Dog breed comparison
Havanese vs Bichon Frise
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Havanese | Bichon Frise |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 7 to 13 pounds | 7 to 12 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Energy
The Bichon Frise has more energy than the Havanese.
Good with other dogs
The Havanese gets on better with other dogs than the Bichon Frise.
General health
The Bichon Frise tends to have fewer health problems than the Havanese.
Which to choose
Havanese or Bichon Frise?
Choose the Havanese if…
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
Choose the Bichon Frise if…
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Havanese or the Bichon Frise?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Havanese or the Bichon Frise?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
