How Much Does a Havanese Cost? The Expenses May Surprise You

Quick Take

• The price tag on a Havanese puppy can actually signal something's wrong, and this cuts both ways. Spot the red flags →
• One cost category hits Havanese owners harder than it does owners of larger breeds, and most people never see it coming. See dental costs for small dogs →
• Waiting until your Havanese gets sick to buy pet insurance could be the most expensive mistake you make. Understand the timing risk →
• Not every rescue is what it claims to be, with the warning sign hiding in plain sight. Check rescue warning signs →

Havanese prices can range considerably. These numbers include food, pet insurance, spay or neuter surgery, annual check-ups, vaccines, parasite prevention medications, and yearly dental cleanings. They also include the cost of your puppy and initial purchases. Havanese prices may be different based on your area and are approximations. They are not meant to guarantee how much you will spend on your Havanese but to give you an estimate and some budget items to consider.

How Much Does a Havanese Puppy Cost?

Havanese puppies from breeders typically cost $2,000–$3,500, with some pups costing more. The price of a rescue Havanese can range from around $150 to $750 or more, depending on the organization and the dog’s age. It’s essential to research your breeder or rescue to ensure they’re operating ethically. Unfortunately, even some so-called rescues are puppy mills in disguise.

All breeders should have OFA health testing results available, and they will not breed dogs with genetic health issues. A reputable breeder will have their puppies vetted and chipped with their name included in case the dog ends up in a shelter. Your contract should state that the puppy goes back to the breeder if you cannot care for them at any time, no matter their age.

Reputable breeders also have waitlists, and being able to adopt a puppy the same day you inquire about them is a red flag. Regarding rescues, having mostly young puppies available for immediate adoption can be a red flag. Look for rescues registered as 501c3 nonprofits, and always do your research before adopting.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Havanese

Your breeder’s location, the puppies’ pedigree, and more can affect the purchase price of your Havanese puppy. If the breeder lives someplace with a low cost of living, they’re likely to charge less than someone who lives in an expensive city.

Puppies with award-winning or even famous lineage will cost more than puppies without. Of course, whether you’re shopping with a reputable breeder will also impact the price of your puppy. Very low or high prices often indicate that you’re dealing with a puppy mill or backyard breeder who isn’t doing their due diligence for the dogs.

Cost of Vaccinations and Other Medical Expenses for Havanese

For most people, the most expensive part of dog ownership is vet care. It’s important to budget for routine visits, sick visits, and emergency care. Because these costs can quickly add up, many people choose to pay for pet insurance to cover illness and emergencies. Some pet insurance plans also cover wellness care, though they tend to be more expensive.

Vaccines

Depending on your area, your vet’s pricing, and which vaccine you get, vaccines can cost anywhere from $25–$75. The first year is the most expensive when it comes to vaccines, as your dog will need their initial shots and boosters. Most states require a rabies vaccine. Other vaccines are optional, but many are highly recommended.

Rabies and DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo) are considered core vaccines, meaning they’re recommended for all dogs. Several other common vaccines are recommended based on a dog’s lifestyle. For instance, dogs who spend much time interacting with other pups require more vaccines to keep them safe. Your dog groomer, daycare, or boarding facility may even require these vaccines to prevent disease outbreaks amongst their clients.

Most dogs won’t need every vaccine. Some depend on lifestyle, such as the Bordetella or Canine Influenza vaccines, while others are recommended based on location, like the Lyme and Rattlesnake vaccines. Please speak with your veterinarian about what vaccines they recommend. If your budget restricts the number of vaccines you can get, they can discuss your dog’s risk levels and recommend which to prioritize. Core vaccines will cost $100-$300 in the first year.

Your numbers will likely fall somewhere in the middle, but you should also account for exam fees and other parts of each visit, such as blood tests or parasite preventative. These are covered in other sections of this article.

Spay or Neuter Surgery

Spaying or neutering your Havanese can vary considerably in price depending on the cost of living in your area and where you have the procedure done. You can expect prices between $200 to $800 or more.

You will pay more at the vet’s office, but your dog will also typically get one-on-one care, so it is worth it if it’s something you can afford. Otherwise, the ASPCA keeps a great list of low-cost spay and neuter programs that typically cost less than $100.

Check-Ups

Your Havanese should see their vet for a check-up at least once a year, even if they appear healthy. These visits should ideally include a physical exam, bloodwork, stool sample, and heartworm test. This is also when you can purchase new heartworm-prevention medications.

The most expensive part of the exam will likely be routine bloodwork, but this can ultimately save you thousands of dollars–and your dog’s life!–if it happens to catch an illness early. Prices can range from $50-$250 per visit.

Parasite Prevention Medications

The cost of parasite prevention depends on which parasites you focus on and which medications you purchase. Prices generally range from $100-$400. Many medications that cover fleas, mites, and ticks don’t cover heartworms, so you may end up with two medications for that reason.

Although parasite prevention medications are technically optional, it’s almost certain that your dog will get parasites without them. They’re typically more expensive and time-consuming to get rid of than they are to prevent in the first place. Heartworm medication is especially important, as heartworm is both painful and expensive to treat.

Dental Cleanings

Small dogs like Havanese are more prone to dental health problems than larger breeds. Staying on top of brushing their teeth is extra important to prevent plaque build-up. However, it’s still likely that your dog will need professional dental cleanings from the vet and potentially other procedures such as pulling teeth. Dental cleanings cost over $300, and extensive dental work can cost over $1000.

Sick Vet Visits

There’s no predicting when your Havanese will get sick, which illnesses they will develop, or how much vet care will cost. This is why having either pet insurance or a large savings account is essential. Some ailments, like simple outer ear infections, cost only a few hundred dollars to treat. But others, such as a luxated patella that needs surgery, can cost thousands.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Havanese

To estimate costs for your Havanese, you’ll need to factor in the cost of food, as well as other supplies. Some will likely be one-time purchases, while others may need to be upgraded as your pup grows.

Food

Feeding your Havanese can cost anywhere from $20-$100 a month, depending on what kind of food you purchase and the size of your Havanese. As you may expect, a large 15-pound Havanese will eat more than a small seven-pound pup. Kibble is the cheapest to feed, while canned, fresh, and raw foods cost more.

Everyone has different opinions on dog food, but your best bet is a vet-recommended brand that follows WSAVA guidelines for a scientifically-based diet. While some people have success with raw foods, it has its risks and isn’t recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Initial Purchases

Some initial purchases are one-time expenses you’ll ideally purchase before bringing your dog home or shortly after. A few of these items will need to be replaced as your puppy grows or they become worn. You can expect to pay $100-$200+ for these supplies.

These include:

• Food and water bowls
• Collar and leash
• Brush and comb
• Nail clippers or Dremel
• Harness (optional)
• Crate
• Crash-tested dog seatbelt or car crate (optional but highly recommended)

Repeat Purchases

Costs range widely for repeat purchases. These include things you’ll need to replace throughout your dog’s life, such as:

• Toys
• Treats
• Dental care items

Havanese are relatively cheap dogs in this regard, as they aren’t likely to destroy large household items, like the couch. They also tend to require smaller, more inexpensive items than other dog breeds.

Household Purchases

Costs can also range widely for household purchases, depending on what you buy. None are technically required, and you may have some already.

Here are some household purchases to consider when you budget for your Havanese:

• Pet gates
• Fencing
• Furniture covers
• Car seat covers
• Pet stairs or ramps
• Any chewed-up household items

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Havanese?

Pet insurance for a Havanese can cost anywhere from $20-$200 a month. It depends on the company and plan you choose. The more expensive plans, predictably, cover more of the vet bill. Be sure to look at the deductible (how much you have to pay before the insurance will cover anything), the percent of vet bills the insurance will cover, and what they cover. For instance, most plans don’t cover routine vet visits or exam fees.

If you want pet insurance for your Havanese, it’s important to purchase it as soon as possible. This is because most plans won’t cover preexisting conditions, meaning anything your dog shows symptoms for or is diagnosed with before the insurance goes into effect. Waiting until your dog is sick to purchase insurance means that the illness likely won’t be covered.

If you don’t purchase pet insurance for your Havanese, it’s strongly recommended that you have a large savings account instead. Eventually, your dog will need veterinary care, and it’s important to be prepared.

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Havanese?

Most people do not pay for professional training, meaning they pay nothing or very little. If you choose this route, you’ll only have to pay for supplies like a clicker or dog treats.

Puppy classes are another popular option that is especially good for first-timers. Group classes typically cost $150-$300 for a 6 to 8 week course. These classes teach you and your dog the basics and allow you to practice obedience while surrounded by other dogs. Being able to pay attention to you despite these distractions is a great skill for your Havanese to learn!

You can also usually attend more advanced group classes if you want, though it adds to the expense. Finally, one-on-one training can cost $50 to $150 per hour, depending on your area. Specialized training can run into the thousands, with board and train courses costing from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the type of training and length of the course.