Best Brush For Havanese
Your Havanese has a delicate coat, and it is important that you choose a brush that is gentle but will still be effective at targeting knots or mats.
The type of brush that is typically recommended for this breed is a slicker brush. They can be found manufactured by many different brands, such as Furminator. It should not be hard to find!
A slicker brush is a brush that has thin wire bristles, which are spaced closely on the head of the brush.
Grooming and Brushes For Havanese
The Havanese is a breed that is easily recognizable by its long, silky hair. This is aesthetically pleasing and makes your pup look like the cutest stuffed animal— as long as it is properly taken care of!
Maintaining the coat of your dog is a bit more of an undertaking than with some other breeds of dog, and it is important that you brush and bathe your Havanese regularly, as required.
You’ll also want to be sure that you have the proper grooming tools. Take a look below to learn more about the Havanese and their grooming requirements, as well as the best brush for brushing your Havanese with!
Havanese Breed History
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, and this is where the breed originated. The ancestors of the Havanese were brought over to Cuba by Spanish settlers, and then this dog— the Blanquito— was bred with dogs from the Bichon family to create the Havanese breed. After they were bred, these dogs began to get popular with the wealthy and aristocratic in Cuba. This is largely because of their role as companion dogs, rather than being bred to be working dogs.
When the Cuban Revolution came, the wealthy families fled to America, many of them with their dogs in tow. The Havanese drew interest in America, and American breeders rushed to set up a breeding program with the Havanese that had come over from Cuba. We can thank them for the breed’s widespread popularity today.
Havanese Maintenance
As we mentioned before, the Havanese is well known for having a long, silky coat. This coat is beautiful when taken care of, but it also requires more grooming and maintenance than other breeds of dog— especially short-haired breeds— requires. So, how do you care for your Havanese and its coat, anyway?
You will need to brush your Havanese at least 2 times a week, with more being recommended. Generally, 2 to 3 brushes a week should be enough.
This helps to get rid of any tangles or mats before they become big problems. It also helps get rid of any dirt and debris that could have been collected by the coat.
It is important that you ensure you are brushing your dog all the way down to their skin, and not only brushing their outer coat.
Mats can form near the skin. Also, spray the coat with a spray bottle before brushing, because brushing it dry can often break or damage the hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Havanese?
Firstly, you may be wondering what constitutes the Havanese breed, if you are not familiar with this breed already. The Havanese has a cuddly appearance with a long, silky coat.
They also have bright, expressive almond-shaped eyes.
They have drop ears and a tail that curves over their back. The Havanese is a small, toy breed, and on average, grows to be around 8 ½ to 11 ½ inches high at the shoulder. The healthy Havanese will average between 7 and 13 pounds in weight. Havanese are companion dogs, so they are a breed that will always be right by your side, and are cuddly and playful, too!
What kind of brush does a Havanese need?
When it comes to Havanese dogs, consistent grooming is essential for maintaining their beautiful coats and overall health. Many pet owners are surprised by just how much upkeep this breed requires—but with the right grooming tools, it becomes a manageable and even enjoyable routine.
A Havanese typically needs to be brushed two to three times a week to prevent matting and to distribute the natural oils that keep their coat healthy and shiny. The most important dog brush you’ll need is a pin brush. It’s ideal for gently working through tangles and maintaining their coat’s softness, especially if your Havanese has a puppy clip or longer coat length.
While a slicker type brush can be useful for occasional deeper detangling, it’s important not to overuse it, as it can be harsh on the skin if not used properly. A pin brush, on the other hand, is gentle and effective for daily maintenance and works well on thick hair.
To make the grooming process easier and more efficient, consider investing in a grooming table. It helps improve your grooming skills and makes your dog feel more secure. You can find these tools, along with high-quality brushes, at your local pet supply store.
For a full grooming routine, don’t forget to regularly check your dog’s mouth and use canine toothpaste to support dental health. And while some many pet owners choose to have their coat clipped for easier maintenance, regular dog grooming at home remains a must for a happy, healthy Havanese.
How do you brush Havanese fur?
Brushing a Havanese requires patience, the right tools, and a gentle touch—especially since this affectionate lap dog often has a long coat that’s prone to mats and tangles. Whether your dog has a flowing coat or a shortened coat, maintaining a proper grooming routine is key to keeping them comfortable and healthy.
Start by gently brushing small sections of the coat using a line brush technique, which means parting the hair in layers and brushing from the skin outward. This helps avoid pulling and protects the dog’s skin from irritation. Many pet parents find that a greyhound comb works well for detangling, especially around the body, while a face comb or small soft toothbrush is ideal for delicate areas like the facial hair.
To care for the mouth area, you can even use a finger brush as part of your grooming routine. This helps get your Havanese used to being handled and keeps their teeth clean. When working with the face, especially near the eyes and mouth, use a face comb gently to keep the hair neat and out of the way.
Alongside your brush, having other grooming tools—such as detangling sprays or grooming scissors—can help maintain coat quality. While regular brushing at home is essential, visiting a professional groomer periodically ensures the coat stays manageable and neat, especially if you’re not experienced with full grooming sessions. Sometimes a pin brush will work.
How often should you brush a Havanese?
The Havanese is a breed of dog that is well known for its long, silky fur, and therefore easy to recognize due to this. However, this long, silky coat also means that more maintenance is required for the Havanese! It is recommended that you groom and brush your Havanese at least twice a week. 2 to 3 times a week is preferred. Brushing your Havanese this frequently can help to prevent mats or tangles, and it can also help to rid the coat of any dirt or debris that it may have collected. Dog grooming is a regular thing with Havanese, sometimes even daily grooming or weekly.
Can you use a Furminator on a Havanese?
There are so many brushes out there that you can use on your Havanese dog, and it may be overwhelming trying to figure out what is best for your dog’s coat. It is generally recommended that you use a slicker type brush for your Havanese breed. A slicker is a wire brush that has bristles spaced closely together. The Furminator has a great slicker type brush option that you can use on your Havanese! It also has bent bristles on one side and straight bristles on the other side of the brush head.