Beagle vs Havanese
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Beagle
Hound Group
Havanese
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Beagle Overview
Beagles captivate with their compact, muscular frames and expressive brown or hazel eyes. Their distinctive tri-colored coats combine white, black, and warm brown tones, complemented by long, velvety ears. These merry hounds possess remarkable scenting abilities, coupled with a gentle, determined nature that makes them exceptional family companions.
Havanese Overview
Havanese dogs captivate with their silky, flowing coats and expressive dark eyes. Standing 8.5-11.5 inches tall with a sturdy yet compact frame, these charming companions showcase a distinctive springy gait. Their coat comes in various colors, featuring a soft texture and slight wave. Alert and spirited, they carry themselves with a gentle, intelligent expression that perfectly matches their affectionate nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Beagles are more energetic than Havaneses, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Beagles require less grooming attention compared to Havaneses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Beagles tend to be more reserved with strangers than Havaneses.
- Trainability: Beagles may be slightly easier to train due to their Beagle's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Havaneses adapt better to apartment living, while Beagles typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Beagle and Havanese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Beagle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-15 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Beagle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm |
| Weight | 13-30 lbs 6-14 kg | 7-13 lbs 3-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Beagle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Curious, Merry | Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Beagle | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Beagle Temperament
The Beagle is known for being friendly, curious, merry, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Havanese Temperament
The Havanese is characterized by being intelligent, outgoing, funny, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Beagle and Havanese, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Beagle
Rating: 5/5
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Beagle
Rating: 5/5
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Beagle
Rating: 4/5
Havanese
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Beagle
Rating: 2/5
Havanese
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Beagle
Rating: 4/5
Havanese
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Beagle Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Beagles require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Beagles require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Havanese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Havaneses need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Havaneses require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Beagle Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Disk Disease
Havanese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Chondrodysplasia
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Deafness
- Heart Murmurs
- Cataracts
Pros & Cons
Beagle
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Low grooming needs
- Friendly disposition
- Adaptable to various homes
Cons
- Strong hunting instincts
- Frequent barking
- Can be stubborn
- Escape artists
- Food motivated/prone to obesity
Havanese
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Good with children
- Highly adaptable
- Low shedding
- Intelligent
- Social nature
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Separation anxiety prone
- Can be vocal
- Frequent brushing required
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Beagle and Havanese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.