Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How Much Do Havanese Dogs Smell? Health & Safety Tips

Share

curious puppy sniffing on green grass

Havanese dogs are cute, affectionate, and playful dogs that make great pets for families. However, if you’re considering getting a Havanese dog, you might be wondering how much they smell. The short answer is that Havanese dogs are known for their lack of odor.

While all dogs have a certain odor, some breeds are more prone to smelling than others. In this post, we’ll explore how much Havanese dogs smell and share some tips for keeping your pet healthy, safe, and happy.

divider dog paws oct 2024

How Much Do Havanese Dogs Smell?

Havanese dogs are generally not known for having a strong odor. However, like all dogs, they can develop a smell if their coat is not properly maintained. Regular grooming and bathing can help to keep your Havanese smelling fresh and clean.

It’s also important to keep your Havanese’s ears clean and dry, as ear infections can cause a foul odor. Additionally, be sure to clean up after your pup when they have accidents in the house, as this can also cause odors over time.

White havanese dog looking before barking and howling
Image By: Peter Mayer 67, Shutterstock

How Often Should a Havanese Be Bathed?

The frequency of bathing your Havanese will depend largely on how much they come into contact with dirt, mud, and other debris. In general, a Havanese should be bathed every 4 to 6 weeks.

To keep your pup smelling fresh in between baths, you can use pet wipes to clean off any excess dirt or debris. This will help to minimize the smell and keep your Havanese happy and healthy.

Our Favorite Products

Selecting the right shampoo and conditioner makes the world of a difference when grooming your pup. Our favorite products are the duo by Hepper. The Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is formulated with aloe and oatmeal to soothe skin and hydrate the coat. The Pet Conditioner works at eliminating tangles and taming frizz and static. Both products are pH-balanced and formulated with pet-friendly ingredients, free of harsh soaps, chemicals, and dyes. Give this duo a try to heal and nourish your dog's coat, and leave them with an irresistible just-left-the-spa cucumber and aloe scent. 

Image Product Details
Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
  • Safe for Dogs & Cats
  • Lightly Scented
  • Soothing Oatmeal
  • Hepper Pet Conditioner Hepper Pet Conditioner
  • Detangles and reduces friction
  • Nourishing, coconut-based formula
  • pH balanced
  • At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

     

    What Causes Dog Odor?

    Before we dive into how much Havanese dogs smell, it’s important to understand what causes dog odor. Dogs have naturally-occurring oils on their skin, which help to keep their coats healthy and shiny.

    These oils can mix with bacteria and cause an unpleasant odor. Additionally, dogs can develop skin infections or other medical conditions that can cause them to smell.

    White Female Havanese Dog In Marigold Flowerbed
    Image By: R. L. Coleman, Shutterstock

    Tips for Keeping Your Havanese Healthy, Safe, and Happy

    • Grooming: Havanese dogs have long, silky coats that require regular grooming to keep them looking and smelling great. Brush your Havanese’s coat regularly to prevent tangles and mats. Consider taking your Havanese to a professional groomer every few months for a trim.
    • Bathing: Havanese dogs should be bathed every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on their level of activity and how dirty they get. Use a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner to avoid drying out their skin. You also want to be sure to thoroughly rinse your Havanese well after bathing to prevent skin irritation.
    • Dental Care: Havanese dogs are prone to dental problems, so it’s important to brush their teeth regularly. You can use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to keep their teeth clean and healthy.
    • Exercise: Havanese dogs are active dogs that require daily exercise. Take your Havanese for daily walks or playtime in the backyard to keep them happy and healthy.
    • Nutrition: Feed your Havanese a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age and activity level. Avoid table scraps and human food, as these can cause digestive upset and lead to obesity. Ask a veterinarian about the most apropriate food choice for your Havanese and which foods are safe for them.

    If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

    PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

    As unique as Havanese are, they still just need good old care and attention. But with that comes a fresh-smelling pup with minimal odor.

    divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

    Final Thoughts

    If the typical dog smell is keeping you away from getting a Havanese, don’t worry! Havanese dogs are known for their lack of odor. That said, all dogs will have some level of odor to them. So, bear that in mind when choosing your pet!

