Havanese Grooming Guide: Matting Prevention, Coat Styles & Cost in Brooklyn

sandro
October 12, 2026

Havanese dogs have a long, silky, non-shedding coat that’s a favorite for Brooklyn apartments, but that same coat mats quickly without a real brushing routine. At Brooklyn Pet Spa, a full Havanese groom typically runs $65-$85 and takes about an hour, depending on coat length and condition.

Table of Contents

Why Havanese Coats Mat So Easily

Havanese have a single coat rather than a double coat, which is part of why they don’t shed much, but it also means loose hair doesn’t fall out on its own the way it does on shedding breeds. Instead, it stays trapped in the coat and tangles, especially at friction points: behind the ears, under the front legs, and around the collar. Left unbrushed for even a week or two, a Havanese coat can mat close to the skin.

Puppy Cut vs. Show Coat: Choosing a Style That Fits Your Routine

Most Brooklyn Havanese owners go with a shorter “puppy cut,” typically 1-2 inches all over, which is far easier to maintain with a quick weekly brush and cuts down dramatically on matting risk. The long, flowing show coat is beautiful but requires daily brushing to stay mat-free, which is realistic for the show ring but tough for most everyday owners. We’ll talk through both options and recommend a length based on how much brushing time you realistically have.

Brushing Routine That Actually Prevents Mats

For a puppy cut, brushing 1-2 times a week with a slicker brush is usually enough. For a longer coat, daily brushing with a pin brush and a wide-tooth comb, done in sections down to the skin (not just skimming the surface), is necessary. Surface brushing alone will miss the mats forming underneath.

Ear and Eye Care

Havanese have floppy, furred ears that need regular cleaning to prevent moisture buildup and infection. Their coat also grows over the eyes and can cause irritation or tear staining if not trimmed back regularly, which we handle as part of every groom. Our ear cleaning guide covers the at-home routine in more detail.

Bathing Frequency

Because the coat is prone to matting, we recommend bathing a Havanese every 3-4 weeks. Brush thoroughly before the bath (never after, since water sets mats tighter) and dry fully afterward to prevent any dampness from sitting against the skin. Our guide to choosing grooming products can help you pick a gentle shampoo and conditioner.

How Often Should a Havanese Be Groomed?

Most Havanese do best on a 4-6 week grooming schedule with a puppy cut, or every 4 weeks if kept in a longer coat, alongside consistent at-home brushing in between visits.

At-Home Havanese Grooming Checklist

Between professional grooms, these habits keep a Havanese coat comfortable and mat-free in Brooklyn apartment life:

Brush down to the skin in sections: 1-2 times a week for a puppy cut, daily for a longer coat
Check behind the ears, under the front legs, and around the collar for early tangles
Wipe away tear residue around the eyes, and leave trimming the hair that grows over them to your groomer
Clean the ears weekly with a vet-approved cleanser
Brush before baths, never after, and dry the coat fully
Book a groom every 4-6 weeks, or every 4 weeks for a longer coat

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Havanese hypoallergenic?

Havanese are often marketed as hypoallergenic because they shed very little, but no dog breed is truly 100% allergen-free. People with mild allergies often do better with Havanese than with heavy-shedding breeds, but it’s worth spending time with the breed before assuming it’ll be allergy-friendly for you specifically.

What happens if my Havanese’s coat is severely matted?

If mats are close to the skin and can’t be safely brushed out, a groomer may need to shave the coat down short for your dog’s comfort and safety. Regular brushing and grooming visits are the best way to avoid reaching that point.