Adopting a Havanese in Calgary is harder than adopting most small breeds. Not because the breed is difficult, but because Havanese are genuinely rare in Alberta rescues. They are a $2,500 to $4,500 designer companion breed with high owner retention, long lifespans (14 to 16 years), and an active breed-specific rescue network that intercepts most surrenders before they ever reach Calgary shelters. The good news: there are reliable paths to a rescue Havanese in Calgary. They just take patience.
The honest answer to “havanese puppies calgary”: rescue Havanese puppies are extremely rare. Most Havanese in rescues are 5 years old and up. If you specifically want a puppy, you have two real choices: wait 6 to 18 months for a rescue Havanese puppy via Havanese Fanciers of Canada Rescue, or buy from a CKC-registered Calgary breeder ($2,500 to $4,500). Calgary breeders include Rasberry Havanese, Seda Havanese, and Havasmallpaw. We do not list breeders, but we will tell you who is reputable so you can avoid Kijiji puppy mills.
Looking for available rescue Havanese right now? See the Havanese rescue listings page for live inventory from 15+ Calgary rescues, refreshed every 2 hours. Most days the list is empty or has 1 to 2 dogs (often Havanese mixes). That is the honest reality.
Havanese at a Glance
| Origin | Cuba (national dog of Cuba); from the Bichon family |
| Adult weight | 7 to 13 lbs (3 to 6 kg) |
| Adult height | 8.5 to 11.5 inches at the shoulder |
| Lifespan | 14 to 16 years (among the longest-lived dog breeds) |
| Coat | Long, silky, single-layer (Havana Silk); minimal shed; high grooming |
| Energy | Medium. More playful than typical lap dog, less than terriers. |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes (one of the better breeds for mild allergies) |
| Apartment-friendly | Excellent. Small, quiet, low yard need. |
| Kid-friendly | Yes, for kids 5 and older (small size means careful handling) |
| Calgary rescue availability | Rare. Expect a 6 to 18 month wait via breed-specific rescue. |
3 Reliable Paths to a Rescue Havanese in Calgary
Havanese Fanciers of Canada Rescue (HFC Rescue)
Most reliable for purebred HavaneseThe national breed-specific rescue for Havanese in Canada, with Calgary-area foster volunteers. Best path for purebred Havanese specifically. Application process is structured: detailed application, home check, reference checks, then waitlist matching. Adoption fees typically $400 to $700 and include full vet workup. Wait time: typically 6 to 18 months for a purebred Havanese, faster for seniors or special-needs dogs.
Calgary General-Intake Rescues (15+ shelters)
Best for Havanese mixesCalgary Humane Society, AARCS, Pawsitive Match, BARCS, ARF Alberta, and other generalist rescues occasionally have Havanese or Havanese mixes. Usually Havapoo (Havanese-Poodle), Havachon (Havanese-Bichon), Havashu (Havanese-Shih Tzu), or Frenchnese (Havanese-French Bulldog). Mixes share many Havanese traits (cheerful temperament, low-shed coat) and are often easier to find than purebreds. The Havanese rescue page aggregates all current Calgary inventory, refreshed every 2 hours.
Adoption fees $300 to $500. Apply within 24 hours because small dogs in Calgary rescues move fast.
Havanese Rescue Canada (Facebook group)
Earliest visibility on surrendersActive Facebook community where Havanese surrenders are sometimes posted before reaching formal rescues. Owner-direct rehoming, breed-specific volunteer foster networks, and emergency placement requests appear here regularly. Faster than the formal HFC Rescue waitlist if you are flexible on age and health profile.
Breeder vs Rescue: Cost Comparison
| Cost Category | CKC Breeder (Calgary) | Rescue (HFC or Calgary) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | $2,500 to $4,500 | $300 to $700 |
| Spay/neuter | $300 to $500 extra | Included |
| Vaccines + microchip | $200 to $350 extra | Included |
| Vet workup | $150 to $300 extra | Included |
| Wait time | 3 to 12 months waitlist (good breeders) | 6 to 18 months (purebred), days to weeks (mixes) |
| Total Year 1 | $3,500 to $5,800 | $1,500 to $2,500 (10x cheaper) |
For full Calgary cost analysis see our dog adoption costs guide.