    The good news is that with regular grooming, bathing, and ear cleaning, you can keep your Havanese smell clean and fresh.


    Featured Image Credit: michaelheim, Shutterstock

    Want content like this delivered to you?

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

    * By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Best Easter Photo (April 9, 2026)

    Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

    We Didn’t Just Add a Dog to Our Life – We Built a Life With Him

    “We didn’t just bring a dog home—we built a life together.” Most people are quietly taught a version of pet ownership that looks...

    What Most Airlines Won’t Let You Do With Your Dog (Even If You Pay Extra)

    Airline pet policies are notoriously hard to navigate. The information is scattered across different pages, buried in FAQ sections, and often contradicts what...

    Designer Breeds: Best of Both? New Study Says No

    “I’ll take a highly trainable, low-shedding lapdog, hold the heart disease and anxiety!” Something I always found amusing was when people would point...

    More related

    Can Dogs Eat Onions? Vet-Verified Toxicity & Safety Tips

    Dogs are often indiscriminate about what they eat, so we have to be careful with what types of snacks and table scraps we...

    Can Dogs Eat Lychee? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

    If you like consuming lychees and are a dog parent, you may be wondering if it’s safe for your dog to eat lychee...

    9 DIY Dog Wheelchairs That You Can Build Today! (With Instructions)

    Like us, our furry four-legged friends can suffer from health issues. Unfortunately, some of these health issues could rob them of mobility. It’s...

    Victor Dog Food vs Blue Buffalo 2026 Comparison: Pros & Cons

    When it comes to choosing food for your dog, it can be confusing and difficult to choose between brands. We all want the...

    Keep reading

    Victor Dog Food vs Bully Max: Our 2026 Comparison – Pros, Cons & What to Choose

    With the number of dog food brands out there, you are bound to stumble across similar brands in your search for the best option. At first glance, it seems that only the packaging is different, while the ingredients, nutrition, and...

    Dogster_Dog Food Victor VS Bully Max

    6 Best Dog Foods to Prevent Lawn Burn in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

    After spending all day Saturday tending to the yard, the last thing you want is your dog to walk outside Sunday morning and immediately kill the grass with their urine. “Lawn bur,n” or yellow, dead grass,s is caused by high...

    Gray Schnauzer eating food at natural sunlight

    What Happened to Mighty Dog Dog Food? Does It Still Exist in 2026? (Answered)

    Many little dog owners are familiar with the Mighty Dog title. Carnation (the milk company) created this food line in 1973. But soon after that, in 1985, Purina bought the company. Ever since then, Purina has proudly displayed the title...

    dog eating dog food

    Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Stores that sell bulk items are a huge convenience, and Costco is one of the favorites. If you have a puppy, Costco’s brand of puppy food, Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula, is an excellent choice. You’ll be pleased to hear that...

    Dogster_Kirkland Signature Puppy Formula Dog Food Review

    Can Dogs Eat Liverwurst? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

    Liverwurst is a type of sausage made primarily of liver, spices, and other ingredients. If that sounds like something your dog might enjoy, you’re not wrong, but can dogs eat liverwurst? Liverwurst often contains toxic ingredients, so you’ll need to...

    Can Dogs Eat_liverwurst

    6 Best Dog Foods for Hip Dysplasia in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Dogs love to run and play, but if your dog has mobility issues like hip dysplasia, the joint pain can prevent these fun activities. Hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that can cause dysfunction and pain,...

    close up of a dog eating from the bowl

    Heed Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Recalls & Guide

    Review Summary Heed dog food is a newer dog food brand that is relatively unknown. However, their offering of fresh kibble is quickly picking up steam and proving to be a hit with most customers. They advertise that their food...

    Dogster_Heed Dog Food Review

    Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts

    One of the best parts of summertime is sitting down to enjoy a juicy piece of cantaloupe. These tasty treats are a great way to cool down, have a healthy snack, and stifle your hunger at the same time. If...

    Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe

    Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

    Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




    Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter