How much is a havanese puppy?

If you’re asking “How much is a Havanese puppy?” you’re asking about more than a sticker price. You’re buying an animal that will affect your time, budget, and daily life for many years. Below I lay out what price ranges you’re likely to see, why those numbers vary, how to approach buying one responsibly, and what to do if the cost or circumstances don’t match your expectations.

Typical Havanese Puppy Prices: What you’ll pay, what’s included, and extra costs to expect

In the United States, a Havanese puppy from a reputable breeder most commonly sells for roughly $1,200 to $3,000. Puppies described as “show/breeding quality” or from champion bloodlines can be priced higher, often $2,500 to $6,000 or more. Rescue and shelter-adopted Havanese or Havanese mixes typically cost much less on paper — usually $150 to $700 in adoption fees — though availability is limited.

Those headline numbers usually reflect different things. A breeder price commonly includes initial vaccinations, a vet wellness check, deworming, microchipping, and limited or full registration papers. Higher-priced litters often include documented health clearances, early socialization and training efforts, and written health guarantees. Adoption fees tend to cover the shelter’s expenses like vaccinations, spay/neuter, and basic care rather than breeder-level health testing.

Price drivers for Havanese puppies — breeder quality, health clearances, location, and more

Several concrete and practical forces influence what you’ll pay. Responsible breeders have recurring costs that raise their prices: health testing on breeding dogs, veterinary care for the litter, quality nutrition, and time spent socializing puppies. I typically see breeders who prioritize health screening pass that cost directly to buyers.

• Health screening and genetic testing: Tests commonly performed or recommended for Havanese may include patellar (knee) evaluations, eye exams for inherited eye disease, cardiac checks, and breed-specific DNA tests for conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy. These tests cost money and take time to arrange.
• Lineage and demand: Puppies from established show lines or from a particularly successful mating are priced higher because of future breeding or show potential. Color, markings, and rarity in a region can also push a price up, as can waiting lists in high-demand areas.
• Breeder practices: Breeders who limit litters, provide early socialization, and raise puppies in their home rather than a kennel setting tend to charge more. Conversely, very low prices should trigger careful questioning — they may reflect inadequate care or high-volume commercial operations.
• Geography and logistics: Urban areas with more demand or regions where breeders are scarce tend to have higher prices. If a breeder includes transport or arranges flights, that raises the price further.

Beyond the purchase price, ongoing costs substantially change the true expense of ownership. These are not optional in practice: regular veterinary care, quality food, training, grooming, and preventive medications add up over time and are important for the Havanese breed, which thrives on grooming and interaction.

How to buy a Havanese: budget smartly, evaluate sellers, and complete the purchase

Start by calculating a realistic first-year and ongoing budget. Below is a practical breakdown I use when counseling new owners so you can compare against your expected purchase price.

• Initial purchase/adoption: $150 (rescue) to $6,000+ (top breeder).
• First-year vet care: $300–$1,200. This covers vaccines, initial exams, microchip, and possibly spay/neuter. Puppies who need additional care or who develop early problems will fall at the higher end.
• Preventive medications: $200–$500 per year for heartworm and flea/tick protection depending on product and region.
• Training and socialization: $100–$600 for puppy classes and early behavior work; private trainers cost more but can be necessary for specific issues.
• Grooming and supplies: $300–$1,000 in the first year. Havanese require regular grooming, either professional or at-home tools and time.
• Food and routine supplies: $200–$600 annually depending on diet quality and size of dog.
• Emergency fund/insurance: Set aside $500–$2,000 or consider pet insurance. Serious illnesses or injuries can rapidly exceed routine budgets.

When evaluating breeders or adoption sources, ask specific, verifiable questions and request documentation. I suggest insisting on seeing health clearances for both parents; ask to see current veterinary records for the puppy and proof of parental testing. Meet the puppy’s mother when possible — her temperament often gives a reliable preview of what the puppy may become. Ask about the environment where puppies are raised and how the breeder socializes them.

Watch for red flags: unwillingness to provide health records, pressure for immediate payment without a contract, multiple litters constantly available, or refusal to allow a visit. Avoid sellers who only interact via impersonal messages or ship puppies sight unseen with minimal vet checks. If a price seems unusually low for what is advertised, dig deeper — a bargain can mask health or behavioral problems that cost far more later.

Contracts matter. A clear sales agreement usually covers the transfer of registration papers, a basic health guarantee with time-limited terms, and expectations around spay/neuter if applicable. Deposit practices vary; reputable breeders will provide a written receipt and terms for refunds if something prevents puppy delivery. If you use a payment plan or credit, make sure the lender is transparent and that the repayment fits your household budget.

If plans change: alternatives, common surprises, and contingency steps for buyers

If the breeder prices are outside your budget, consider rescue and rehoming networks. I frequently see wonderful Havanese or Havanese-mix dogs in rescues that are ideal for pet homes and require a lower upfront payment. Fostering-to-adopt arrangements let you learn a dog’s behavior before committing financially. Another option is waiting for a breeder’s future litter — reputable breeders often maintain waiting lists and sometimes offer payment deposits to secure a puppy.

Unexpected health costs are one of the biggest financial risks. Even well-bred puppies may develop illnesses or injuries. For this reason I often advise prospective owners to compare two approaches: setting aside a veterinary emergency fund of a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars, or buying pet insurance early (within the first 1–2 weeks of ownership) while premiums are lower and pre-existing conditions are few. Either approach reduces the chance that a treatable but expensive condition becomes a financial crisis.

If you already committed and the puppy reveals problems — health or temperament — review your contract and contact the breeder or rescue immediately. Responsible breeders often offer a return policy or replacement in limited circumstances; rescues usually require honest communication and may assist with rehoming if necessary. Rehoming on your own should always prioritize the dog’s welfare and include full disclosure to the new home about health and behavior.

Finally, if cost is the barrier but commitment to the breed remains, volunteer with local breed clubs or rescue groups. I often see volunteers gain experience, build relationships with breeders, and sometimes receive priority on waiting lists. Volunteering also helps assess the breed’s daily realities in a low-cost way before making a purchase decision.

Sources and further reading: data, breeder reports, and veterinary guidance

• American Kennel Club: Havanese Dog Breed Information — Breed overview, health and care (AKC: Havanese)
• Havanese Club of America: Health & Genetics — Recommended health screenings and breeder resources (Havanese Club of America: Health)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): Patellar Luxation and Canine Hip Evaluation — Testing programs and interpretation (OFA: Patellar Luxation)
• Merck Veterinary Manual: Vaccination of Dogs — Recommended vaccination schedules and early care (Merck Veterinary Manual: Vaccination of Dogs)
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Selecting a Pet — Guidance on finding a responsible breeder and cost considerations (AVMA: Selecting a Pet)
• Humane Society of the United States: Puppy Mills and Buying a Puppy — How to avoid high-volume commercial sources and red flags when buying (HSUS: Buying a Puppy)