangles. Apply a light leave-in conditioner or silk spray. For full coats, part the hair down the back and ensure it falls evenly on both sides. Clean the eyes — Havanese are prone to tear staining, especially in lighter colors. Clean ears and check for hair growing into the ear canal.

• Pin brush (with rounded tips) — primary brushing tool; protects the delicate coat from breakage
• Metal greyhound comb (fine and wide tooth) — mat detection and finishing; the ultimate test for a tangle-free coat
• Detangling spray — always mist before brushing to prevent breakage and static
• Guard combs (snap-on, 1-2 inch) — consistent puppy cut length on the body
• Curved shears — shaping the round, natural head and foot outlines
• Thinning shears — blending transitions between body and leg lengths
• Tear stain remover — essential for lighter-colored Havanese
• Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner — maintains the silky, flowing texture

Brushing a dry coat — Always mist with detangling spray first. Dry brushing a Havanese coat causes static, breakage, and split ends that make the coat look frizzy rather than silky.

Not preparing for coat change — Between 8 and 14 months, the puppy coat transitions to the adult coat and matting becomes extreme. Many owners give up during this phase. Warn clients to increase brushing to daily and consider scheduling more frequent professional grooms.

Surface brushing only — Running a brush over the top of the coat without reaching the skin leaves hidden mats underneath. Line brushing (parting the coat into sections and brushing from the skin out) is the only effective method.

Using heavy products — The Havanese coat is lightweight and silky. Heavy conditioners, oils, or styling products weigh it down and make it look greasy. Use lightweight, silicone-free products designed for silky coats.

Havanese do not shed seasonally like double-coated breeds, but their coat still responds to seasonal changes. In summer, many owners opt for a shorter puppy cut for comfort and easier maintenance. The coat can attract static in dry winter air — use a leave-in conditioner or anti-static spray. Humidity in summer can make the coat curlier and more prone to tangling. Year-round, the biggest factor is consistent brushing rather than seasonal adjustments. Tear staining may increase during allergy season — keep the eye area clean and dry.

• Teach puppies to accept daily brushing from day one — coat maintenance is a lifetime commitment
• Line brushing is non-negotiable: part the coat, brush from skin to tip, move to the next section
• Use a topknot or bow to keep hair out of the eyes between grooms rather than cutting the head short
• Schedule grooms every 4 weeks during the 8-14 month coat change period to manage matting
• A silk or satin dog bed cover reduces coat friction and matting overnight