10 Groomer-Approved Havanese Haircuts That Are Practical and Cute

Groomer-Approved Havanese Haircuts That Are Practical and Cute

Anyone who lives with a Havanese has likely faced the moment when their sweet, fluffy pup emerges from a nap looking more like a mop than a dog. That gorgeous, silky coat has a way of turning into a magnet for leaves, food crumbs, and mysterious floor fuzzes. Especially around the legs and behind the ears. It's adorable until it's tangled. Choosing the right haircut is about more than just appearance; it's a decision that directly affects how comfortable and manageable life is for both you and your dog.

We see it every week at the salon: clients asking for styles that reduce brushing time while keeping their Havanese looking like the lovable companion they are. With their silky, continuously growing hair, Havanese benefit from a smart grooming strategy that focuses on practicality without sacrificing charm. Here are the haircuts we recommend most.

Understanding the Havanese Coat and Tools That Help

The Havanese coat is soft, fine, and grows continuously without an undercoat, which is part of what makes them hypoallergenic. But that silky texture also means it tangles easily—especially in high-friction areas like behind the ears, under the front legs, and around the tail. Regular grooming isn’t optional; it’s essential.

To keep the coat manageable between grooms, a few tools are must-haves in any Havanese household:

Slicker Brush: Ideal for removing tangles and smoothing the coat. Use this a few times a week to prevent matting.

Greyhound Comb (metal comb): Great for getting down to the skin and catching hidden knots. Always follow the slicker brush with the comb.

De-matting Tool: Useful when you do find a mat, this tool can break it apart gently without pulling too hard on the skin.

Leave-in Conditioning Spray: Helps keep the coat hydrated and detangled between baths.

Brushing sessions don’t have to take forever, especially with a practical haircut, but they do need to happen consistently. The right tools make it easier and more comfortable for both you and your dog.

Practical and Cute Havanese Haircuts

When it comes to Havanese grooming, the goal is usually the same: something that looks adorable but doesn’t require a daily detangling session. The following haircuts are some of the most popular styles we recommend to clients because they strike the right balance between cuteness and manageability. Each one offers its own benefits depending on your dog’s coat condition, your home grooming routine, and the look you prefer.

The All Over Haircut (formerly known as the Puppy Cut)

A favorite among groomers, the All Over Haircut involves trimming the coat to a uniform length all over, typically around half an inch to an inch. Ask the groomer for a 1/2 inch to 1 inch comb cut, depending on your preference. This cut gives your dog a soft, plush appearance and makes brushing quicker and easier. The coat is short enough to prevent tangles but long enough to keep that signature fluff. It’s a reliable, year-round choice that works well for most Havanese.

The Teddy Bear Cut

This style keeps the body slightly shorter while leaving a bit more volume on the head, especially around the muzzle and ears, to create a rounded, teddy bear-like face. The body length can go as short or as long as the client prefers, but most people opt for a 3/4 inch to 2 inch comb cut. The head is typically left longer but sculpted to maintain that signature rounded style. A client favorite for good reason. It retains the Havanese’s expressive eyes and soft face, while reducing the density of the coat where tangles are more likely to occur. Regular brushing around the face helps maintain the shape between grooms.

The Summer Cut

While not every groomer likes to go super short, there are times when a Summer Cut is the right call. This haircut brings the coat down to a very short length (as close as 3/8”) to help dogs stay cool during hot months and minimize grooming needs at home. We often recommend this for clients with active dogs or those struggling to keep up with brushing. Just remember: shorter hair exposes more skin, so be cautious about sun exposure.

The Top Knot Trim

Some Havanese owners love the classic long-hair look, especially on the head. In this case, the Top Knot Trim works well. The body can be kept shorter for ease, while the head hair is left longer and tied into a topknot with a band or bow. It keeps hair out of the eyes and adds a signature flair, but it does require regular brushing around the face and daily care to keep the topknot neat.

The Lamb Leg Cut

This style combines a practical short body with stylish, fluffy legs. The body is clipped to about 1/2 inch to reduce matting and make daily brushing easier, while the legs are left longer. Typically set with a 1 inch comb, to give a soft, rounded, "lamb-like" appearance. The head is styled similarly to the Teddy Bear Cut, keeping a fuller, rounded look around the face and ears. This cut is a great choice for pet parents who want a little extra fluff without the commitment of a full show-style coat. It’s also easy to maintain with regular brushing and touch-ups every 6 to 8 weeks.

The Matted Shave Cut

When a Havanese coat becomes severely matted, brushing out the tangles can be painful and often isn’t realistic. In these cases, a matted shave is the most humane and effective option. This haircut involves using a close blade (usually a # 7 or # 10) to shave the coat down to the skin, allowing your dog to start fresh and feel immediate relief. While not as fluffy or stylish, it’s often necessary to prevent skin irritation, hotspots, or infections that develop under dense mats. Once the coat is shaved down, it can regrow evenly with proper at-home care and routine grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. Regular brushing and earlier intervention can help avoid needing this cut in the future.

The Poodle Cut

For Havanese owners who love a bit of flair, the Poodle Cut adds a fun, playful look to this already charming breed. This haircut features a very short body clipped with a # 7 blade, giving a neat, low-maintenance silhouette. The face is clipped clean, similar to a traditional Poodle face style, which helps keep the eyes and mouth tidy and reduces tear staining. The tail is finished with a pom-pom, and sometimes matching pom-poms are added on the ankles for extra character. While it’s not a common request, it's a standout style for owners who enjoy something bold and unique.

The Boot Style Cut

The Boot Style Cut is a sharp, tidy look that keeps the coat functional while adding some playful flair. The body and legs are clipped short for easy maintenance. Typically with a 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch comb attachment. What makes this haircut stand out are the rounded, fuller "boots" left on the lower legs, sculpted to create a distinct, puffed shape above the paws. These boots add character while still being practical to maintain with routine brushing. The head is styled like a Teddy Bear Cut to keep the expression soft and sweet. It’s a great choice for owners who want a clean silhouette with just the right amount of fluff and charm.

The Mohawk Cut

If you’re looking for something bold and playful, the Mohawk Cut brings out your Havanese’s wild side. This style uses a # 7, # 5, or # 4 blade on the body for a clean, uniform look. The ears are shaved close to emphasize the standout feature: a strip of longer hair running from the top of the head down the neck and back like a mohawk. It’s an expressive, edgy look that turns heads at the dog park. While it’s not a traditional Havanese style, it’s a fun option for those who want their pup’s haircut to match their big personality.

The Modified Show Cut

For those who enjoy a more traditional breed style but don’t want to deal with daily upkeep, this cut offers a nice middle ground. The coat is shaped to show off the Havanese’s natural lines, with some light feathering left on the legs and chest. The body is scissored to a manageable length, reducing brushing while maintaining a soft, flowing silhouette. It strikes a nice balance between elegance and practicality.

Final Thoughts

Your Havanese doesn’t need to be in a show coat to look fabulous. With the right haircut, they can stay clean, comfortable, and absolutely adorable without hours of brushing. Whether you go for a fluffy Puppy Cut or a short Summer trim, practical styles can still reflect your pup’s personality. The goal is a haircut that works for both of you—and keeps those tails wagging between appointments.