Havanese Health Considerations
Havanese are generally healthy and long-lived, but the breed has a few documented predispositions. Most Calgary rescue Havanese come with disclosed medical history; reputable breeders test for these.
- •Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Small breeds can develop loose-kneecap issues. Annual orthopedic check.
- •Eye conditions. Cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and cherry eye. Annual eye exam recommended.
- •Deafness. Uncommon, but more frequent in white or merle Havanese. BAER hearing test before adoption helps.
- •Heart murmurs. Common in older Havanese (10+); managed with medication if symptomatic.
- •Dental disease. Small breed standard. Annual cleaning ($400 to $1,200 in Calgary) starting around age 3.
- •Liver shunt (portosystemic shunt). Rare but documented. Pre-anesthetic blood work catches it.
For the full Calgary low-cost vet network, see our low-cost vet guide.
The Grooming Reality (Don't Underestimate)
The Havanese coat is the breed's biggest commitment and the #1 reason owners surrender to rescues. Plan for it before adopting.
Daily and weekly
- • Brush 3 to 4 times per week (mandatory)
- • Daily face and eye cleaning
- • Ear check + clean weekly
- • Tooth brushing (3 times per week minimum)
Every 4 to 6 weeks
- • Professional groom $55 to $85
- • Nail trim
- • Sanitary trim
- • Anal gland check
Most Calgary owners keep their Havanese in a “puppy cut” (1 to 2 inches all over) for easier home maintenance. Show coat (floor-length) requires daily detangling. Annual grooming budget: $600 to $1,000.
Calgary-Specific Havanese Care
Winter (-10°C and below)
Havanese coat handles Calgary winters reasonably well, but at 7 to 13 lbs they lose heat fast in extreme cold. Wear a sweater for any walks below -10°C, booties below -20°C (paw pads crack quickly), and limit outdoor time to 10 to 15 minutes in extreme cold. Salt and de-icer chemicals on Calgary sidewalks irritate paw pads, so rinse paws after every walk in winter. See our winter dog care guide.
Summer and Stampede
Havanese tolerate Calgary summers (averaging 22 to 28°C) well, but watch for overheating in any dog walking. Cool morning and evening walks are best. Keep your Havanese indoors during Stampede fireworks. They are reactive to loud noises. See our Stampede dog anxiety guide.
Apartment and condo living
Havanese are excellent for Calgary condos. Small enough for any building's pet weight limit, quiet, and content with two short daily walks. They handle elevators well and adapt quickly to high-rise life. Two-walk routine: morning 15 to 20 min, evening 15 to 20 min, plus indoor playtime. See our apartment-friendly dogs page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I adopt a Havanese in Calgary?
Three reliable paths: Havanese Fanciers of Canada Rescue (best for purebreds, 6 to 18 month wait), Calgary general-intake rescues (best for Havanese mixes), and the Havanese Rescue Canada Facebook group. The Havanese rescue page aggregates all current Calgary inventory.
Are Havanese hypoallergenic?
Yes. Havanese are widely considered one of the best hypoallergenic dog breeds. Single-layer coat, minimal shed, lower Can f 1 dander. No dog is fully hypoallergenic; do an in-home visit before committing. See our hypoallergenic dogs guide.
Do Havanese shed?
Minimally. Single-layer coat sheds far less than double-coated breeds. Shed hair gets caught in the longer coat. Brush 3 to 4 times weekly to prevent matting. Most owners report finding very little hair around the house.
How much does a Havanese cost in Calgary?
Breeder: $2,500 to $4,500 from CKC-registered breeders like Rasberry Havanese, Seda Havanese, or Havasmallpaw. Rescue: $300 to $500 (regular) or $135 to $250 (senior or special needs), with spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, and full vet workup all included. Annual ongoing: $1,500 to $2,500 per year.
Are Havanese good apartment dogs?
Yes. One of the best small breeds for Calgary apartments. Small (7 to 13 lbs), quiet, content with two short daily walks. Best fit: single owner or couple with shorter workdays. Velcro dogs experience separation anxiety with long absences.
Why are Havanese rare in Calgary rescues?
High purchase price ($2,500 to $4,500) means owners are heavily invested. Breed-specific rescues (HFC Rescue) intercept most surrenders nationally. Long lifespan (14 to 16 years) means low turnover. When Havanese do reach Calgary rescues: senior owner death or disability, commercial breeding closures, or as Havanese mixes.
Are Havanese good with kids?
Yes. One of the most consistently kid-friendly small breeds. Cheerful, gentle, social. Best for kids 5 and older (small size means fragile around very young children). Most Calgary rescue Havanese are temperament-tested with kids in foster homes.
How much grooming does a Havanese need?
Significant. Brush 3 to 4 times per week, professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks ($55 to $85 in Calgary), daily face and eye care. Most owners keep them in a “puppy cut” for easier maintenance. Annual grooming budget: $600 to $1,000.
Havanese vs Maltese vs Bichon Frise: which is best for Calgary?
All three are small, hypoallergenic-leaning, long-lived, and apartment-friendly. Havanese: most playful and social, best for active families. Maltese: tinier (5 to 7 lbs), most lap-focused, best for solo owners. Bichon Frise: curly fluffy coat (more trimming), highest energy of the three. For Calgary rescues, Maltese and Bichon mixes are more available than purebred Havanese.
Are Havanese velcro dogs and can they be left alone?
Yes. Havanese are velcro dogs and the behavior is a breed trait. Spontaneous 8-hour workdays without preparation produce barking, destruction, and escape behavior in most cases. With gradual desensitization training and a midday walker or daycare break, most Havanese adapt to working households by 6 to 7 months. See our Havanese separation anxiety guide for the full protocol.
Are Havanese hard to potty train?
Yes. Calgary vets confirm the Havanese reputation for being among the harder small breeds to house train. The community calls them “stubborn but smart.” Plan on 6 to 9 months for full reliability, not the 3 to 4 months a Lab needs. Calgary winter slows training further. See our Havanese house training guide.
How much does Havanese knee surgery cost in Calgary?
$2,500 to $5,000 per knee at Calgary specialty practices like Western Veterinary Specialist or VCA Canada West. Bilateral surgery in one session: $5,000 to $9,000. Luxating patella is the most common Havanese surgical issue, which is why pet insurance from day one is the standard for this breed. Full breakdown in our Havanese health issues guide.
What is a Havanese breeding program washout?
A Havanese a reputable breeder raised intending to keep but later rehomed because the dog did not meet show or breeding standards. These dogs are often well-socialized, vet-checked, and from health-tested parents. Lower cost than a puppy, fully grown so temperament is known. Ask Havanese Fanciers of Canada Rescue and Calgary CKC breeders directly about washout availability.
Havanese cluster guides
Havanese Grooming Calgary →
The most underestimated commitment. Daily brushing, $90 to $130 per groom in Calgary, and the puppy cut decision.
Havanese Separation Anxiety →
The velcro reality, what to do if you work full-time, Calgary daycare options, and the training protocol.
Havanese House Training →
The realistic 6 to 9 month timeline, why this breed is harder than most, and Calgary winter complications.
Havanese Health Issues →
Luxating patella as the dominant breed concern, surgery costs at Calgary specialty practices, and pet insurance from day one.
Browse Available Havanese in Calgary
Live listings from 15+ Calgary rescues, refreshed every 2 hours. Most days the list shows Havanese mixes. Purebreds are rare. Worth bookmarking and checking weekly.
See Available Havanese →