Breed · Long coats that mat
Havanese grooming: daily combing, short trims and tools
AKC's Havanese coat facts: a long, silky double coat groomed daily, short pet trims, tear-stain and ear care, and the tools that fit.
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Short answer
AKC tags the Havanese coat as Silky and Double: long, soft and abundant, rated 2 of 5 for shedding. AKC says it needs grooming every day to stay free of mats and tangles, gently running a comb or soft brush over the dog, and that pet owners often choose a short trim to cut grooming time. Core tools: comb, gentle brush, clippers for a pet trim. Don't cut mats out with scissors: VCA says clippers only.
Key facts
- Coat type (AKC)
- Silky, Double[1]Breed standard: soft and light in both the outer coat and the undercoat; it may be corded.
- Coat length (AKC)
- Long[1]
- Shedding (AKC, 1-5)
- 2 of 5[1]
- Brushing (AKC guidance)
- Daily, with a comb or soft brush[1]
- Seasonal shedding
- None noted by AKC[1]
- Clipping and shaving
- Pet owners often choose a short trim to reduce grooming time (AKC)[1]
Watch out for
- Tear stains: AKC says to clean the corners of the eyes gently every day to prevent staining of lighter hair.
- Ears: AKC says to check them often, remove excess wax or debris and wipe the inside of the ear flap with slightly moistened gauze; Cornell advises against cotton swabs.
- Never cut a mat out with scissors; VCA says clippers only, and a groomer or vet for severe tangles.
- Grinders can catch long foot hair (VCA); a clipper avoids the problem.
What fits
Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.
Image: AliExpress Slicker brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush (PS1140)Choose the single brush; any color.
For working out small tangles, used gently. AKC's daily tool is a comb or soft brush: the comb is listed below, and a soft brush has no catalog pick yet.
Sold by Stone's Store
Image: AliExpress Clipper
Rechargeable pet hair clipperChoose the standard version.
For the short pet trim AKC says owners often choose. The seller doesn't state blade lengths.
Sold by YiHong Kuchi Store
Image: AliExpress Paw trimmer
LED paw trimmer with nail-grinder headChoose the white trimmer, not the spare cutter head.
For hair between the pads; AKC notes that toe hair mats easily.
Sold by lazyishhouse Official Store
Image: AliExpress Nail clipper
Scissor-style pet nail clipper with LED lightChoose the gray clipper.
A clipper avoids the hair-snagging risk VCA notes for grinders.
Sold by Shop1105233629 Store
Metal comb
Andis 68550 stainless steel pet dematting comb, 7.5 inChoose the Andis 68550 7.5 in stainless steel dematting comb. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or Andis before you buy.
AKC suggests gently running a comb or soft brush over the coat every day. Andis doesn't state its tooth spacing.
Daily: a comb or soft brush through the coat, which AKC suggests doing with the dog on your lap, then a gentle clean of the eye corners. As needed: a bath. For a short pet trim: a tidy-up with clippers every few weeks, or a groomer visit.
No catalog pick yet for a soft pin brush. See slicker vs pin brush and clipper guard combs explained.
Questions
How often does a Havanese need brushing?
Daily. AKC says the long, soft coat needs grooming every day to stay free of mats and tangles, by gently running a comb or soft brush over the dog.[1]
Is the Havanese single-coated?
No. AKC tags the coat type as Silky and Double, and the breed standard describes both an outer coat and an undercoat.[1]
Should I keep my Havanese in a short trim?
It's a common choice: AKC says pet owners often have the coat clipped to a short trim to reduce grooming time.[1]