Havanese Colors & Coat Guide
All recognized Havanese colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.
Havanese Colors Overview
The palette of Havanese coat colors reflects the breed's genetic diversity. Havanese colors often change dramatically as they mature. A black puppy may fade to silver, and a chocolate may lighten considerably, making adult color prediction difficult..
Responsible breeders prioritize health over color production. While rare colors may be appealing, they should never come at the expense of proper health testing and breed-standard temperament.
All Havanese Colors
The Havanese is recognized in 8 color variations. Standard colors are those accepted by major kennel clubs for conformation showing, while non-standard colors may occur naturally but are not eligible for the show ring. Both standard and non-standard colored Havaneses make equally wonderful companions.
Standard vs Non-Standard Havanese Colors
Standard colors (8): White, Cream, Fawn, Red, Chocolate, Black, Silver, Gold. These colors are accepted by the AKC and other major kennel clubs for conformation competition. Standard-colored Havaneses are typically priced within the normal $1000–$2000 range.
How Color Affects Havanese Price
| Standard colors | Normal pricing ($1000–$2000) |
| Rare/unusual colors | Premium pricing (+$600–$1000) |
While color can influence the price of a Havanese puppy, prospective owners should prioritize health testing, breeder reputation, and temperament over coat color. A responsibly bred Havanese in a common color with comprehensive health clearances is a better investment than a "rare" colored puppy from untested parents. The base price range for Havaneses is $1000–$2000, with color-based premiums adding to that range for certain variations.
Havanese Coat Type and Grooming
The Havanese's long silky coat requires grooming appropriate to its texture and density. With grooming needs rated 4/5 and shedding at 1/5, owners should plan their maintenance routine accordingly.
This breed requires significant coat maintenance. Daily or near-daily brushing prevents matting, distributes natural oils, and keeps the coat healthy. Professional grooming every 4–8 weeks maintains proper coat length and condition. Budget $67–71 per month for grooming expenses, and invest in quality grooming tools including appropriate brushes, combs, and dematting tools.
Regardless of coat color, all Havaneses benefit from regular nail trimming every 2–3 weeks, ear cleaning weekly (especially for breeds with floppy ears), and dental care including brushing three or more times per week. These basic grooming tasks prevent common health problems and keep your dog comfortable.
Havanese Coat Genetics
The Havanese's coat color is the product of several interacting genes. Havanese colors often change dramatically as they mature. A black puppy may fade to silver, and a chocolate may lighten considerably, making adult color prediction difficult..
Modern DNA testing panels can identify a dog's genotype at key color loci, allowing breeders to predict puppy colors and avoid producing colors linked to health issues (such as double merle).
Rare vs Standard Havanese Colors
Rare Havanese colors can be fascinating from a genetics perspective, but proceed with caution. Havanese colors often change dramatically as they mature. A black puppy may fade to silver, and a chocolate may lighten considerably, making adult color prediction difficult.. Premium pricing for unusual colors beyond the standard $1000–$2000 range does not guarantee quality breeding.
The best approach is to choose a Havanese breeder who health-tests thoroughly for Patellar Luxation and Cataracts and produces well-tempered dogs, regardless of coat color.
Do Havanese Colors Change with Age?
As your Havanese puppy matures toward its adult weight of 7–13 lbs, expect their coat to change too. Most puppies undergo a coat transition between 4 and 12 months that can alter color depth, pattern visibility, and overall appearance. The breed's long silky coat may require adjusted grooming during this transition..
Choosing a Havanese by Color
When selecting a Havanese puppy, coat color is one of the most visible factors, but it should be among the last in your decision-making process. Here is a practical framework for evaluating color alongside more important factors:
- Health testing comes first: Both parents should have documented clearances for breed-relevant conditions including Patellar Luxation. No color is worth compromising on health documentation.
- Temperament matters more: Meet the puppies and both parents when possible. A well-socialized puppy with stable temperament from health-tested parents in a common color outweighs a "rare" colored puppy from an unknown background.
- Breeder reputation is essential: Reputable breeders prioritize producing healthy, well-tempered puppies and are transparent about all aspects of their program. They do not market "rare" or "exotic" colors at inflated prices.
- Then consider color: Once health, temperament, and breeder quality are confirmed, choose the color that appeals to you. All 8 recognized Havanese colors can produce healthy, happy companions.
Controversial Colors
When shopping for a Havanese, be skeptical of breeders who advertise unusual colors at prices above $2000. Non-standard colors beyond White, Cream, Fawn, Red, Chocolate, Black, Silver, Gold can indicate mixed breeding or genes linked to health issues. Havanese colors often change dramatically as they mature. A black puppy may fade to silver, and a chocolate may lighten considerably, making adult color prediction difficult..
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Breeds You May Also Like
If you are interested in the Havanese, you may also want to explore these breeds with similar size, temperament, or group classification.